Issue
139 February 2002
eZ
Embedded Web
by
Tom Cantrell
Better
Late Than Later
I
find the eZ80 an intriguing alternative in the spectrum
of traditional options. Compared to 8-bit chips, it has
more ALU and MAC horsepower and a particular advantage
of handling 64-KB and beyond addressing in a straightforward
manner. At the same time, the high-integration, 8-bit
data bus and good-old-days code density make for a lower
sticker price and better memory mileage than a 32-bit
chip. That’s the good news. My only complaint is that
Zilog should have introduced the eZ80 to the market about
five years ago.
I
don’t think it’s too late for the chip to make waves,
but it does mean Zilog can’t let up. For instance, I hear
there’s a version in the works that will integrate a bunch
of flash memory and an Ethernet port. That chip is a must,
not only to keep up with the pack but also to assure people
designing with the eZ80 today that there’s a clean upgrade
path for tomorrow.
While
they’re at it, how about a version with a built-in modem?
That sounds like a good way to put the MAC unit to work,
and Zilog and the Z80 are certainly no strangers to the
modem business.
The
old Captain has been through tough times before and no
doubt will face them again. Life hasn’t been eZ, his cape
is a little worn and the tights are drooping a bit. But
he still packs a decent punch and, above all, never, ever
gives up. I like that.
