8085 Simulator IDE
Help Topics

• General info
8085 Simulator IDE is powerful application that supplies 8085 microprocessor users and educators with user-friendly graphical development environment for Windows with integrated simulator (emulator), 8085 basic compiler, assembler, disassembler and debugger for the Intel 8085 8-bit microprocessor.

The main application window shows 8085 microprocessor internal registers (and flags) structure, mnemonics of the last executed instruction, mnemonics of the next instruction that will be executed, clock cycles and instructions counter and interrupt interface.

• File menu
- Clear Memory
This command restores the initial state of the 64K memory with address range 0000H-FFFFH assumed to be attached to the CPU. The whole memory is filled with NOPs with opcode 00H.
- Load Program
This command loads program file into CPU memory. The program file must be in Intel HEX format or binary image (OBJ extension) of the memory starting from address 0000H with maximum length of 64K. Once loaded program file can be quickly reloaded by clicking on its location field on the main program interface.
- Save Memory
This command saves the contents of the memory to a file.

• Simulation menu
- Start
8085 Simulator IDE enters simulation mode and begins the execution of instructions starting from the memory location that corresponds to starting address parameter. The default value for this parameter is 0000H and this value can be changed using Change Starting Address command from the Options menu.
- Step
This command is enabled only when Step By Step simulation rate is selected. Next instruction is executed on every click on keyboard shortcut F2.
- Stop
8085 Simulator IDE exits simulation mode and presents the information about the total number of executed instructions, duration of the simulation and real-time duration of the simulation in clock cycles.

• Rate menu
It enables user to change the simulation rate. It is accessible during the simulation, also.
- Step By Step
The interval between consecutive instructions is at user will. When the simulator is in Step By Step mode, it is possible to change the values in all CPU internal registers, by clicking on the appropriate fields on the program interface. When this simulation rate is selected new main menu item 'STEP' will appear on the program interface. That will enable an easy access to Step command from the Simulation menu.
- Slow
The interval is 1500 ms.
- Normal
The interval is 250 ms.
- Fast
The interval is around 50 ms.
- Extremely Fast
The interval is very short and is linearly dependent on the overall computer performance.
- Ultimate
The main simulator window is not continuously refreshed after every simulated instruction that significantly improve the simulation performance. The refresh interval can be changed using Change Ultimate Rate Refresh Interval command in Options menu.

• Tools menu
- Memory Editor
This is access to the graphical interface for the 8085 Simulator CPU 64K memory. It has a scroll bar and is very easy to use. The value in the specific memory location can be changed by clicking on it. When the entered value is confirmed by pressing Enter key, edit box will automatically move to the next memory location. Edit box can be moved freely over the memory table using arrow keys and it can be closed by Esc key. The Focus SP command will bring to focus and mark the memory location pointed by the Stack Pointer. If Track R/W option is selected, the simulator will automatically focus and mark the last read and the last written memory location if they are in the user-defined memory range. The performance optimization option for the Ultimate simulation rate is on by default.
- Disassembler
8085 Simulator IDE has a very powerful internal disassembler that is started by this command. Disassembler is independent from the simulator and it has its own memory buffer. So, it is necessary to load the program file (binary OBJ image or Intel HEX file) into disassembler memory first. Auto Load Program Loaded in the Simulator is on by default. The disassembling process is initiated by an appropriate command from the disassembler menu. It starts from 0000H address. After the operation is completed disassembler will display the output listing file that can be saved with LST extension if needed. The available options and commands include Listing Without Opcodes (the generated listing can be used by assembler directly), Load Program File With Offset (this command can be used to load multiple program files into the disassembler memory buffer at different offset addresses), Disassemble From Address (allows entering offset address that will be used as the starting address for the disassembler), Skip Empty Memory Ranges (used to detect and skip blocks of disassembler memory buffer with 00H values).
- Peripheral Devices
This is useful tool to monitor and control IN and OUT instructions. Up to four basic I/O peripheral devices can be setup and there is also one output terminal useful for viewing ASCII characters sent to one of the ports. The bytes sent with OUT instructions are displayed graphically showing individual bits. If the device is configured as an input device, the value it supplies can be set either by entering it directly after click on value label or by toggling individual bits of graphical representation.
- I/O Ports Editor
This is access to the graphical interface for the control over the complete I/O ports range. The value at the specific I/O port can be changed by clicking on it. When the entered value is confirmed pressing Enter key, edit box will automatically move to the next I/O port. Edit box can be moved freely over the I/O ports table using arrow keys and it can be closed by Esc key. Information in the I/O Ports Editor window is consistent with the Peripheral Devices window.
- Memory Editor 2
This command starts another Memory Editor tool with the same features.
- Memory Editor 3
This command starts yet another Memory Editor tool with the same features. So, it is possible to simultaneously view/edit three different memory ranges during the simulation.
- Input/Output Terminal
This I/O ports mapped simulation tool is designed to make it easy to communicate with various 8085 firmwares supporting serial input/output during the simulation of the code execution. The relevant information about the tool is displayed with the Info command. The interface is defined by the I/O port addresses of the input and output terminal data and status registers, and the bit numbers in the status register that should serve the purpose of the Transmit Data Register Empty signal for the output terminal, and the Receive Data Register Full signal for the input terminal. Change Screen Color Scheme command is available.
- Input/Output Terminal (Memory Mapped)
This is a memory mapped simulation tool that can be used for the communication with various 8085 firmwares supporting serial input/output during the simulation of the code execution. The relevant information about the tool is displayed with the Info command. The interface is defined by the addresses of the input and output terminal memory mapped data and status registers, and the bit numbers in the status register that should serve the purpose of the Transmit Data Register Empty signal for the output terminal, and the Receive Data Register Full signal for the input terminal. Change Screen Color Scheme command is available.
- Video Memory Screen
This is a custom video memory display tool. Its setup includes starting address, columns and rows settings. Several screen color schemes are also available. The tool provides video memory range editing feature.
- Assembler
This command starts integrated assembler. Assembler source files can be edited, assembled and finally loaded into the simulator memory in the same graphical environment. Default extension is ASM. After the successful assembly process the internal assembler will generate two new files. One with OBJ extension that is binary image of the program and that can be directly loaded into the CPU memory, and the other with LST extension that is assembler listing used by the debugger. If Generate HEX File Also option is selected then program file in Intel HEX format will also be generated. This editor can also be used as the graphical interface for the external TASM assembler. It is only necessary to locate the executable file of the TASM assembler before the first use. More info can be found at the bottom of this file.
- Fast Debugger - Breakpoints Manager
This command starts integrated debugger that can be used to debug and monitor the program execution. If the assembler listing file of the program in memory does not exist, usable alternative listing will be generated by the internal disassembler. It is possible to define unlimited number of breakpoints by clicking on individual lines in the loaded program listing. When the simulation starts in faster rate modes it will automatically switch to Step By Step mode when reaching any of these breakpoints. The breakpoints are marked by red circles, and the current value of the PC register is marked by yellow arrow. There is an option to keep the PC pointer in focus during the simulation. Load and Save breakpoints commands are available. Visual appearance of the tool can be changed by horizontal resizing, and Change Color Scheme, Change Number Of Lines and Borders On/Off features. This tool features optimized for speed performance.
- BASIC Compiler
Integrated BASIC compiler editor window will be opened. More information available in BASIC Compiler Reference Manual. It can be accessed from the Help menu of the main application window or from the BASIC compiler editor window.
- Simulation Log Viewer
This command starts integrated graphical tool that will log all simulated instructions together with 8085 registers and flags status. This is very useful tool for debugging process.
- Interactive Assembler Editor
This command starts integrated graphical tool that will enable beginners to write their first assembler routines interactively without having to memorize the mnemonics of individual instructions from 8085 rich instruction set. This is a great tool for educational purposes.
- Watch Variables
During the simulation of programs written using integrated basic compiler, this tool can be used to watch the current values of all variables declared in the simulated basic program. It is also possible to add user defined variables to the list to monitor other memory locations of interest during the simulation. This feature is useful for memory monitoring for simulated program files, that are not compiled with the integrated basic compiler. User added variables will be remembered between sessions as long as the same program file is loaded in the simulator. Variables from the watch list can be easily removed with the Delete Variable command, so the list can contain variables of special interest only. Other commands and options include: Change Variable Value (can be also started by a single-click on the variable from the list), Display HEX Values, Confirm Delete.
- External Modules
This tool should be used to establish automation interface with up to five external client/server modules. It is required to enter the class name supplied by external device in the form ApplicationName.ObjectName in order to establish connection with it. External client/server applications will be started and terminated automatically with 8085 Simulator IDE. More information available in External Modules Manual. It can be accessed from the Help menu of the main application window.

• Options menu
- Enable Logging
This option will force the simulator to log to LOG.TXT file in the application folder all simulated instructions together with 8085 registers and flags status. This option do not interfere with the integrated graphical Simulation Log Viewer.
- Shortcuts Panel Configuration
This option command opens an easy to use interface for turning on and customizing the fancy-looking shortcuts panel on the main IDE window, for an easy access to the most frequently used menu commands. The panel can contain up to three lines of menu item shortcuts. All main IDE window menu items are available to be placed on the panel.
- HLT Stops Simulation
If this option is selected the simulation will automatically stop when HLT instruction is reached. If it is not selected, the simulator will, just as real 8085 CPU does, execute this instruction repeatedly until it receives an interrupt. After the return from interrupt the execution will continue with next instruction.
- FF Power On Defaults
Toggling this option will switch between 00H and FFH initial values for 8085 CPU registers.
- Refresh Memory Editor
If this option is selected and Memory Editor is started, the displayed memory range will be refreshed after every simulated instruction, in all simulation rate modes. This is useful if you want to monitor what is going on on the stack or elsewhere in the memory during the simulation.
- Refresh Breakpoints Manager
If this option is selected and Breakpoints Manager is started, it will be refreshed after every simulated instruction. If Hold PC In Focus option is also selected, that will enable user to watch live presentation of the program execution.
- Save Positions
With this option selected, the positions of the windows on the screen will be remembered.
- Save Always On Top
With this option selected, the Always On Top setting for all of the windows with this feature will be remembered.
- Auto Start Options
With this utility users can define actions that will be performed on the application startup. These actions include automatic opening of various tools and simulation interfaces from the Tools menu and automatic loading of the last used files in the simulator, assembler and basic compiler.
- Change Clock Frequency
This command allows user to change the frequency parameter that is used for the calculation of the real-time duration of the simulation. The entered value in MHz is remembered for the future sessions. The default value is 4 MHz.
- Change Starting Address
This command allows user to change the starting address for the simulation. The entered value is remembered for the future sessions. The default value is 0000H.
- Change Offset Address For OBJ Files Loading
Allows user to change the starting address that will be used for binary image files (OBJ extension) loading into the 64K memory buffer. The entered value is remembered for the future sessions. The default value is 0000H. This parameter is ignored for HEX files loading.
- Prompt For Value Before IN Instruction
This option will force the program to always prompt user to manually enter every incoming byte on all ports. If it is off the value will be taken from Peripheral Devices or I/O Ports Editor window.
- Enable IN/OUT Instructions Logging
When this option is enabled the program will log all IN and OUT instructions in IO.TXT file located in application folder. Every IN and OUT instruction will append a new line in that file.
- Show Confirmation Boxes
When this option is enabled the confirmation boxes showing results of operations will be displayed and will require user response to be closed.
- Change Ultimate Rate Refresh Interval
This command allows user to change the refresh interval (in milliseconds) for the main simulation interface when the simulation is running at Ultimate rate. Its value however does not affect the simulation performance considerably. The default value is 500ms.
- Editor Setup
With this setup tool it is possible to change various properties of basic compiler and assembler code editors.
- Change Color Theme
This command will open a dialog with the rich list of available color themes, so that user can change application appearance.

• Help menu
- Help Topics
This command will display Help Topics. This help file contains general information about the application with description of all menu items.
Help viewer window features navigation panel showing topics and subtopics of the displayed help file. Right-click on the navigation panel will show pop-up menu with Show All Subtopics and Hide All Subtopics commands. Single-click on the item from the navigation panel will move focus on the display panel to the appropriate position. Double-click on the topic item will show/hide its subtopics. The display panel shows the content of the loaded help file. Right-click will display pop-up menu containing various options and commands including: Copy, Copy RTF, Copy HTML, Print, Font Increase, Font Decrease, Font Reset, Always On Top. Help viewer window is resizable and will remember both its position and size. The vertical separator between navigation and display panels is moveable and its position will also be saved after the viewer is closed.
- BASIC Compiler Reference Manual
BASIC Compiler Reference Manual will be displayed in the help viewer.
- External Modules Manual
External Modules Manual will be displayed in the help viewer.
- Check For Updates
This tool will enable user to establish connection with OshonSoft.com website to check out if there is a new software release available for download. Version log file will be displayed after the response from the website has been received.
- Bug Report Interface
This interface should be used to send the reports about possible bugs in software to OshonSoft.com. In addition to the user written part the full report will contain a part that is generated by software (system report).
- About
This command will display the basic information about the software package.
- View License Information
This command will display the information about the installed license for the software.

• Interrupts info
All possible interrupts are supported. Interrupts are triggered by pressing the appropriate button (TRAP, RST 7.5, RST 6.5, RST 5.5, INTR) on the interrupt interface. The simulation can be reset any time by pressing the RESET button.

• Assembler overview
Here is the basic info related to the internal assembler.

Constants
Assembler accepts wide range of formats and notations for the numeric constants:
- characters: "n", 'n', A'n'
- hex numbers: 0xnn, 00h, $nn, &hnn, &nn, H'nn'
- binary numbers: %nnnn, 0bnnnn, nnnnb, B'nnnn'
- decimal numbers: nnn, .nnn, D'nnn'
Numeric constants may contain # prefix.

Directives
Assembler supports the following directives: ORG, EQU, INCLUDE, DB (DEFB), DW (DEFW), DS (DEFS) and END. They can also be used with the dot prefix (like .EQU).
Additionally, BYTE can be used as the alias for DB, WORD as the alias for DW, BLOCK as the alias for DS, #INCLUDE for INCLUDE.
Label is a symbol name for the current memory location counter value.
- ORG directive alters the setting of the location counter.
- EQU directive creates a symbol/label with the value of the given expression.
- INCLUDE directives can be used to insert code from external ASM files. They can be nested with no limitations.
- DB directive initializes memory with one or more byte values.
- DW directive initializes memory with one or more word (2-byte) values.
For DB and DW, multiple expressions separated by commas may be specified. Strings are also accepted. There is no limit for the number of arguments.
- DS directive is used to reserve memory for variables. It reserves the specified number of bytes in the memory space (and fills them with 00h value). Second argument is optional and can be used to specify the desired fill value.
- END directive marks the end of the source file.
= will be recognized as the EQU directive.

Expressions
Numeric argument can contain the arithmetic operations (+,-,*,/,\) and the bitwise logical and shift operations (&,|,^,<<,>>).
Parentheses in the expression are also supported. The assembler is able to evaluate any expression, no matter how complicated it is.
This is the list of binary operators based on the increasing precedence implemented: |,^,&,(<<,>>),(+,-),(*,/,\).
The prefixes high (>) and low (<) can be used to return high byte and low byte of the 16-bit numeric argument.
The assembler can work with the full range of the unsigned 4-byte integer values, so loww and highw prefixes are also available to return the low and high words of the argument.
All the prefixes are treated as unary operators by the expression evaluation engine.
PC and $ symbols can be used to represent the absolute address of the line of code (the location counter value).

Here is one test example:
   lab1    equ 100*2  ;C8
           lab2 equ 0x1264
   lab3    = 2
   lab4    equ 0x2345
           mvi a,lab1-0x10
           mvi a,0x55
           mvi a,<lab2
           mvi a,55h^0xfe+1
           mvi a,$55
           mvi a,h'55'
           mvi a,-1
           mvi a,-lab3
           mvi a,0x55+0x10
           mvi a,0x10*8
           mvi a,128/lab3
           mvi a,$-2
           mvi a,pc+2
           mvi a,high (0x1234+lab4)
           mvi a,low lab4
           mvi a,-0x4-lab3
           mvi a, high highw 2000000000  ;77359400
           mvi a, high loww 2000000000  ;77359400
           mvi a, high loww -1  ;FFFFFFFF
           mvi a, high highw -1  ;FFFFFFFF
           mvi a, high loww -2000000000  ;88CA6C00
           mvi a, high highw -2000000000  ;88CA6C00
           mvi a, high loww 3000000000  ;B2D05E00
           mvi a, low highw 3000000000  ;B2D05E00
           mvi a, high highw 3000000000  ;B2D05E00

Macros
OshonSoft 8085 Simulator IDE integrated assembler in the current release does not support macros.

TASM
If better performance is needed, assembler editor can be used as the graphical interface for the external TASM assembler.
The external assembler will be started with -85 -b command line options.
TASM assembler can be downloaded from:
https://www.oshonsoft.com/tasm32.zip
TASM user manual is included in the archive.