Cabe Atwell writes that the Zilog Z80 is celebrating its 50th anniversary this July. Developed in 1976 by former Intel engineers, it became a dominant 8-bit processor largely due to its instruction compatibility with the existing Intel 8080 software ecosystem. This strategic design allowed manufacturers to adopt more advanced features like built-in DRAM refresh and improved interrupt systems without rewriting their entire codebases.
- Integrated into legendary hardware including Pac-Man arcade cabinets, ZX Spectrum, and TI graphing calculators.
- Launched at a competitive $25 price point to encourage mass market adoption.
- Community-driven silicon replacements are being developed following Littelfuse's cessation of Zilog orders in 2024.
- Integrated into legendary hardware including Pac-Man arcade cabinets, ZX Spectrum, and TI graphing calculators.
- Launched at a competitive $25 price point to encourage mass market adoption.
- Community-driven silicon replacements are being developed following Littelfuse's cessation of Zilog orders in 2024.
A look at the CPU-8 computer from CPU Systems, a kit based on the Fairchild F8 microprocessor. It included the 3851 Program Storage Unit with FAIRBUG and the 3853 SRAM controller. The article details its features and connections to other Fairchild systems like the Channel F console.
A project detailing the creation of a single board computer based on the Fairchild F8 microprocessor. The article describes the initial build, testing, and documentation process. Build files and documentation are available for download.
An article detailing the history of LISP machines and the SCHEME-78 microprocessor, designed to closely match the LISP language, developed by Guy L. Steele and Gerald Jay Sussman. It discusses the motivations behind creating dedicated LISP hardware, its eventual decline, and its relevance to modern AI hardware.
A retrospective on the MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor, celebrating its 50th anniversary. The article discusses its history, impact on early home computers and consoles, and its continued (though niche) presence in modern electronics.
A unique font that converts hexadecimal characters into disassembled Z80 instructions using OpenType features, with a focus on challenges and solutions for handling out-of-order operands and multiple character combinations.
A tribute to the Z80 microprocessor, which has been discontinued after 48 years. The article discusses the history of the Z80, from its creation at Intel to its eventual departure from the market.
