8-bit Computer

To deepen my understanding of low-level digital design, I built an 8-bit computer using a 6502 CPU. I designed and wired a custom clock module with three 555 timers and supporting logic, then incrementally built up the data and address buses around the 6502, ROM, RAM, and a VIA in a Von Neumann architecture. I used an Arduino as a logic analyzer to observe bus activity while bringing up the system and debugging timing issues, eventually getting the machine to accept programs and drive an LCD via a serial interface from my Mac, giving me the kind of low-level intuition that's invaluable when diagnosing subtle timing and signal issues in larger hardware systems.