Simple emulated computer improvements to facilitate understanding in introductory computer programming and computer organization/architecture classes

Abstract

This paper describes improvements to a very simple, four instruction CPU, originally designed using digital logic simulation software, and used briefly in introductory C# programming classes to illustrate computer architecture concepts needed to appreciate the programming process. It is also used in a quick introduction to computer organization. One improvement is a C# version of this simple computer that hides the details of the complete logic simulation design. This implementation can also be used in a web programming environment of online classes. The other improvement provides an assembler again for use in an introduction to computer organization classes.