Home | AVR | FPGA | M680x | Zilog Z8 | Zilog Z80 | Hitachi SH | Transputer | Linux | DOS

The Z8 micro controller is an 8-bit CPU placed into a small pin count package where only its programmable I/O pins are bought out. All data and address busses are internal and do not exit the device. In the case of the Z86E04, or Z86E08, as used a lot here the package pin count is 18 pins.

These types of micro controllers are excellent choices for applications that do not need lots of memory space or I/O bits but do need flexibility and are programmable and adaptive. Applications such as keypads, display controllers, calculators, telephone displays, intruder alarms, car trip computers, and so on all make good candidate projects for this style of micro controller.

Small micro controllers, such as the Z8, also provide a place to be as creative as ever. The challenge is to cram as much functionality into the limited memory, and I/O pin count and still have it do the job.

So there is a lot of worth in these types of micro controllers even if it is nothing more than the "wow" factor.

This is a wire-wrapped prototype. A PCB does not exist for it yet.

Remote Keypad for alarms systems and combination locks

The firmware supplied will scan the 3*4 matrix keypad, decode it, convert it to ASCII, buffer it then send the code out the software controlled UART. Transmission format is 1200bps using with 8 bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit.

This is a wire-wrapped prototype. A PCB does not exist for it yet.

The firmware provides two methods to control information displayed on the LED display.

A Futaba VFD is used here, as supplied by Jaycar. Very little data exists to understand how it works encouraging this simple Data Sheet.

There are a series of different designs, shown here  which explore various methods to driving these type of VFD modules.

The z8 firmware provides two methods to control data displayed on the VFD.

(1) Direct control of each displayed digit through a 2400bps serial connection.

(2) Digital counter inputs.

Compiled using Zilog's Developer Studio 3.66

11 Digit Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) controller with RS232 serial communications. 
(2)

This variation is different to its predecessor due to the simpler 7805 linear voltage regulator used as its power supply section.

The schematic diagram and software have also been updated to suit a simpler PCB layout, even though two signal layers were still needed to achieve the job.

A Futaba VFD is used here, as supplied by Jaycar. Very little data exists to understand how it works encouraging this simple Data Sheet.

The z8 firmware provides two methods to control data displayed on the VFD.

(1) Direct control of each displayed digit through a 2400bps serial connection.

(2) Digital counter inputs.

Compiled using Zilog's Developer Studio 3.66

Z8 Alarm Clock

In this variation the board is loaded with firmware to deliver an Alarm Clock function. It uses all 11 digits to display both alarm and current time and shown in 24 hour format. It is set using push buttons attached to the I/O connectors.

An alarm event will set a single output driver in the hope of driving a larger load and remain on for ten minutes or until an allocated push button is pressed.

Nothing else needs to be added to it other than the push buttons and relay driver circuit.

Software is written in 'C' using Zilog's C compiler (DOS based) that is a free download from Zilog's Download page. Part number: Z8XXDOS0100ZCC and named OptiC Compiler 4.05 DOS Version (Z8/Z8Plus) This makes writing software for new applications much easier now.

Compiled using Zilog's OptiC

16 digit Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) controller with RS232 serial communications.

Also with this module very little data exists to understand how it works but I have worked some things out and produced a basic Data Sheet basic on it.

The firmware provides two methods to control information displayed on the VFD display.

Z8 General Purpose Board

There are four inputs and four high current outputs provided, in addition to an I2C interface.

Four Tap Garden Water Controller

Its purpose is to switch on, and off, each solenoid controlled valve to effectively manage water flow from eight user settable alarm events.

An 11 digit VFD is employed as the user interface device while three push buttons allow data input.

Current time is maintained by a battery backed Real Time Clock (RTC) in the event of main power failure.

Software is written in 'C' using Zilog's C compiler (DOS based) that is a free download from Zilog's Download page. Part number: Z8XXDOS0100ZCC and named OptiC Compiler 4.05 DOS Version (Z8/Z8Plus) This makes writing software for new applications much easier now.

Compiled using Zilog's OptiC