23 Nov
2023
23 Nov
'23
4:49 a.m.
On 11/22/23 19:08, ben via cctalk wrote:
for the most common sequences being shorter. 8 bit
bytes only give space
for byte or word instructions, not both. Prefix bytes are good
compromise with the segmented 64K memory space. Data and code space are
optimized for 16 bits. You want 32 bits, buy a 432. Still only 64Kb
segments.
If we're talking technical merits among contemporary designs, I'd say
that the Zilog Z8000 was the better choice compared to the 8086 (both
were introduced within months of one another). But Zilog was operating
under the Exxon mis-management at the time, and nobody was sure about
the company's survival. There were translation programs from Z80 to Z8000.
-Chuck