8085-style 8-bit microprocessor simulator

Description

8085-style 8-bit microprocessor simulator

Learn Computer Architecture with a Hands-On 8085-style 8-bit microprocessor simulator in Python – Step into the fundamentals of low-level programming and assembly language with our 8085-style 8-bit Microprocessor Simulator written in Python. Whether you are an undergraduate computer science student learning CPU architecture, an engineering lecturer looking for an intuitive teaching tool, or a vintage computing hobbyist, this simulator provides a practical, visual way to understand how 8-bit processors execute code line by line.

The Intel 8085 microprocessor remains the industry gold standard for teaching computer organization, memory management, and register-level operations. This Python-based emulation recreates the core execution pipeline of an 8085 CPU, offering a clean, modern alternative to legacy desktop tools.

Core Technical Features

1. Full 8-Bit Architecture Emulation

• Registers & Flags: Complete support for general-purpose registers (A, B, C, D, E, H, L) and flag registers (Sign, Zero, Auxiliary Carry, Parity, Carry).
• Control Unit Tracking: Live updates for the Program Counter (PC) and Stack Pointer (SP).
• Memory Address Space: Emulated 64 KB memory space with configurable RAM/ROM read and write operations.

2. Comprehensive Assembly Instruction Support

• Data Transfer: MOV, MVI, LDA, STA, LXI, XCHG
• Arithmetic Operations: ADD, SUB, INR, DCR, INX, DCX, DAD
• Logical Operations: ANA, ORA, XRA, CMP, CMA, RLC, RRC
• Branching & Control: JMP, JC, JNC, JZ, JNZ, CALL, RET
• Stack & Machine Control: PUSH, POP, NOP, HLT

3. Real-Time Debugging & Step Execution

• Single-Step Mode: Step through assembly code one instruction at a time to trace execution flow and monitor variable shifts.
• Continuous Run Mode: Execute full scripts at adjustable clock speeds for rapid testing.
• Live Register & Memory Inspection: Watch hexadecimal values change in real time across registers and RAM addresses.

4. Built with Pure, Extendable Python

Because the simulator is coded in modular Python, it runs natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The clean code structure allows advanced users to modify opcode tables, add custom peripheral I/O ports, or integrate custom GUI toolkits like Tkinter or PySide.

Why Choose This Python 8085 Simulator?

Traditional microprocessors require dedicated hardware trainer kits, complex driver configurations, or outdated software that struggles on modern 64-bit operating systems. This Python simulator bridges that gap:

• Zero Hardware Required: Practice assembly language without buying physical circuit boards or EEPROM programmers.
• Ideal for Academic Curriculums: Perfectly aligns with standard university courses in Microprocessors, Assembly Programming, and Computer Organization.
• Clear Error Handling: Get instant feedback on illegal opcodes, stack overflows, or out-of-bounds memory access.
• Developer Friendly: Modify the open architecture to build custom 8-bit virtual machines or educational games.

What’s Included in the Package?

1. Complete Python Source Code: Fully commented .py scripts for the CPU emulator.
2. Pre-Built Executable Options: Easy launch options for non-developer users.
3. Sample Assembly Programs: Ready-to-run .asm / opcode files covering array sorting, 8-bit/16-bit addition, delay loops, and stack manipulation.