On 05/05/2011 16:02, V G wrote:
> It just counts the clock pulses in a register and displays them on an
> array of LEDs. At the same time, it drives a multiplexed 4-digit
> 7-segment display and displays any value you like. All written nicely
> and with modules instantiated and stuff.

I just made one using PIC yesterday :)

See  http://www.techtir.ie/node/1003699  and=20
http://www.techtir.ie/node/1003702


>  I define necessity here in terms of my personal requirement to understan=
d.
>

Design an FPGA then. And write a tool to synthesise the configuration from =
Verilog


>  Maybe it's just me, but I had a hard time explaining the concept of
>  "returning" a value in C to a classmate who doesn't know what CPU
>  registers and stacks are.

Well, normally people learn what a stack orientated computer is as part=20
of learning to program. If you have learnt to program then C just looks=20
like a smart macro assembler and it's a matter of learning the syntax=20
and what libraries are commonly used.  Learning C is completely separate=20
to learning to Program. If you know "programming" then you can pick up=20
any language in a few days, it's just syntax.

Some courses even use a simulation of a simple CPU and associated simple=20
assembler. I guess the PIC isn't appropriate for that as the original=20
16F isn't really stack orientated, only has stack for  Interrupt return=20
address.  In that respect C on 16F is an achievement  as it  pass=20
parameters and have Functions. BASIC and Forth quite often use virtual=20
machine or "p-code" type approaches, as does JAL. This lets you simulate=20
a stack without the need for the CPU to have a real one.

Using Verilog and VHDL  is not of course Programming.
--=20
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