An introduction to Lattice, a new programming language built around a novel crystallization-based phase system for managing mutability and memory. This post explores how Lattice's flux/fix/freeze/thaw/forge model differs from existing approaches like Rust's ownership, garbage collection, and traditional immutability, and why treating variable mutability as a physical phase transition leads to clearer, safer programs.
A tiny C compiler written entirely in Z80 assembly that reads source code over serial and generates executable Z80 machine code, inspired by SectorC's 512-byte x86-16 compiler.
A comprehensive review of "Getting Started with FPGAs: Digital Circuit Design, Verilog, and VHDL for Beginners" by Russell Merrick, published by No Starch Press. This book provides an accessible on-ramp to field programmable gate array development, covering Boolean algebra, flip-flops, simulation, state machines, FPGA primitives, binary math, and I/O through hands-on projects targeting Lattice iCE40 hardware. Merrick's dual-language approach presenting every code example in both Verilog and VHDL, combined with his years of educational content creation at nandland.com, produces a uniquely approachable beginner text that demystifies the parallel-thinking paradigm shift required for hardware description.
There are multiple ways to get Rust running on custom or retro CPUs. This article explores three approaches—full LLVM backends, Rust-to-C transpilation via Eurydice, and manual no_std FFI—with a practical walkthrough of transpiling Rust to C and compiling it for the Z80 with SDCC.
A review of William Barden Jr.'s 1978 classic "The Z-80 Microcomputer Handbook" - a comprehensive technical reference that covered hardware, software, and complete microcomputer systems built around Zilog's iconic Z80 processor.
An exploration of techniques for running large language models that exceed your GPU's VRAM capacity by loading only portions of the model at a time—layer streaming, CPU offloading, and the performance trade-offs involved.
A detailed account of implementing a complete LLVM backend for the Sampo 16-bit RISC CPU, enabling Rust compilation. This project demonstrates how AI-assisted development with Claude Code can tackle complex compiler engineering challenges.
Bringing the Sampo 16-bit RISC CPU to silicon on the ULX3S development board with fully open source tooling and Amaranth HDL.
A look at how engineers learned to build microprocessor systems in 1983, using James Coffron's "Z80 Applications" as a lens to compare with modern Arduino and Raspberry Pi tutorials. The depth of understanding required was dramatically different.
A biography of George Morrow (1934-2003), the iconoclastic pioneer who helped shape the early microcomputer industry through innovative hardware design, industry standardization efforts, and a commitment to making computing affordable and accessible.
