Yet another Z80 Computer Project…

So I’m doing a Z80 based computer, as any Nerd should 🙂 

The specs:

CPU Z80A @ 4MHz
ROM 8 KB
RAM 8 KB (Expandable to 64 KB)
I/O:  
Serial SIO/2 with CTC controlled BAUD rate on individual channels.
O/S TBA (ROM Monitor, Basic and/or CP/M)

Current status: 

CPU, RAM, ROM and CTC implemented and fully working. 

Upcoming (Soon):

  • SIO/2 to be implemented and tested.
  • ROM Monitor to be written.

Upcoming (Later):

  • Additional hardware.
  • BASIC in ROM.
  • More RAM (min. 20 KB)
  • ROM Disable mechanism for CP/M.
  • Mass Storage (Tape, Disk)
  • CP/M Bios and friends.

Design Philosophy: 

Most Z80 projects use “modern” components, i.e. large S-RAMs and Microcontrollers for handling various tasks. I’ve decided to use only components that would have been available in the days of the Microcomputer – late seventies to early eighties – the CPU for example is 1983 vintage. The most modern component I’ve used so far is a Lattice 16V8 GAL for I/O Decoding and an Atmel 28C64B EEPROM for the ROM, for ease of development, that one WILL be replaced with a proper 2764 when done.

Implementation

All circuitry has been done with point-to-point soldered Wire-wrap wire on IC-friendly stripboard (This kind.) The “Mainboard” contains the CPU (Z80A), ROM, and RAM (U6264 S-RAM), Reset circuitry (T7705 Supply-Voltage Monitor), Clock and Glue Logic (74LS series components.) The I/O board is connected thru an “I/O Bus” by a 34 pin ribbon cable. The I/O Board has the CTC and SIO/2 with Address decoding provided by a Lattice 16V8 GAL. The Serial port Layout is pretty much the one found in the Regnecentralen RC702 “Piccolo.” (I prefer the RC Piccoline, but that was a 80186 machine.)