Limited Stock

ZILOG Z80A PIO 4 MHz PROGRAMMABLE PARALLEL I/O CONTROLLER DIP-40 VINTAGE ARCADE IC

Arcade Game Electronics & Parts • SKU RFB00592

$12.99

Original vintage Zilog Z80A PIO Programmable Input/Output controller in a 40-pin plastic DIP package. This device is part of the classic Z80 peripheral family and provides two programmable 8-bit parallel I/O ports for interfacing a Z80 processor system with external hardware.

LIFECYCLE STATUS: OBSOLETE.

The Z80A version is intended for the 4 MHz Z80A system family. Later Zilog documentation identifies this PIO family under the Z8420 series. The device is a peripheral interface controller and is not the Z80 CPU itself.

Package markings include ZILOG, Z-80A PIO and 7917 PS. The 7917 marking appears consistent with a 1979 production date code, making this an early Z80-era component.

This listing and price are for one IC.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

The Zilog Z80 architecture became one of the most influential 8-bit microprocessor families of the late 1970s and 1980s. Along with the Z80 CPU, Zilog produced companion devices including the PIO, SIO, CTC and DMA controllers so complete computer and control systems could be built around the Z80 bus architecture.

The Z80 PIO was designed to provide programmable parallel communication between the processor and external devices. Z80-family hardware appeared extensively in early computers, industrial controllers, communications equipment, embedded systems and coin-operated arcade-era electronics.

Original early-production Zilog peripherals are useful for period-correct repair and restoration where maintaining the original Z80-family architecture is important.