Zilog Announces End of Life for Z80 Products
Z80: A Journey of 48 Years Comes to an End
After capturing the hearts of technology enthusiasts for nearly five decades, Zilog, formerly owned by Littelfuse, has announced the End of Life for a range of Z80 products. This includes virtually all of the Z84C00 range, including the popular Z84C10 range of MPUs. The official statement was made by Zilog in a recent Product Change Notification (PCN) on April 15. The announcement marks the end of an era for hobbyists and individuals who cherish retro systems.
Z80: The Discontinued Components
In their PCN, Zilog highlighted that the Z84C00 products, covering a wide range of Z80 components, will soon be unavailable for purchase. Additionally, several peripherals, such as the Z84C10 MPUs, will also be discontinued. Online sources like Mouser have already labeled these products as End of Life (EoL), and the last orders for them can be placed until June 14, 2024. After this date, those seeking these components may need to explore options like EBay or rely on luck to find old-new-stock tucked away in the depths of a forgotten warehouse.
A Glimmer of Hope: The eZ80
While the Z84C00 range faces its final curtain call, Zilog reassures enthusiasts that this is not the end for the Z80 architecture. The eZ80, a successor to the original Z80, will continue to be produced for the foreseeable future. However, users should note that the eZ80 will not be available in drop-in DIPs, adding an additional challenge to breadboarding one’s own Z80-based microcomputer.
The Legacy Lingers
The news of the Z80’s departure from the market may evoke a wistful sentiment for technology connoisseurs and nostalgic enthusiasts. Despite the discontinuation of Z80 components, it is important to remember that the eZ80 and other revered architectures, such as the 6502 and 8051, will continue to endure. These pioneering designs have left an indelible mark on the realm of microprocessors, sparking a multitude of innovations and inspiring generations to push the boundaries of technology.
Acknowledgments
We extend our gratitude to Techokami, who brought this significant announcement to our attention. Stay tuned for further updates on the evolving technology landscape.
