Z80 – The 1970s Microprocessor Still Alive (2021)
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
The Z80 microprocessor, introduced in 1976, remains in production and use today.
The Z80 was developed by former Intel engineers Federico Faggin, Ralph Ungermann, and Masatoshi Shima. It combined Intel 8080 compatibility with Motorola 6800 features, using 8,200 transistors. The first working prototype appeared on March 9, 1976, developed by an 11-member team for under $400,000. It powered home computers like the TRS-80, ZX Spectrum, and KayPro II, and ran CP/M. Zilog still produces the enhanced eZ80, used in Texas Instruments TI-84 calculators. It is among the longest-living microprocessors.
What commenters are saying
Commenters largely praised the Z80's longevity and nostalgic value, with many sharing personal programming experiences on ZX Spectrum or CP/M systems. A technical camp debated the Z80's architecture: some called it fun and simple, while others argued it was messy due to 8080 backward compatibility and less elegant than the 6502. Corrections noted the Z80 also powered MSX computers and the Osborne 1, omitted in the article. Several commenters confirmed the classic DIP Z80 was discontinued, but eZ80 and clones remain available.