Z80derived

Z80derived is a term often used to refer to microprocessors that are based on the architecture of the Zilog Z80 CPU. The Z80, released in 1976, was a highly successful 8-bit microprocessor that became a cornerstone of many early personal computers and embedded systems. Its popularity stemmed from its efficient instruction set, full-duplex serial I/O, and relatively low cost.

Processors derived from the Z80 often retain much of its core instruction set and register structure, allowing for a high degree of software compatibility. These derived chips might introduce improvements such as higher clock speeds, reduced power consumption, or the integration of additional peripherals like timers, memory controllers, or enhanced I/O capabilities. In some cases, manufacturers would create drop-in replacements that could be used in existing Z80-based designs with minimal modification. Other derived processors might represent more significant departures, adding new instructions or addressing modes while still maintaining a lineage to the Z80. The concept of a "Z80-derived" processor acknowledges the enduring influence and architectural foundation laid by the original Z80.