Dangerous Prototypes Open Source Hardware

Nibbler: Another 7400 4-bit custom CPU

August 28, 2013, 01:48:09 am

I know the Open 7400 Contest is long past, but I wanted to call out a new 7400-based custom CPU I'm building. It's a 4 bit CPU called "Nibbler", and more info is on my web site here: http://www.bigmessowires.com/category/nibbler/

My goals are to keep the chip count to an absolute minimum, while still being able to run some interesting programs like Simon or Mastermind or Hammurabi. Everything is common 7400-series parts except the RAM and ROM, and the plans call for just 16 chips, which is very lightweight compared to past custom CPUs I've built.

I've posted some schematics and design notes to my site, and I'd be happy to have feedback. Thanks!

Re: Nibbler: Another 7400 4-bit custom CPU

Reply #1 – August 28, 2013, 03:52:29 am

16 chips is pretty impressive looking at the functionality it has.

Re: Nibbler: Another 7400 4-bit custom CPU

Reply #2 – August 28, 2013, 05:24:12 pm

Hi DP,
It is time for new contest.

Re: Nibbler: Another 7400 4-bit custom CPU

Reply #3 – September 27, 2013, 11:07:38 pm

I finished building my 7400 computer, and posted some demo videos here: http://www.bigmessowires.com/2013/09/27/nibbler-demos/

It plays Frogger! :-)

Re: Nibbler: Another 7400 4-bit custom CPU

Reply #4 – September 28, 2013, 09:47:29 am

Totally awesome!  This would be perfect for schools to teach advanced logic design and the basics of microcontrollers.

I wish that I was better at taking a project to its end and not stop at 90%....

Re: Nibbler: Another 7400 4-bit custom CPU

Reply #5 – October 06, 2013, 12:07:08 pm

[quote author="matseng"]I wish that I was better at taking a project to its end and not stop at 90%....[/quote]

Wow finally I met someone that has that problem also ;P

Re: Nibbler: Another 7400 4-bit custom CPU

Reply #6 – February 07, 2017, 06:55:23 pm

Very nice project, thanks for sharing. Old memories are waked up!