When 8 Bits is Overkill - Making Blinkenlights with a 1-bit CPU

Explore the fascinating world of minimal computing through this 31-minute conference talk that delves into the Motorola mc14500, a CPU with a true one-bit architecture. Learn how to implement Conway's Game of Life using this remarkably simple processor and discover the ingenious techniques required to control 256 LEDs and manage half a kiloword of memory using only four bits of address space. Gain insights into the design challenges and creative solutions involved in working with such constrained hardware, understanding how minimalist computing principles can still achieve complex visual displays and computational tasks. The presentation demonstrates practical implementation strategies for ultra-low-bit architectures and showcases how fundamental computing concepts can be realized even with the most basic processing units.