Program Challenge (was Re: z80 timing... 6502 timing) - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

19 Apr 1999

...
 This is a valid viewpoint, though I think, ultimately,
the question to be
answered pivots around which processor was potentially the most efficient of
all its resources, including time.  However, just the raw speed got a lot of
discussion.  In 1983, the 4MHz 6502 was "old hat" and the 8MHz Z-80H was
readily available.  However, AFAIK the peripherals for the Z-80H were not,
and, in fact, I didn't ever see them.  Somebody said they were out there at
some point, but I've never seen them offered for sale. 
Of course, in the "real world", there are many other considerations
to systems design other than processor speed and the "my CPU can beat
up your CPU" arguments that are familiar to us from our schoolyard days
(and seem to continue interminably here.)

This is, for example, why the number of 8051-descended CPU's that have 
been shipped in the past 20 years is in the billions.  (OK, very low 
billions, but it's there.)  (1 billion == 10**9, to not confuse the
folks who were educated outside the US of A.)

-- 
 Tim Shoppa                        Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com
 Trailing Edge Technology          WWW:   http://www.trailing-edge.com/
 7328 Bradley Blvd		   Voice: 301-767-5917
 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817           Fax:   301-767-5927