What issue of Electronic Design Magazine first showcased the Zilog Z80?
How it exploded into the market.
Did it win?
Electronic Design and Zilog
After the Z80 anniversary post, I was wondering: When did Electronic Design first talk about the Zilog Z80? The Z80 was officially launched in July of 1976. So, after that, right? Wrong.
We first teased it on June 7th, 1976! (Volume 24, pages 12 and 13)
Electronic Design
Zilog Z80's first appearance in Electronic Design Magazine couldn't be more awesome. (Volume 24, Page 12)
Electronic Design and Zilog
Who doesn't love comparison tables? (Volume 24, Page 13).
This has to be one of the coolest processor launch advertisements I’ve ever seen. It was 1976 and they were talking about the “Battle of the 80’s.”
“Think of your next microcomputer as a weapon
against horrendous inefficiencies, outrageous costs
and antiquated speeds. We invite you to peruse this chart.”
You better believe I’d check out that chart.
It’s also quite bold to compare it to the 8080. It paid off.
“Gentleman, the choice of weapons is yours.”
I’d choose the Z80 myself. More powerful and cheaper. Done and done.
If you'd like to check out the full issue of Electronic Design where the above pages appeared, download it here:
Cabe is a Technology Editor for Electronic Design.
Engineer, Machinist, Cartoonist, Maker, Writer. A graduate Electrical Engineer actively plying his expertise in the industry and at his company, Gunhead. When not designing/building, he creates a steady torrent of projects and content in the media world. Many of his projects and articles are online at element14 & SolidSmack, industry-focused work at EETimes & EDN, and offbeat articles at Make Magazine. Currently, you can find him hosting webinars and contributing to Electronic Design and Machine Design.
