Zilog

Zilog, Inc. is an American semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microprocessors (CPUs), microcontrollers (MCUs), and application-specific embedded systems-on-chip (SoCs). Its products are used in a wide range of applications such as energy management, monitoring, metering, and motion detection, and it also provides single board computers, software tools, and development platforms to meet the diverse needs of embedded systems.

Zilog History: From Founding to Innovation

1974: Start-up phase

Zilog was founded in 1974 in California by Federico Faggin and Ralph Ungermann, who were later joined by Masatoshi Shima. They had worked on the Intel 4004 and 8080 microprocessors before deciding to go out on their own to build more efficient, lower-cost microprocessors.

1976: Birth of the Z80 Microprocessor

Zilog introduced the Z80 processor in 1976, compatible with the Intel 8080 and optimized in instruction set, memory architecture, and I/O design.
Zilog Z80 Processor Key Features:
8-bit microprocessor architecture
40-pin package
Supports up to 64KB of memory
Z80 instruction set of 158 instructions
5 MHz clock speed (up to 20 MHz in later versions)
Extensive I/O options for a wide range of applications
Z80 processors are widely used:
Home computers: ZX Spectrum, MSX, Tandy TRS-80, Amstrad CPC
Game consoles: ColecoVision, Sega Master System, Game Gear
Arcade: Pac-Man, Galaga, Scramble
Industrial equipment: POS terminals, medical instruments, measurement equipment
The Z80 quickly became a mainstream microprocessor in the late 1970s and early 1980s, helping to establish Zilog as a leader in the semiconductor industry.

1980-1990s: Expanding Product Lines and Corporate Change

1980: Zilog is acquired by ExxonMobil.
1989: Management buys back Zilog and makes it independent again.
1991: Zilog goes public in the U.S. and continues to expand its microprocessor and embedded control product lines.
1998: Acquired by Texas Pacific Group (TPG) for $527 million and re-privatized.
During this period, Zilog’s product line underwent several important changes. The company gradually shifted from the general-purpose microprocessor market to embedded systems and introduced several key products:
Z8000 series (16-bit processors): for more complex computing tasks.
Z80000 (32-bit microprocessor): Although attempting to enter the high-end market, it failed to achieve the desired success.
Zilog SCC (Serial Communication Controller): widely used in computer communication systems.
Although the Z8000 and Z80000 failed to achieve the desired market position, the experience also led Zilog to shift to the development of embedded microcontrollers (MCUs), focusing on the growing fields of industrial control, home appliances, and automotive electronics, which ultimately laid the foundation for its presence in these markets.

2000-Present: Focus on Embedded Microcontrollers and SoCs

In the 21st century, Zilog exited the general-purpose microprocessor market and shifted to embedded microcontrollers (MCUs), specialized SoCs, and embedded security with the introduction of the Z8 Encore!
Z8 Encore! — low-power 8-bit microcontrollers for a wide range of consumer electronics and industrial control applications.
ZNEO 16-bit MCUs — high-speed embedded processors for complex applications.
Z8051 Series MCUs — Compatible with 8051 instruction set for embedded development.
Crimzon Infrared MCUs — Specialized for smart remote control, supporting various infrared protocols.
ZGATE Embedded Security System — Provides MCU-level network security protection.
Zdots Single Board Computers — Integrated development platform supporting eZ80AcclaimPlus controllers.
Zilog has also developed the Zilog Developer Studio (ZDS) development tool to help embedded engineers quickly program and debug microcontroller products.

Mergers and Acquisitions and Current Status

2009: Zilog is acquired by IXYS Corporation for $62.4 million to expand embedded solutions.
2017: IXYS and Zilog are acquired by Littelfuse Inc. for $750 million.
Today, Zilog, a Littelfuse brand, continues to provide leading-edge embedded microcontrollers (MCUs), motion detection, wireless communications, and embedded security solutions for the smart home, industrial automation, security monitoring, and energy management.

Zilog Main Product Lines

✅ Embedded Microcontrollers (MCU) — Z8 Encore, ZNEO, Z8051
✅ Smart Home & Remote Control Systems — Crimzon IR MCUs
✅ Motion Detection & Automation — Zilog Motion Detection Modules
✅ Industrial & Energy Management — ZGATE Embedded Security Solutions
✅ Development Tools & Single Board Computers — Zdots SBC, Zilog Developer Studio

Kasuo is an authorized distributor of Zilog components and offers a wide range of Zilog Z80 processors, Zilog microcontrollers and related development kits to help you find the components you need quickly. If you don’t find what you are looking for on our website, please feel free to submit a request for a quote or give us a call and we will be happy to assist you.