Small Computer Central has released a new module kit, the SC730, for the 80pin-RCBus backplane which features the widely-used 8-bit Zilog Z80 CPU and a memory management unit.
The Zilog Z80 is an 8-bit microprocessor created to be compatible with the Intel 8080 microprocessor while offering more advanced features such as built-in DRAM refresh, a better interrupt system, and non-multiplexed buses. The Z80 microprocessor was widely used for various applications between the 70s and the 80s and is still quite popular among retro computing enthusiasts today.
Cousins’ SC730 module kit is designed to fit into an 80-pin socket on an RCBus backplane. The module is built to be used with a memory module as part of a complete computer system. The memory management unit (MMU) is compatible with a 1MB linear memory module such as the SC721. It maps a fixed 32KB bank of RAM to the top of the Z80’s 64KB memory map and one of the two 32KB banks of ROM/RAM to the bottom of the Z80’s 64KB memory map.
This memory configuration works well for running RomWBW (a ROM-based implementation of CP/M), traditional CP/M 2.2, or any other operating system that does not use more than 64KB of memory.
We recently covered the CERBERUS 2100 which features the Z80 microprocessor with a Western Design Center 6502 CPU and a Microchip AVR processor.
SC730 module specifications:
- CPU – Z80 microprocessor
- 1x 7.3728 MHz clock oscillator
- 1x Memory Management Unit (MMU)
- Suitable memory for running RomWBW and CP/M
- Compatible with RCBus-Z80 (80-pin bus)
In related news, Zilog has discontinued the Z80 CPU, and associated products. Last-time orders will be received manually till June 14, 2024. Later variations such as the Zilog eZ80 and Z180 should remain in production. More information can be found in the embedded tweet below.
The end of an era #Zilog #Z80 pic.twitter.com/vOsMDlIOID
— Óscar Toledo G. (@nanochess) April 19, 2024
The SC730 kit is priced at $34 on Tindie and is available in five color variants. If you are interested in the board, it’d be best to snatch one up before they are out of stock. You can learn more about the RCBus specification and designing your own RCBus computer in Small Computer Central’s blog post.
Tomisin is a writer specializing in hardware product reviews, comparisons, and explainers. He is very passionate about small form factor and single-board computers.
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