# Motorola 68000 family

> series of microprocessors

**Wikidata**: [Q937498](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q937498)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_68000_series)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/motorola-68000-family

## Summary
The Motorola 68000 family is a series of 32-bit microprocessors introduced by Motorola in 1979, widely used in early personal computers, workstations, and embedded systems. It formed the basis for the 68k architecture, known for its CISC design and influence on 1980s–1990s computing. Key models include the 68000, 68020, and 68040, powering devices like the Apple Lisa and Macintosh.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: 1979 (Motorola 68000).
- **Architecture**: 32-bit CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) design.
- **Notable Models**: 68000, 68010, 68020, 68030, 68040, 68060, and variants like the 68EC020.
- **Related Hardware**: Supported by the 68881 floating-point coprocessor and 68451 memory management unit.
- **Applications**: Used in the Apple Lisa, Macintosh SE, Macintosh XL, and other computers.
- **Legacy**: Influenced platforms like the Atari ST, Commodore Amiga, and Sega Genesis.
- **Classification**: Instance of "model series" and subclass of "microprocessor".

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Motorola 68000 family first released?
A: The original Motorola 68000 microprocessor was introduced in 1979.

### Q: What devices used the Motorola 68000 family?
A: Notable systems include the Apple Lisa (1983), Macintosh computers, Atari ST, and Commodore Amiga.

### Q: What is the 68k architecture?
A: The 68k architecture refers to the instruction set and design of the Motorola 68000 series, known for its 32-bit registers and CISC implementation.

## Why It Matters
The Motorola 68000 family played a pivotal role in the evolution of personal computing and embedded systems. Its 32-bit architecture provided a balance of performance and efficiency, making it a preferred choice for early graphical user interface (GUI) systems like the Apple Lisa and Macintosh. The 68k platform also drove innovation in gaming consoles (e.g., Sega Genesis) and multimedia workstations (e.g., Atari ST, Amiga), fostering software development in the 1980s and 1990s. Its modular design, supporting coprocessors like the 68881 for floating-point operations, extended its versatility across industries. The 68000 series influenced subsequent processor designs and remains a benchmark in computer history for its impact on both hardware and software ecosystems.

## Notable For
- **32-bit CISC Architecture**: Combined 32-bit internal registers with a 16-bit external bus for cost-effective performance.
- **Modular Design**: Supported optional coprocessors (e.g., 68881 FPU) and memory management units (e.g., 68451).
- **Cross-Industry Adoption**: Powered diverse systems, from desktop computers to gaming consoles and medical devices.
- **Longevity**: Spanned multiple decades with incremental upgrades (e.g., 68040, 68060) maintaining backward compatibility.

## Body
### Architecture
- **CISC Design**: Emphasized complex instructions for efficient code density.
- **32-bit Registers**: Enabled advanced computational capabilities for its era.
- **Bus Width**: Early models (e.g., 68000) used a 16-bit external data bus, later expanded to 32-bit in the 68020.

### Key Models
- **68000 (1979)**: The original 32-bit processor with a 16-bit bus.
- **68020 (1984)**: Introduced a full 32-bit bus and improved performance.
- **68040 (1990)**: Integrated FPU and MMU, enhancing multitasking and graphics processing.
- **68060 (1994)**: Final major iteration with enhanced clock speeds and power management.

### Applications
- **Personal Computers**: Apple Lisa, Macintosh, Atari ST, Commodore Amiga.
- **Embedded Systems**: Used in automotive, aerospace, and telecommunications equipment.
- **Gaming Consoles**: Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) relied on a 68000 derivative.

### Legacy
- **Software Impact**: Early operating systems (e.g., Mac OS, AmigaOS) and applications were optimized for 68k processors.
- **Decline**: Superseded by RISC architectures (e.g., PowerPC) and x86 processors by the late 1990s.

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## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File