Robotron 5120.16 - 16 bit system
The original A 5120 had two U880 (Zilog Z80 clone) 8-bit processors, running at 2.25 MHz or 2.5 MHz. One was dedicated to I/O, while the other was used for normal work. Each was capable of about 625,000 operations per second. It normally came with 16KB of RAM, but a few units shipped with less. When higher-capacity DRAM chips became available, most units shipped with at least 64KB, and some with as much as 112KB.
The A 5120.16 upgrade included two new circuit boards, one with a 16-bit U8001 processor (clone of Zilog Z8000), and the other with 256KB of additional RAM. The original 8-bit system functioned as a terminal to the 16-bit system.
CPU View - U8001, a 16-bit East German Z8000 clone
The U8001 was an East German 16-bit microprocessor developed as a clone of the Zilog Z8000, and it was used in the Eastern Bloc, particularly in later versions of the Robotron computers. Manufactured by VEB Mikroelektronik “Karl Marx†Erfurt under the Kombinat Mikroelektronik, the U8001 played a key role in providing affordable computing power to East German industries, educational institutions, and government agencies during the Cold War, where access to Western microprocessors was restricted.
U8001 - Technical Specifications and Architecture
The U8001 replicated the architecture of the Z8000, featuring the same instruction set as the Z8000, making it fully compatible with Z8000-based software, which was critical for Eastern Bloc countries to use or adapt existing software and hardware designs originally developed for the Z8000. The U8001 maintained the Z8000’s dual-register set and sophisticated interrupt handling, which made it suitable for multitasking and other more complex operations than earlier 8-bit processors.U8001 - Applications and Use Cases
The U8001 found its primary use in East German computers, particularly the Robotron 5120.16A and other models intended for office automation, education, and scientific applications. These computers ran on custom operating systems, such as SCP (System Control Program), which were influenced by CP/M, making it feasible to adapt software from Western platforms for Eastern Bloc use. The U8001's compatibility with the Z80/Z8000 instruction set allowed developers to port software with minimal adaptation, giving users access to essential applications like word processors, database systems, and programming languages, even in a restricted technology environment.U8001 - Performance and Historical Significance
While the U8001 was essentially identical to the Z8000 in performance, its production marked a significant achievement for the Eastern Bloc’s microelectronics industry, demonstrating their capability to reverse-engineer and produce a reliable microprocessor without direct access to Western technology. Despite its limitations compared to later processors, the U8001 was pivotal in meeting the computing needs of East Germany, contributing to sectors ranging from industrial automation to military applications.ROM: 16kB Sound Chip none Sound Simple built in beeper Display Chip need info Display need info Best Text 40x24 Best Color need info Graphics need info Sprites n/a System OS SCP (CP/M clone) Storage Magnetic Cassette & 5.25" Disk Drive (later models)