Question: How can logic gates be used to create a 1 bit computer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of a one-bit computer and the use of logic gates in its construction. Participants explore the definition, historical examples, and the underlying principles of bit manipulation in computing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about resources explaining the construction of a one-bit computer, mentioning the ALU as a known component.
  • Another participant references the HP 9830 as an example of a one-bit computer, noting its use of discrete ICs and memory specifications.
  • Some participants question the classification of the HP 9830 as a one-bit computer, suggesting that it may actually operate on 4 or 8 bits based on their knowledge of similar systems from the early 70s.
  • There is a discussion about bit manipulation, with one participant asserting their expertise in hardware design and challenging another's understanding of what constitutes a bit.
  • A mention of one-bit universal Turing machines is made, with a link provided for further reading, although some participants express uncertainty about their appearance and relevance to the original question.
  • Clarification is offered regarding the HP 9830's processing capabilities, stating that while it operates on 16 bits, it performs one-bit manipulations at a time, leading to a definition of it as a one-bit processor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on what constitutes a one-bit computer, with some asserting the HP 9830 fits this definition while others contest it based on their understanding of bit processing. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the classification and characteristics of one-bit computers.

Contextual Notes

There are varying interpretations of what a one-bit computer entails, and the discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of bits and processing capabilities that are not fully clarified.

sjaguar13
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Anyone know of a site that explains a 1 bit computer made from logic gates, or at least what all is needed for a one bit computer (all I know is an ALU)?
 
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I have a one-bit computer. It is HP 9830. I got it back in 1975 and it came with basic built in. You could check with HP for their circuit. The whole thing is made with discrete ICs and the standard memory cards were 4K.
 
Dumb Question. How would that constitute a 1 bit computer?
I don't know the internals of the 9830, but the things I do know about, from the early 70's, used either 4 or 8 bits.
 
Dumb Question. How would that constitute a 1 bit computer?
I don't know the internals of the 9830, but the things I do know about, from the early 70's, used either 4 or 8 bits.

You don’t want to make statements like that. It tells everyone more about you than you want them to know. Find out about bit manipulation. You will be surprised what you are able to do.
 
4Newton said:
You don’t want to make statements like that. It tells everyone more about you than you want them to know. Find out about bit manipulation. You will be surprised what you are able to do.
I'm not sure what your point is here.
One thing for certain you did not answer my question.

Considering that I designed hardware, I suspect that my knowledge of bit manipulation is probably quite suficient.

You can start by telling me what you think a bit is.
 
NateTG said:
There are 1-bit (i.e. two color) universal Turing machines:
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/TuringMachine.html

Unfortunately, I don't have any idea what they look like.

Thanks, quite different from my idea of what was being asked.
I was thinking "one rule" in terms that your link uses.
 
I'm not sure what your point is here.
One thing for certain you did not answer my question.

Considering that I designed hardware, I suspect that my knowledge of bit manipulation is probably quite suficient.

You can start by telling me what you think a bit is.
The 9830 has a processor that does 16 bits in its total process but does one bit manipulation at a time. It is therefore a one-bit processor. Since you design hardware you should understand single bit manipulation and how you can process 8 bit bytes one bit at a time. An 8 bit processor today processes all 8 bits at the same time.
 

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