Description

Learn computer architecture and assembly language by building a working model of an 8086 processor from basic principles of computer architecture. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) provide flexible digital electronics platforms that can be organized as a CPU, a neural net, or almost any other digital circuit.

By working through the examples in this book and experimenting with the "X86 model," the reader will receive a "hands on" introduction to the following:

• Computer architecture in general
• The X86 family of CPUs in particular
• Assembly language programming
• Input/Output and interrupt programming
• The Verilog Hardware Description Language
• Field Programmable Gate Arrays

How is this book different from many other books on X86 architecture:

• Emphasizes the 8086 machine codes, not just the assembly language
• Shows how an assembler converts source code to machine language.
• Provides experience with interrupt programming
• Describes both 8086 instructions and X86-64 instructions
• Encourages a hands-on introduction to Verilog and FPGAs
• Demonstrates applications with strings and packed decimal arithmetic
• Uses assembly language to monitor and control electronic circuits
• Contains over 150 illustrations to accompany descriptions of digital circuits, Verilog code, and X86 code
• Includes all source code with a free download from GitHub