Overall verdict A valuable, technically rigorous resource for anyone serious about the ZX Spectrum ULA or low-cost microcomputer design. Not ideal as an introductory tutorial, but excellent as a reference for implementation, repair, or FPGA re-creation.
Chris Smith’s The ZX Spectrum ULA: How to Design a Microcomputer is a comprehensive technical analysis detailing the reverse-engineering of the Ferranti Uncommitted Logic Array used in the 1980s computer. The 324-page book examines crucial hardware aspects, including video timing, memory contention, and design quirks based on transistor-level analysis. For more details, visit zxdesign.info . The ZX Spectrum ULA: How to design a microcomputer The Zx Spectrum Ula How To Design A Microcomputer Pdf 57l
Key technical highlights
: Explains how the ULA handles timing and output for 1980s television sets. Memory Contention including video timing
It generated the video signal (composite/RF) for television sets, including the unique "attribute" system that allowed for eight colors but led to "attribute clash". Overall verdict A valuable