Zilog
The Z80 company
Zilog created the Z80 processor that powered the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, and countless arcade machines—enabling a generation of European home computing.
Overview
Founded in 1974 by Federico Faggin and other Intel refugees, Zilog challenged Intel’s 8080 dominance with the Z80 processor. More powerful, fully backward-compatible, and priced competitively, the Z80 became the CPU of choice for European home computers and American arcade machines.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1974 by Federico Faggin, Masatoshi Shima, and Ralph Ungermann.
- Key product: Z80 processor (1976).
- Market: dominated 8-bit computing outside North America.
- Still active: produces embedded controllers and microprocessors.
The Z80
The chip that built a generation:
| Feature | Z80 | Intel 8080 |
|---|---|---|
| Clock | 2.5-8 MHz | 2 MHz |
| Registers | Main + shadow set | Main only |
| Instructions | 158 | 78 |
| Price | Competitive | Higher |
| Source | Multiple | Intel only |
Systems using the Z80
| System | Year | Application |
|---|---|---|
| TRS-80 | 1977 | First major microcomputer |
| ZX80/81 | 1980/81 | Ultra-low-cost home computer |
| ZX Spectrum | 1982 | UK gaming standard |
| MSX | 1983 | Japanese standard |
| Amstrad CPC | 1984 | UK competitor to Spectrum |
| Game Boy | 1989 | Modified Sharp LR35902 |
| Sega Master System | 1985 | Console gaming |
Arcade dominance
Z80 powered countless arcade games:
- Pac-Man
- Galaga
- Space Invaders (sound CPU)
- Countless others throughout the early 80s
Later processors
| Processor | Year | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Z8000 | 1979 | 16-bit segmented |
| Z800 | 1985 | Enhanced Z80 |
| eZ80 | 2001 | Modern Z80 derivative |
Legacy
The Z80’s influence extends beyond its direct use:
- Created the European computer gaming culture
- Established patterns for console hardware design
- Remains in production for embedded applications