Computing Fundamentals Tutor Control Unit 03: Op Decoder

This video shows creation of a high-level Opcode decoder for a control unit for a simulated 4-Bit CPU

It is one of a series on the creation of a Control Unit for a simulated 4-Bit CPU. The control unit is the part of a CPU that mediates opcodes, particularly those to do with program flow and data transfers between registers. This video shows the creation of a sub-component which interprets the opcode and decides if it is an arithmetic, register transfer, jump, or halt code, routing the enable line to an appropriate sub-decoder.

This series in turn is part of a larger series that charts the creation of a simulated 4-Bit CPU, with clear explanations of what is happening at every step of the way. Following this Super-Series is a great way to gain a strong understanding of the hardware that underpins computers, and is a great learning experience for anyone interested in computing as a career or hobby.

Roadmap:

Understanding the basics of digital electronics is fundamental to the understanding of computer hardware, and this software allows you to explore that without the need for hardware, soldering irons and the such like.