Building a 16-bit CPU in Excel: An Amazing Spreadsheet Achievement

TLDRThis video showcases the impressive feat of building a 16-bit CPU in Excel, complete with RAM, ROM, and a 4K screen. The CPU uses custom formulas and conditional formatting to perform calculations and display graphics. A compiler is also developed to write and run programs in the CPU. Although slow, this project demonstrates the inner workings of a processor and offers a unique tool for education and exploration.

Key insights

💡A 16-bit CPU, complete with RAM, ROM, and a 4K screen, has been successfully built in Excel using custom formulas and conditional formatting.

💻The CPU is capable of running programs written in a custom Assembly Language, compiled using an external Python program.

🚀Despite its slow performance, the project offers a unique tool for understanding the inner workings of a processor and can be used for educational purposes.

🔧The CPU features a Fetch Unit, Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Register File, Program Counter, and Memory Unit.

📚The video provides a comprehensive overview of the CPU's design, implementation, and capabilities.

Q&A

How was the CPU built in Excel?

—The CPU was built using custom formulas, conditional formatting, and other Excel features to create the various functional units, such as the Fetch Unit, Control Unit, ALU, Register File, Program Counter, and Memory Unit. Each unit was meticulously designed and interconnected to mimic the functionality of a real CPU.

Is the CPU capable of running any program?

—Yes, the CPU can run programs written in a custom Assembly Language. These programs are compiled using an external Python program and loaded into the ROM of the CPU. The CPU then executes the instructions one by one, performing calculations and displaying results on the 4K screen.

How fast is the CPU?

—The CPU's speed is limited by the processing power of Excel and the manual clock cycle updates. In the video, the CPU operates at a rate of 2-3 Hz, but the actual speed may vary depending on the computer running the Excel file. Despite the slow speed, the CPU offers a unique tool for understanding processor architecture and can be used for educational purposes.

Can the CPU be used for practical purposes?

—Due to its slow speed and limitations in Excel, the CPU is not practical for everyday computing tasks. However, it serves as a remarkable demonstration of what can be achieved within the Excel environment and offers a valuable educational tool for learning about the inner workings of a CPU.

Where can I find the files and documentation for this project?

—All the files and documentation for this project, including the CPU, compiler, sample programs, and detailed instructions, can be downloaded from the video's description or the creator's website. These resources are freely available for exploration and educational purposes.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to building a 16-bit CPU in Excel using custom formulas and conditional formatting

03:27Demonstration of the functionality of the CPU, including the Fetch Unit, Control Unit, ALU, Register File, Program Counter, and Memory Unit

10:49Explanation of the Assembly Language used to write programs for the CPU and the process of compiling and running programs

15:35Discussion of the limitations and benefits of the CPU, including its slow speed and potential educational value

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