2 months ago
- The Zilog Z80 processor was officially launched in July 1976, marking 50 years since its introduction.
- It was binary compatible with the Intel 8080 and 8085, helping establish de facto hardware and software standards like CP/M and Microsoft BASIC for 8-bit microcomputers.
- The Z80 was used in many early personal computers, home/hobby computers, and industrial applications, with clones like the Sharp LR35902 powering the original GameBoy.
- Development of the Z80 was inspired by the 8008 and 8080, with improvements including more registers, new addressing modes, simplified electrical interfacing, and higher speed.
- Key features of the Z80 include bank-switched registers, multiple interrupt handling modes, single 5V supply, and built-in DRAM refresh capability.
- Zilog's ties with Exxon influenced its market direction, but IBM chose Intel's 8088 for the PC due to these connections.
- The Z80 remained in use for decades in embedded systems and was only discontinued in June 2024.
- Personal anecdotes highlight the author's DIY Z80 computer project and lessons learned in systems engineering.