Show HN: I made a game where you build a CPU from logic gates
Introducing ChipBuilder: Constructing a CPU from the Ground Up
"Build a computer from scratch. Start with logic gates, design circuits, construct a CPU, and write programs that run on your creation."
This is just a simple game. This is a comprehensive journey into the heart of computing architecture. ChipBuilder allows users to evolve their understanding of hardware by moving from the most basic electrical abstractions to fully functional software execution.
🛠️ The Development Pipeline
The progression in ChipBuilder follows a strict hierarchical path. You don't just "make a CPU"; you earn it by mastering each layer of complexity.
🔍 Deep Dive into the Layers
The learning curve is broken down into four primary milestones:
- Logic Gates: The foundation. You will work with basic operators such as
AND,OR, andNOT.- Example: A simple AND gate can be represented mathematically as:
- Circuits: Combining gates to perform meaningful work. This includes building:
- Adders: For binary arithmetic.
- MUX (Multiplexers): For signal routing.
- CPU Design: The structural phase where you organize components into a processing unit.
- ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): The "calculator" of the CPU.
- Registers: High-speed internal storage.
- Programming: The final frontier. Once the hardware exists, you must tell it what to do using:
Assemblylanguage.- Raw
Machine Code.
📊 Component Summary
| Stage | Key Components | Primary Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | AND, OR, NOT | Master Boolean Logic |
| Intermediate | Adders, MUX | Create Functional Modules |
| Advanced | ALU, Registers | Assemble the Processor |
| Expert | Assembly, Binary | Execute Custom Software |
🚀 Your Roadmap to Completion
If you are starting your first build, here is your checklist:
- Implement basic logic gates.
- Construct a functional binary adder.
- Design the ALU and register set.
- Write a "Hello World" equivalent in machine code.
💻 Technical Example: Logic Representation
While the game is visual, the underlying logic follows strict rules. For instance, a NOT gate simply inverts the input:
// Conceptual representation of a NOT gate
bool NOT_Gate(bool input) {
return !input;
}
Experience the satisfaction of seeing your first line of code execute on a processor that you designed from the ground up.