Reverse Engineering the MOS 6502 CPU

💡The MOS 6502 CPU was highly optimized and elegant, with only 60 fewer transistors than its competitors but offering greater performance.

🕹️The MOS 6502 CPU was widely used in popular computers and gaming consoles, including the Apple II, NES, Commodore series, and Atari systems.

🔧The programming model of the MOS 6502 CPU featured the A register for data processing, index registers for counting, and a processor status register for flags.

🔎Addressing modes in the MOS 6502 CPU included immediate, absolute, zero page, indexed, and indirect, allowing for flexibility in accessing memory.

💻The reverse engineering of the MOS 6502 CPU has provided valuable insights into its design, quirks, and components, enhancing our understanding of this iconic CPU.

What computers and gaming consoles used the MOS 6502 CPU?

—The MOS 6502 CPU was used in computers like the Apple II, BBC Micro, Commodore series, and Atari 8-bit systems, as well as gaming consoles like the NES and Super Nintendo.

How efficient was the MOS 6502 CPU compared to its competitors?

—Despite having 60 fewer transistors, the MOS 6502 CPU was highly optimized and offered superior performance compared to its competitors, like the Z80.

What are the key features of the programming model of the MOS 6502 CPU?

—The programming model of the MOS 6502 CPU includes the A register for data processing, index registers (X and Y) for counting, and a processor status register for flags and handling interrupts.

What are the different addressing modes in the MOS 6502 CPU?

—The MOS 6502 CPU supports various addressing modes, including immediate, absolute, zero page, indexed, and indirect, providing flexibility in accessing memory and operands.

What insights have been gained from reverse engineering the MOS 6502 CPU?

—Reverse engineering efforts have revealed valuable information about the design, quirks, and components of the MOS 6502 CPU, expanding our knowledge of this iconic processor.

00:16Introduction to the topic of reverse engineering the MOS 6502 CPU and its significance in the computer industry.

04:12Overview of the programming model of the MOS 6502 CPU, including registers and addressing modes.

07:18Explanation of the different addressing modes available in the MOS 6502 CPU and their uses.

10:50Discussion of the history and significance of the MOS 6502 CPU, highlighting its use in popular computers and gaming consoles.

12:38Overview of the insights gained from reverse engineering the MOS 6502 CPU and its impact on our understanding of the processor.