vixhal-baraiya

vixhal-baraiya / 16bit-cpu

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16-bit CPU emulator from scratch in pure C

123
12
100% credibility
Found Feb 24, 2026 at 31 stars 4x -- GitGems finds repos before they trend. Get early access to the next one.
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AI Analysis
C
AI Summary

This is an educational simulator of a simple 16-bit CPU that uses office worker analogies to demonstrate processor operations, memory, and a demo program summing numbers from 1 to 100.

How It Works

1
🔍 Find the Office Worker Simulator

You stumble upon this charming project that simulates a computer processor as a busy office worker using sticky notes, a filing cabinet, and task checklists.

2
📥 Bring It Home

You grab the simple files to set up the simulator on your computer, ready to watch the worker in action.

3
⚙️ Set Up the Office

You prepare everything with a quick setup so the office worker has a clean desk, empty filing cabinet, and a fresh checklist of tasks.

4
▶️ Start the Demo

You press play on a sample job where the worker adds up numbers from 1 to 100, following simple instructions like adding sticky notes and checking status lights.

5
👀 Watch the Worker Go

You see the worker tirelessly handle hundreds of tasks, updating sticky notes, filing papers, and jumping around the checklist until the job is done.

6
✅ Check the Results

The worker heads home, leaving the desk tidy—you peek at the sticky notes and filing cabinet to confirm the sum 5050 is everywhere it should be.

🎉 Understand Computer Magic

You feel excited, now grasping how real computers crunch numbers just like this clever office simulation—success verified!

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Star Growth

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AI-Generated Review

What is 16bit-cpu?

This pure C emulator runs a custom 16-bit CPU with 8 registers, 64KB max RAM, and a compact instruction set covering ALU ops like add/sub/and, shifts, jumps, loads/stores, stack push/pop, and calls. Assemble plain-text programs via CLI (gcc compile, ./cpu16 run), load them into memory, and execute—demo computes 1+2+...+100=5050, verifying across registers and memory. It delivers hands-on 16-bit CPU emulation for architecture tinkering without HDL or simulators.

Why is it gaining traction?

Stands out with an office analogy that demystifies fetch-decode-execute cycles, unlike bare Verilog 16-bit CPU designs or Logisim tools. Built-in assembler handles labels/jumps instantly, and cycle counting with flags (zero/negative/overflow) gives realistic 16-bit processor feedback. Developers hook on its zero-dependency C portability for quick 16-bit CPU DIY prototypes over Excel hacks or Minecraft builds.

Who should use this?

CS students learning 16-bit CPU instruction sets and architecture basics. Hobbyists prototyping 16-bit ALU GitHub projects or multipliers before Verilog. Educators needing a simple 16-bit CPU emulator for classes on 自作 processors or 설계 principles.

Verdict

Fun, verifiable intro to 16-bit CPUs—run the demo in seconds for instant wins—but 1.0% credibility score and 16 stars mean low maturity, thin docs beyond basics. Worth forking for learning; pass if you need robust testing or OS support.

(178 words)

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