27c3: Reverse Engineering the MOS 6502 CPU (en)
Christiaan008・2 minutes read
The talk delves into the reverse engineering of the 6502 CPU, highlighting its history, efficiency, and architecture, including addressing modes and instructions. Various aspects of the CPU, like unique decimal mode and illegal opcodes, are discussed, along with efforts to emulate and understand its inner workings through simulators and die shots, aiding in bug detection and validation.
Insights
- The MOS 6502 CPU, known for its efficiency and simplicity, originated from a team that left Motorola to form MOS in 1974, leading to its widespread use in computers, gaming consoles, and even the Terminator series.
- Reverse engineering the 6502 CPU involves detailed analysis of its architecture, addressing modes, stack operations, and peculiarities like the unique decimal mode, utilizing methods like die shots, schematic reconstruction, and physics simulation for accurate emulation, aiding in bug detection and code validation.
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Recent questions
What is the MOS 6502 CPU?
The MOS 6502 CPU is a processor used in Apple II, NES, and C64 known for its efficiency and simplicity.
Who presented the talk on the MOS 6502 CPU?
Michael Style presented the talk on the MOS 6502 CPU.
What are the key features of the MOS 6502 CPU?
The MOS 6502 CPU is known for its efficiency, simplicity, and elegance compared to other processors.
How was the reverse engineering of the MOS 6502 CPU conducted?
The reverse engineering of the MOS 6502 CPU involved die shots, high-resolution photographs, and physics simulation for accurate reconstruction.
What are the implications of the reverse engineering efforts on the MOS 6502 CPU?
Reverse engineering efforts on the MOS 6502 CPU have led to a deeper understanding of its architecture, bug identification, and potential fixes.