MOS Technology 6502 facts for kids
A MOS Technology 6502 processor
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| Produced | 1975 |
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| Max. CPU clock rate | 1 MHz to 3 MHz |
| Instruction set | MOS 6502 |
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The MOS Technology 6502 is a very important 8-bit microprocessor that was created by MOS Technology in 1975. When it first came out, people were really impressed because it was powerful but also very affordable. Even today, a newer version called the 65C02 is still being made by the Western Design Center (WDC).
Many popular home video game consoles and computers used the 6502 and its different versions as their main "brain." These included famous systems like the Atari 2600, Commodore 64, and Nintendo Entertainment System.
Contents
What is a Microprocessor?
A microprocessor is like the "brain" of a computer or electronic device. It's a tiny chip that does all the calculations and controls everything. The 6502 was an 8-bit microprocessor, which means it could process information in chunks of 8 bits at a time. This was a common size for computers in the 1970s and 1980s.
Why Was the 6502 Special?
The MOS 6502 became very popular for a few key reasons:
- Low Cost: When it was released in 1975, the 6502 was much cheaper than other microprocessors available at the time. This made it possible for companies to build more affordable computers and game consoles.
- Good Performance: Even though it was cheap, the 6502 was quite powerful for its time. It could handle many tasks quickly, which was great for games and other applications.
- Easy to Use: Programmers found the 6502 relatively easy to work with. This helped more people create software and games for devices that used it.
Because it was so affordable and effective, the 6502 helped kickstart the personal computer revolution. It allowed many more families to own a computer or a video game system.
Where the 6502 Was Used
The 6502 and its updated versions were used in a huge number of popular devices. Here are some of the most famous ones:
- Video Game Consoles:
Atari 2600: One of the first hugely successful home video game consoles. Atari 5200 and Atari 7800: Later consoles from Atari. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES): A console that brought video games back into homes after the 1983 video game crash.
- Home Computers:
Apple I, Apple II, Apple IIe: Early and very successful personal computers from Apple. Commodore PET, Commodore VIC-20, Commodore 64, Commodore 128: The Commodore 64 became the best-selling single computer model of all time. BBC Micro: A popular computer in the United Kingdom, used widely in schools. Atari 800: Another popular home computer. Acorn Atom and Acorn Electron: Other British home computers.
The 6502's widespread use meant that many classic games and software programs were designed to run on this specific chip.
How It Changed Gaming and Computers
The MOS 6502 played a huge role in making computers and video games popular. Before the 6502, computers were often very expensive and mostly used by businesses or universities. By making powerful microprocessors affordable, the 6502 helped create the market for home computers and game consoles.
This led to a boom in new software and games, as more people could afford the machines to run them. Many of the games and computer programs from the 1980s that you might hear about today were powered by a 6502 chip. It truly helped shape the world of personal technology we know today.
Images for kids
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Motorola 6800 demonstration board built by Chuck Peddle and John Buchanan in 1974
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A 1973 MOS Technology advertisement highlighting their custom integrated circuit capabilities
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MOS Technology MCS6501, in white ceramic package, made in late August 1975
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Introductory advertisement for the MOS Technology MCS6501 and MCS6502 microprocessors
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MOS Technology MCS6502, in white ceramic package, manufactured in late 1975
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August 1975]] version.
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6502 processor die. The regular section at the top is the instruction decoding ROM, the seemingly random section in the center is the control logic, and at the bottom are the registers (right) and the ALU (left). The data bus connections are along the lower right, and the address bus along the bottom and lower left.
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6502 processor die with drawn in NMOS-transistors and labels hinting at the functionality of the 6502's components
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Acorn Atom
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Acorn Electron
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Apple I
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Apple II
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Apple IIe
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Atari 800
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BBC Master
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Commodore PET
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Commodore 128
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Ohio Scientific Challenger 4P
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Orao
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Oric-1
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Oric Atmos
See also
In Spanish: MOS 6502 para niños
