# MOS Technology 8563

> integrated circuit

**Wikidata**: [Q337297](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q337297)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOS_Technology_8563)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mos-technology-8563

## Summary
The MOS Technology 8563 is an integrated circuit video display controller developed by MOS Technology in 1985. It was primarily used in the Commodore 128 computer to provide advanced graphics capabilities beyond what the C64's VIC-II could offer.

## Key Facts
- Developed by MOS Technology and released in 1985
- Used as the video display controller in the Commodore 128 computer
- Also known by aliases including 8563 Video Display Controller, 8563 VDC, and MOS Technologies VDC
- Classified as a video display controller and integrated circuit model
- Succeeded by the MOS Technology 8568 graphics processor
- Has Wikipedia articles in German, English, Italian, and Polish
- Has a C64-Wiki ID of VDC
- Freebase ID: /m/034lzq

## FAQs
### Q: What computer used the MOS Technology 8563?
A: The MOS Technology 8563 was primarily used in the Commodore 128 computer as its video display controller.

### Q: When was the MOS Technology 8563 developed?
A: The MOS Technology 8563 was developed and released in 1985 by MOS Technology.

### Q: What is the successor to the MOS Technology 8563?
A: The MOS Technology 8568 graphics processor succeeded the 8563, also released in 1985.

## Why It Matters
The MOS Technology 8563 represents an important advancement in home computer graphics technology during the mid-1980s. As the video display controller for the Commodore 128, it enabled more sophisticated visual capabilities than previous Commodore systems, helping bridge the gap between home computers and more advanced graphics workstations of the era. The 8563 allowed the Commodore 128 to display higher resolution graphics and more colors than its predecessor, the C64, making it particularly valuable for productivity software, business applications, and more advanced gaming. Its development by MOS Technology (which was owned by Commodore) demonstrates the company's commitment to improving their product line and maintaining competitiveness in the evolving home computer market.

## Notable For
- Served as the primary video display controller for the Commodore 128, one of Commodore's most advanced home computers
- Provided enhanced graphics capabilities compared to the VIC-II chip used in the Commodore 64
- Developed during a pivotal period when home computers were transitioning to more advanced graphics capabilities
- Represented MOS Technology's continued innovation in integrated circuit design for the computer industry
- Had multilingual Wikipedia presence, indicating its significance in computing history

## Body
### Technical Specifications and Design
The MOS Technology 8563 was designed as a video display controller integrated circuit, specifically engineered to handle the graphical output requirements of more advanced computer systems. As a video display controller, it managed the rendering of text and graphics on screen, handling tasks such as timing, synchronization, and memory addressing for display purposes.

### Role in Commodore 128
The 8563 was specifically chosen for use in the Commodore 128, which was positioned as a high-end successor to the extremely popular Commodore 64. The chip enabled the C128 to offer enhanced graphics modes and capabilities that distinguished it from its predecessor, making it more suitable for business applications and advanced software that required better visual presentation.

### Development Context
Released in 1985, the 8563 came at a time when the home computer industry was rapidly evolving. The mid-1980s saw increasing demand for better graphics capabilities as computers found new applications in desktop publishing, business software, and more sophisticated games. MOS Technology's development of the 8563 reflected the industry's response to these changing needs.

### Relationship to Other MOS Technology Products
The 8563 was part of MOS Technology's broader portfolio of integrated circuits for the computer industry. It was followed by the MOS Technology 8568 graphics processor in the same year, suggesting a rapid development cycle and continuous improvement in graphics technology during this period. Both chips share the 1985 inception date, indicating they were likely developed as part of the same technological push.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013