The , specifically designed to explain how a computer works, has been built out of over 100 specially designed four-bit circuit boards and will enable students to be taught about the fundamental principles of computer architecture from just a few basic components.
The computer - ‘an ultimate teaching tool’ - will be used as part of this year’s computer architecture unit and will be an invaluable resource to enable students to get creative with what is traditionally seen as a complicated subject. The machine’s instruction set requires a very small compiler, but it is powerful enough to implement useful programs.
David May, Professor of Computer Science in the , who designed the architecture and its accompanying language, said: “You cannot understand how a computer works by taking one apart! In our giant machine, all of the structure is clearly visible - as is the movement of information as it executes programs. It demonstrates the principle used in all computers - general-purpose hardware controlled by a stored program. ”
The wall-mounted computer, based in the , measures over eight square metres. Along with the processor, it has input and output devices, a custom built LED matrix, a web-based application to control its operation, and a complete toolchain for students to write, build and execute their own software.
, Senior Creative Teaching Technologist in the Department of Computer Science, said: “Building such a machine was not a trivial task. It’s a result of a great collaboration between students and staff and a real testament to persistence, commitment and teamwork. Most importantly, it’s an achievement of thinking a bit differently.”
Sam Russell, a third year computer science student, who worked on building both the prototype and final machine, added: “It was exciting for me to almost cast myself back to the problems encountered by the original computer building engineers. I literally put my blood, sweat and tears into something that is an art work, an educational tool, a gigantic toy, a spark to reminisce of the old days, but most of all, something that demystifies the magic to something that everyone can understand.”
The machine will be officially unveiled at a special event later in the year.