1y ago

After 48 years, Zilog is killing the classic standalone Z80 microprocessor chip

7 comments

Damn planned obsolescence!
Welp, time to transition to the 68000
Does Intel still sell the 8080? Because I think they're code-compatible. Might even be pin-compatible.
- The 8080 was discontinued in 1990. The Z80 is code compatible with the 8080, but the 8080 is not code compatible with the Z80. They are not pin compatible either. The pinouts are completely different, the 8080 needs 3 different power supply rails and 2 clocks.
The article mentions they'll continue making the eZ80. If you're in the middle of making a PCB around the Z80, you'll just have to change the pins, I guess.
I remember working in a warehouse that stored many ICs when I was very young. IIRC, Zilog packaging was quite good. Some other brands packages would crack or open up if nor handled with "kid gloves". This brings back memories,
Seems a bit exccessiv? I would just quit making them.

7 comments