I have always found it easier to understand something when I have a basic example to buld on. For computer architecture it would be nice to have a simple computer, where students could start with machine/assembly and move up. A simple instruction set in a useable envrionment is required. This is an attempt to provide that machine.
Background
In his book, Digital Cmoputer Electronics, Albert Paul Malvino introduced the Simple As Possible computer, the SAP-1. This computer was later used by Ben Eater as a basiss for his Build an 8-bit computer from scratch video series.
Rational
For years I have used the Wombat simulator I built based on Dal Skrien's CPU Sim package. This was written in C++ using an FLTK interface and simulated in TKGate. As we have moved to the web for many such projects, I needed to rewrite it in javascript and use an on line circuit simulator, or find a substitute. Searching for a substitute I found Ben's videos. I like the idea that you could build a physical copy, so I moved to that system.
Modifications
I plan to keep everything as close to what Ben did as I can.
I do plan to make some notational changes, mostly to assist with memory. For example, Ben labeled the control lines for the A register as AI and AO, I plan to change these to Ain and Aout.
I will probably add a few instructions. Some of these are probably unrealistic but they will make it a little more accessable for early programmers. This will include some form of character input.