In a recent Product Change Notification, Zilog (now owned by Littelfuse) has officially announced the End of Life for a range of Z80 products, including the Z84C00 range and peripherals like the Z84C10 MPUs. This decision will impact hobbyists and retro enthusiasts who rely on these components to keep their vintage systems running. The last orders for these products can be placed until June 14th, 2024, after which they may become scarce and only available from unofficial sources.
After nearly 48 years since its launch in 1976, the Zilog Z80 will no longer be available as discrete components, marking the end of an era for many retro computing fans. While this may pose challenges for those looking to build or repair Z80-based systems, the eZ80 will continue to be produced for the foreseeable future. The nostalgia and historical significance of the Z80, 6502, and 8051 architectures will live on, even as newer technologies take their place in the industry.
As the availability of Z80 components dwindles, enthusiasts will face a tougher time breadboarding their own Z80-based microcomputers due to the lack of easy-to-find DIP packages. Despite this, the legacy of these classic architectures is unlikely to fade away completely, ensuring that the spirit of retro computing continues to inspire future generations of tinkerers and hobbyists.