The key points
Digital computers are built from simple logic devices
- NOR (or other) logic gates built from switches
Hierarchy allows us to build complex computers
- Datapath comprises combinational circuits and registers
- Controller comprises finite state machines
Digital computers implement discrete mathematics
- Every transistor must work properly!!!
- Every signal must remain uncorrupted by noise
- An impoverished representation affords universal computation
- With NORs and wire you can build the entire internet, with every computer on it