# Zilog

> American manufacturer of microprocessors

**Wikidata**: [Q203262](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q203262)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zilog)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zilog

## Summary
Zilog is an American manufacturer of microprocessors and microcontrollers founded in 1974 by Federico Faggin and Ralph Ungermann. Headquartered in San Jose, California, the company is renowned for creating the Z80 8-bit microprocessor, a highly successful CPU that powered early personal computers, game consoles, and embedded systems for nearly 50 years. Zilog operates within the semiconductor industry and is currently a subsidiary of Littelfuse and IXYS Corporation.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** 1974
- **Founders:** Federico Faggin and Ralph Ungermann
- **Headquarters:** San Jose, California, United States
- **Industry:** Semiconductor industry
- **Primary Product:** Zilog Z80 (8-bit microprocessor introduced in March 1976)
- **Other Key Products:** Z800, Z8000, Z180, Z380, Z80000, Z8 microcontroller
- **Ownership:** Owned by IXYS Corporation and Littelfuse
- **Classification:** American manufacturer of microprocessors; instance of business and enterprise
- **Notable Affiliate:** Masatoshi Shima (Japanese computer pioneer and Kyoto Prize winner)
- **Z80 Legacy:** Discontinued in 2024 after nearly 50 years of production; used in systems like the ZX Spectrum, Game Boy, and TRS-80.

## FAQs
**Who founded Zilog?**
Zilog was founded in 1974 by Federico Faggin, an Italian-American physicist and engineer who designed the first commercial microprocessor (Intel 4004), and Ralph Ungermann, an American entrepreneur and engineer.

**What is Zilog best known for?**
Zilog is best known for the Z80 microprocessor, an 8-bit CPU introduced in 1976 that became one of the most successful processors in history, powering iconic devices such as the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, Sega Master System, and Nintendo Game Boy.

**Where is Zilog located?**
The company is headquartered in San Jose, California, within the United States, a major hub for the semiconductor industry.

**What other processors did Zilog develop?**
In addition to the Z80, Zilog developed the Z800 and Z8000 (16-bit processors), the Z180 (8-bit successor), the Z380 (16/32-bit compatible), the Z80000 (32-bit), and the Z8 microcontroller.

**Who owns Zilog?**
Zilog is currently owned by IXYS Corporation, an American enterprise founded in 1983, and Littelfuse, an American electronic manufacturing company founded in 1927.

## Why It Matters
Zilog holds a critical place in computing history for democratizing access to computing power through its Z80 microprocessor. By providing a low-cost, powerful, and compatible alternative to contemporary chips, the Z80 enabled the proliferation of early personal computers, embedded systems, and the CP/M operating system ecosystem. The company's trajectory, founded by pioneers of the Intel 4004, illustrates the rapid evolution of semiconductor technology from 8-bit to 32-bit architectures. Zilog's continued development of compatible processors like the Z380 and embedded controllers like the Z8 demonstrates a long-term commitment to supporting legacy architectures while advancing integrated circuit design.

## Notable For
- **Z80 Longevity:** Manufacturing the Z80 for nearly 50 years before discontinuing it in 2024, making it one of the longest-produced 8-bit microprocessors.
- **Founding Pioneers:** Being established by Federico Faggin, inventor of silicon gate technology, and Ralph Ungermann.
- **Product Lineage:** Creating a comprehensive family of processors that evolved from 8-bit (Z80) to 16-bit (Z8000) and 32-bit (Z80000) architectures.
- **Embedded Systems:** Developing the Z8 microcontroller, a small computer on a single integrated circuit widely used in embedded applications.
- **Industry Affiliation:** Operating as a key subsidiary within the portfolios of major electronic manufacturers IXYS Corporation and Littelfuse.

## Body
### Founding and Leadership
Zilog was established in 1974 in San Jose, California, United States. The company was founded by Federico Faggin and Ralph Ungermann. Faggin, an Italian-American physicist and engineer, was previously responsible for designing the Intel 4004, the world's first commercial microprocessor, and inventing silicon gate technology. Ungermann was an American entrepreneur and engineer. The company also employed Masatoshi Shima, a Japanese computer pioneer and Kyoto Prize recipient known for his work at Intel and Busicom.

### The Z80 and 8-bit Architecture
Zilog's most significant product is the Z80, an 8-bit microprocessor introduced in March 1976. Designed as a compatible upgrade to the Intel 8080, the Z80 added approximately 80 new instructions and featured a built-in DRAM refresh controller. It became a dominant force in the industry, powering devices such as the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Sega Master System, and Nintendo Game Boy. The Z80 remained in continuous production for nearly 50 years before being discontinued in 2024.

### Processor Evolution and 16/32-bit Developments
Following the success of the Z80, Zilog expanded its product line to include more advanced architectures. The Z800 and Z8000 were developed as 16-bit successors to the Z80, with the Z8000 later archived at the Computer History Museum. The company continued to innovate with the Z180, an 8-bit successor to the Z80, and the Z380, a 16/32-bit processor that maintained backward compatibility with the Z80 instruction set. Zilog also entered the 32-bit market with the Z80000, designed as the successor to the Z8000.

### Microcontrollers and Integrated Circuits
Beyond general-purpose microprocessors, Zilog developed the Z8 microcontroller. The Z8 is a small computer on a single integrated circuit utilizing an 8-bit instruction set. It has been documented across multiple languages and serves as the basis for derivative works like the MME U88x. This product line highlights Zilog's role in the embedded systems sector.

### Corporate Structure and Ownership
Zilog operates within the semiconductor industry and is classified as a business and enterprise. Throughout its history, it has been integrated into larger corporate structures. The company is currently owned by IXYS Corporation, an American enterprise founded in 1983, and Littelfuse, an American electronic manufacturing company founded in 1927. These ownership positions place Zilog within a global network of electronic component manufacturing and distribution.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Source](http://www.linux-usb.org/usb.ids)
3. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
4. Quora