6800based

6800based is a designation used in retrocomputing to describe hardware, software, or projects built around the Motorola 6800 family of 8-bit microprocessors. The term covers the original 6800 CPU and its derivatives used in microcontrollers and embedded applications, as well as software designed to run on that architecture. 6800based systems typically feature an 8-bit data path with a 16-bit address space and support multiple addressing modes for interacting with memory and I/O.

The 6800 family emerged in the mid-1970s as a rival to other 8-bit CPUs such as the Intel 8080 and the Zilog Z80. It found use in a range of early microcomputers and embedded controllers, often in conjunction with peripheral chips such as the 6820 PIA to expand I/O capabilities.

In terms of design, 6800based implementations emphasize modularity and straightforward hardware interfaces. Programs are written in assembly language or compiled from higher-level languages available for the platform, with development facilitated by various assemblers and cross-compilers and by emulators that run 6800 code on modern hosts.

Today, 6800based remains of interest to retrocomputing communities. Emulation, FPGA cores, and preserved software libraries help maintain access to these systems for education, experimentation, and historical study.

Related topics include the Motorola 6800, the 6820 PIA, the 6809, and retrocomputing and emulation.

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