Build Your Own Computer: From Scratch
In this book, I begin with first principles (AND, OR, and NOT logic) and carry out a basic computer design finishing with a working computer using a Field Programmable Gate Array. A knowledge of computer science or electronics is not needed to follow along. Each step will rely on supplied information and simple reasoning. Whether novice or computer professional, knowing how a computer works allows you to take full advantage of its capabilities.
Why Read This Book
You will follow a clear, hands-on path from basic AND/OR/NOT gates to a complete, working computer implemented on an FPGA, so you learn by building rather than by abstract theory alone. The book's step‑by‑step explanations and emphasis on simple reasoning make FPGA design, Verilog/VHDL, and computer architecture accessible even if you've never studied electronics.
Who Will Benefit
A curious beginner or hobbyist (or professional seeking a gentle refresher) who wants to understand how computers work at the gate and HDL level and to build a functioning FPGA‑based CPU.
Level: Beginner — Prerequisites: None — suitable for complete beginners; no prior computer science or electronics background required.
Key Takeaways
- Build a simple CPU from first principles, starting with gates and progressing to an FPGA implementation
- Explain combinational and sequential logic, registers, ALUs, and control units in practical terms
- Write basic Verilog and VHDL modules to describe and simulate digital hardware
- Synthesize and load a hardware design onto common FPGA toolchains (Xilinx/Intel) and debug it
- Apply high‑level design thinking to map algorithms into reconfigurable hardware
- Integrate simple I/O and memory subsystems to run real instructions on your homemade computer
Topics Covered
- 1. Introduction: What You’ll Build and Why
- 2. Boolean Logic and Basic Gates (AND, OR, NOT)
- 3. Building Blocks: Combinational Logic and Arithmetic
- 4. Sequential Logic: Flip‑Flops, Registers, and Clocks
- 5. Designing an ALU and Register File
- 6. Instruction Sets and Simple CPU Architecture
- 7. Control Unit Design and State Machines
- 8. Introduction to Hardware Description Languages (Verilog, VHDL, SystemVerilog)
- 9. Simulation and Testbenches
- 10. Synthesis, Timing, and Constraints
- 11. FPGA Platforms: Xilinx and Intel/Altera Overview
- 12. Implementing the Computer on an FPGA
- 13. Basic I/O, Memory Interfaces, and Simple Peripherals
- 14. Debugging, Optimization, and Next Steps (DSP & HLS)
- 15. Appendix: Tools, Example Code, and Further Reading
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
More project‑oriented and beginner‑friendly than Harris & Harris's Digital Design and Computer Architecture, and broader in FPGA implementation detail than more conceptual books like But How Do It Know?.
