# MOS 6501

> microprocessor

**Wikidata**: [Q1151472](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1151472)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mos-6501

## Summary
The MOS 6501 is a microprocessor developed and manufactured by MOS Technology. First commercialized in 1975, it is the predecessor to the MOS Technology 6502. It is classified as a computer processor contained on an integrated-circuit chip.

## Key Facts
*   **Entity Type:** Microprocessor (a computer processor on an integrated-circuit chip).
*   **Developer & Manufacturer:** MOS Technology.
*   **Commercialization Date:** 1975.
*   **Successor:** The MOS 6501 was replaced by the MOS Technology 6502.
*   **Also Known As:** 6501; MOS 테크놀로지 6501; تقنية أم أو أس ٦٥٠١.
*   **Global Presence:** The entity has documented sitelinks in at least six languages (Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Korean, Polish, and Chinese).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the MOS 6501?
A: The MOS 6501 is a microprocessor produced by MOS Technology. It functions as a computer processor contained within a single integrated-circuit chip.

### Q: When was the MOS 6501 released?
A: The MOS 6501 was commercialized in 1975.

### Q: What replaced the MOS 6501?
A: The MOS 6501 was replaced by the MOS Technology 6502.

## Why It Matters
The MOS 6501 represents a critical early step in the history of personal computing hardware. Developed by MOS Technology in 1975, this microprocessor served as the direct predecessor to the MOS Technology 6502. While the 6502 is widely renowned for its role in powering major systems like the Apple II, NES, Commodore 64, and Atari 2600, the 6501 was the initial offering that established MOS Technology's presence in the microprocessor market. Its development and subsequent replacement by the 6502 highlight the rapid evolution of semiconductor technology during the mid-1970s that eventually drove down computing costs and enabled the home computer revolution.

## Notable For
*   **Classification:** It is a distinct instance of a microprocessor, defined as a computer processor on an integrated-circuit chip.
*   **Timeline:** Marks MOS Technology's entry into the processor market in 1975.
*   **Lineage:** It is the direct architectural predecessor to the MOS Technology 6502, one of the most important processors in computer history.
*   **Manufacturer:** Represents a key product from MOS Technology during the formative years of the PC industry.

## Body
### Overview and Development
The MOS 6501 is a microprocessor created by MOS Technology. As a microprocessor, it is defined as a computer processor where the data processing logic and control are contained on a single integrated-circuit chip. The device was brought to market in 1975.

### Succession and Replacement
The 6501 is historically significant for its direct relationship to the MOS Technology 6502. Structured data confirms that the MOS 6501 was "replaced by" the MOS Technology 6502. This succession indicates that the 6501 served as the initial design or offering that was eventually superseded by the more widely adopted 6502 model. Contextual sources regarding the 6502 suggest this line of processors played a pivotal role in the creation of the PC industry, surviving significant market challenges such as legal competition from Motorola.

## References

1. [MOS 6502: la historia detrás del procesador del Apple II, NES, Commodore 64 y Atari 2600 que permitió crear la industria del PC](https://www.adslzone.net/2018/05/17/mos-6502/)
2. [MOS 6502, el microprocesador de éxito que sobrevivió a una demanda de Motorola](https://parceladigital.com/2018/11/12/mos-6502)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013