Designing a retro microcomputer based on the ZX Spectrum architecture requires mastering the Uncommitted Logic Array (ULA), the custom chip responsible for video generation, memory management, and I/O. Core Architecture of the ZX Spectrum ULA
Peripherals: It handles keyboard scanning, border color control, and the "beeper" sound output/input. Designing a Modern Retro Microcomputer Designing a retro microcomputer based on the ZX
The ZX Spectrum ULA: How to Design a Microcomputer - A Journey into Retro Computing Digital logic simulator : Software tools like Logisim,
Video Generation: It reads pixel and attribute data from "lower RAM" to generate a PAL signal (256x192 resolution). Video Generation : It reads pixel and attribute
I/O Handling: It manages the "beeper" sound, cassette tape input/output, and scanning the 40-key matrix keyboard. How to Design Your Own Retro Computer