Descrizione

If you have ever wanted to design your own computer or wondered what was behind the most successful microcomputer of the 1980s, then this is the book for you.
For the first time, the inner working of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum's custom chip and heart of the computer, the Ferranti ULA, is exposed in minute detail.
Packed with over 170 illustrations and circuit diagrams, this book takes the reader through the cutting edge technology that was the Ferranti ULA and the design of the ZX Spectrum home computer, illustrating the principles and techniques involved in creating a cost effective microcomputer that required nothing more than a television set and a cassette recorder.
The ZX Spectrum ULA is an essential read for the electronics hobbyist, student or electronic engineer wishing to design their own retro-style microcomputer or anyone with an interest in historical micro-electronic and digital design.
All topics are explained in simple yet precise terms, building on their careful introduction towards the full functionality presented by the Sinclair computer.

Some of the topics covered are:
- The architecture of the standard microcomputer
- Ferranti and its ULA, manufacturing process and structure
- The functional layout of the ZX Spectrum ULA
- Video display generation
- ZX Spectrum design bugs such as "The Snow Effect"
- Hidden features
- ULA version differences

The ULA research, reverse engineering and documentation was financed and carried out by Chris Smith. Please support this effort by purchasing the ZX Design and Media printed edition of this book, ‘The ZX Spectrum ULA: How To Design a Microcomputer’.