WikiChip FAQ

This page is work in progress.

What is WikiChip?

WikiChip is a semantic computer engineering wiki. WikiChip's long term goal is to document every microprocessor model as well as the microarchitecture, architecture, and instruction set that it implements. We also try to address general computer-related topics, concepts, and methodologies.

How do I get started?

See WikiChip:welcome.

Why document obsolete chips?

While they may be obsolete as far as real-world application is concerned. They are still a subject of great research and interest among researchers and hobbyists alike. The decisions engineers made back in those early days of microprocessors and microcontrollers have had direct impact on how we design and think about things today. Likewise many of the ISAs we use everyday (such as x86) can trace their roots to those early chips.

Why document every processor including obscure/failed ones?

There is a lot to learn about the design philosophies of different groups of engineers. There is just as much to learn by examining failed designs as by examining highly successful designs. If we choose to only document notable or mainstream designs and products we risk losing valuable knowledge and opening us up to the possibility of repeating these same mistakes.