# Motorola 68000

> microprocessor

**Wikidata**: [Q667808](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q667808)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_68000)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/motorola-68000

## Summary
The Motorola 68000 is a 16/32-bit microprocessor introduced in 1979, marking a significant advancement in computing architecture by offering a 32-bit data bus while maintaining backward compatibility with 16-bit systems. It was part of the Motorola 68000 family and served as a precursor to the Motorola 68010, becoming a foundational chip in early personal computers and workstations.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Introduced in 1979 by Motorola.
- **Architecture**: 16/32-bit design with a 32-bit data bus and 16-bit address bus.
- **Family**: Part of the Motorola 68000 family, which includes models like the 68LC040 and 68EC030.
- **Predecessor**: Succeeded the 8-bit Motorola 6800 microprocessor.
- **Successor**: Followed by the Motorola 68010 microprocessor.
- **Applications**: Used in systems like the HP Integral PC, Apple Lisa, and Macintosh SE.
- **Operating Systems**: Supported by CP/M, UCSD Pascal, and Classic Mac OS.
- **Fabrication**: Manufactured using a 3 µm lithography process.
- **Patent**: Patented under US4296469, with related documentation available.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Motorola 68000 used for?
A: The Motorola 68000 was used in early personal computers, workstations, and embedded systems, including the Apple Lisa, Macintosh SE, and HP Integral PC.

### Q: How did the Motorola 68000 differ from its predecessor, the 6800?
A: The 68000 was a 16/32-bit microprocessor, whereas the 6800 was an 8-bit processor, offering significant improvements in performance and architecture.

### Q: Which operating systems supported the Motorola 68000?
A: The Motorola 68000 supported operating systems like CP/M, UCSD Pascal, and Classic Mac OS, enabling compatibility with various software applications.

### Q: What was the significance of the Motorola 68000 in computing history?
A: The Motorola 68000 was a pivotal chip in the transition from 8-bit to 16/32-bit computing, influencing the design of early personal computers and workstations.

### Q: What was the fabrication process of the Motorola 68000?
A: The Motorola 68000 was fabricated using a 3 µm lithography process, reflecting the technology of its era.

## Why It Matters
The Motorola 68000 played a crucial role in the evolution of computing by introducing a 32-bit architecture that could handle more complex tasks than its 8-bit predecessors. Its backward compatibility with 16-bit systems allowed for a smoother transition, making it a key component in early personal computers and workstations. The chip’s design influenced the development of operating systems and software, shaping the trajectory of computing in the late 20th century. Its legacy is evident in the widespread use of its architecture in various systems, from calculators to high-performance workstations.

## Notable For
- **Architectural Innovation**: Pioneered the 16/32-bit design, balancing performance and compatibility.
- **Industry Impact**: Used in influential systems like the Apple Lisa and Macintosh SE, shaping early personal computing.
- **Operating System Support**: Enabled compatibility with multiple operating systems, including CP/M and Classic Mac OS.
- **Technological Transition**: Facilitated the shift from 8-bit to 16/32-bit computing, setting a standard for future processors.
- **Legacy**: Continued influence in embedded systems and as a foundational chip in early computing history.

## Body
### Overview
The Motorola 68000 is a 16/32-bit microprocessor introduced in 1979, designed to bridge the gap between 8-bit and 32-bit architectures. It featured a 32-bit data bus and a 16-bit address bus, allowing it to handle more complex operations while maintaining compatibility with existing 16-bit systems.

### Design and Architecture
The 68000 was part of the Motorola 68000 family, which included models like the 68LC040 and 68EC030. Its architecture included advanced features such as a 32-bit data bus, which enhanced performance, and a 16-bit address bus, which supported a larger memory space. The chip was fabricated using a 3 µm lithography process, reflecting the technology of its era.

### Applications and Compatibility
The Motorola 68000 was used in various systems, including the HP Integral PC, Apple Lisa, and Macintosh SE. It supported operating systems like CP/M, UCSD Pascal, and Classic Mac OS, enabling compatibility with a wide range of software applications. Its design also influenced the development of other microprocessors and operating systems.

### Legacy and Influence
The Motorola 68000’s legacy is evident in its widespread use in early personal computers and workstations. Its architectural innovations and compatibility features made it a foundational chip in computing history, influencing the design of future processors and systems.

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## References

1. [Source](http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102658109)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://patents.google.com/patent/US4566063A/en)
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
5. [Motorola 68000 – C64-Wiki](https://www.c64-wiki.de/wiki/Motorola_68000)