- Joined
- Feb 3, 2013
After 48 years and god knows how many computers, game systems, arcade cabs and embedded applications, the Zilog Z80 has been discontinued.


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It's only the standalone models of Z80 being discontinued. Models used in products like the Ti-84 won't be discontinued. The eZ80 also won't be discontinued.Damn. What's TI going to do with their $100+ calculators now? Fully move to arm?
That aside, I'm amazed how long the things have lasted. I've never used one for my personal projects, but I've always thought about it.
Maybe these?It's time for another company to take up the mantle now.
I don't think any modern vidya clones are running on chip-for-chip identical boards. They're typically either FPGAs or just a software emulator running on the cheapest CPU that'll work, aren't they?Would the lack of Z80 chips be a problem for modern Sega Genesis clone manufacturers (and modern Sega Master System clone manufacturers if they exist, and I'd love to get one but I can't seem to find any) or are those cartridge-playing clone console manufacturers generally using other options these days?
Yeah. The YM2612 chips, including clones of it, haven't been manufactured in forever ever.I don't think any modern vidya clones are running on chip-for-chip identical boards. They're typically either FPGAs or just a software emulator running on the cheapest CPU that'll work, aren't they?
Those calculators remind me of ignition interlock devices – devices based on 1980s technology without a good/nostalgic/curious reason to be, sold or rented for exorbitant prices, and kept afloat by government requirements.Damn. What's TI going to do with their $100+ calculators now? Fully move to arm?
That aside, I'm amazed how long the things have lasted. I've never used one for my personal projects, but I've always thought about it.
Not sure about Sega, but all the NES clones produced since around late 90s were using "NES on a chip" ASIC that gets embedded right on the PCB and covered with a black blob.They're typically either FPGAs or just a software emulator running on the cheapest CPU that'll work, aren't they?
TI gave loaner calculators to schools and HP had a weird obsession with reverse polish notation, which...I don't fucking know good luck teaching that to kids.I'm glad that using a calculator for higher-level math isn't seen as cheating, but why do we need to buy these exact models with literal Game Boy chips?