Introduction to X86 Machine Code Assembly Language: Using an FPGA with Verilog

Learn computer architecture and assembly language by building a working model of an 8086 processor from basic principles of computer architecture. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) provide flexible digital electronics platforms that can be organized as a CPU, a neural net, or almost any other digital circuit.

By working through the examples in this book and experimenting with the "X86 model," the reader will receive a "hands on" introduction to the following:

• Computer architecture in general
• The X86 family of CPUs in particular
• Assembly language programming
• Input/Output and interrupt programming
• The Verilog Hardware Description Language
• Field Programmable Gate Arrays

How is this book different from many other books on X86 architecture:

• Emphasizes the 8086 machine codes, not just the assembly language
• Shows how an assembler converts source code to machine language.
• Provides experience with interrupt programming
• Describes both 8086 instructions and X86-64 instructions
• Encourages a hands-on introduction to Verilog and FPGAs
• Demonstrates applications with strings and packed decimal arithmetic
• Uses assembly language to monitor and control electronic circuits
• Contains over 150 illustrations to accompany descriptions of digital circuits, Verilog code, and X86 code
• Includes all source code with a free download from GitHub

Robert Dunne has over 40 years of computer experience ranging from developing custom hardware interfaces for supercomputers to teaching technology courses in middle-school gifted-education programs. Starting out with degrees in physics and computer science, he was on staff at a national laboratory and a major engineering firm for ten years before becoming an entrepreneur in the development of embedded systems. During the past 20 years, he has been teaching three undergraduate courses per year in embedded systems, digital design, and computer programming using a variety of CPUs and FPGAs.