Eletrônica digital aplicada à construção de computadores: concepção de um computador digital de 8-bits em FPGA

Abstract

The following work investigates the theory of computation regarding the aspect of electronic circuits involved in computer architecture, from which a functional and qualitative description of computers was also researched. It inquires into the historical and fundamental concepts in the theory and design of digital systems, proposing the development of an 8-bit computer running on an FPGA device. The research presents technologies and digital circuits used in computer systems at the level of logic gates. Additionally, the proposal includes the development of an architecture aligned with a discussion of different VLSI system design models, along with a brief overview of hardware description languages for FPGA design. This reflects the contemporary practice of describing digital circuits in RTL, whereby the behavior of a circuit is elucidated through the data flow of its logic blocks. It is believed that the technical exposition of the circuits involved in the design and the qualitative evaluation of computer organization fundamentals complement each other in addressing the research problem. As a result of this study, the initially projected model was successfully obtained, operating internally in the FPGA circuits through the synthesis of the logic blocks described in the proposed model. It communicates with external components via an I/O interface present on the development board. With the execution of the circuit, the computer model demonstrated its functionality, sufficient for basic program processing. In conclusion, the document is self-contained, providing a comprehensive answer to the originally presented query.