Z80 facts for kids
The Z80 is a special kind of microchip. It was one of the most popular CPU microchips for computers in the 1980s. A CPU is like the "brain" of a computer.
The Z80 was first made by a company called Zilog in 1976. But Zilog didn't make all of them! Other companies like Sharp, Toshiba, and NEC also made many Z80 chips around the world. Even today, the Z80 is still made for use in special computer systems called embedded systems. These are small computers built into other devices.
Contents
What is the Z80 Microchip?
The Z80 is an 8-bit microprocessor. This means it processes information in chunks of 8 bits at a time. It was designed to be very powerful for its size and time. It could handle many different tasks for computers.
Who Used the Z80?
The Z80 chip was used in many famous computers and devices. It was popular because it was reliable and not too expensive.
Home Computers
Many popular home computers in the 1980s used the Z80. One famous example is the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. This computer helped many people learn about programming and playing games.
Gaming Consoles
The Z80 was also found inside some video game consoles. For example, the ColecoVision gaming console used a Z80A chip as its main brain. This allowed it to run many fun games.
Other Devices
Beyond computers and games, the Z80 was used in other machines too. It powered things like PABX systems, which are phone systems for businesses. It was also used in many embedded systems. These are hidden computers that control things like printers, cash registers, and even some musical instruments.
Images for kids
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A May 1976 advertisement for the Zilog Z-80 8-bit microprocessor
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The Z80A was used as the CPU in a number of gaming consoles, such as this ColecoVision.
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A Sinclair ZX Spectrum which used a Z80 Clocked at 3.5 MHz
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Z80-based PABX. The Z80 is the third chip from the left, to the right of the chip with the hand-written white label on it.
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Photo of the original Zilog Z80 microprocessor design in depletion-load nMOS. Total die size is 3545×3350 µm. (This actual chip manufactured in 1990.)
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PIO Z84C2008
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CTC Z84C3008
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SIO Z84C4008
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Mostek Z80: MK3880
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NEC μPD780C
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Toshiba Z84C00
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Soviet T34BM1 Z80 clone
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ASCII R800
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Hitachi HD64180
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Zilog Z180
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Zilog Z280
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Toshiba TMPZ84C015
See also
In Spanish: Zilog Z80 para niños
