Introduction
The Sharp X1 turbo Z improved the graphics capabilities of the X1 platform yet again. The Turbo Z was released with a 4096 color analog RGB monitor. Lower resolution modes now allowed for 4096 colors on screen at the same time. The other improvement over the Turbo was that the disk drives now were high-density, doubling the storage capacity per disk.
The X1 Turbo Z had the following ports on the back:
- Composite video out
- Composite video in
- 6-pin DIN RGB Out
- TV Control (for use with special TVs)
- Analog RGB Out
- RC-connector for Video out
- RS-232C connector
- Floppy Disk connector
- Printer Connector
- Two standard joystick connectors
- Stereo Audio Out
- Two I/O slots
- Serial Keyboard Connector
- CMT TV Antenna connector
CPU View - Zilog Z80 Family
The Z80 quickly became popular in the personal computer market, with many early personal computers, such as the TRS-80 and Sinclair ZX80, using the Z80 as their central processing unit (CPU). It was also widely used in home computers, such as the MSX range, SORD, and the Amstrad CPC, as well as in many arcade games. Additionally, it was also used in other applications such as industrial control systems, and embedded systems. The Z80 was widely used until the mid-1980s, when it was gradually replaced by newer microprocessors such as the Intel 80286 and the Motorola 68000.
The Z80 microprocessor was developed by Zilog, a company founded by Federico Faggin in 1974. The Z80 was released in July 1976, as a successor to the Intel 8080. It was designed to be fully compatible with the 8080, but also included new features such as an improved instruction set, more powerful interrupts, and a more sophisticated memory management system.
The Z80 quickly became popular in the personal computer
VRAM: 48kB Sound Chip Yamaha YM2149 Software Controlled Sound Generator (SGG) Sound 3 FM Channels Display Chip none Display 320x200, 620x400
4096 colors Best Color 4096 colors Graphics 640x200 in 4096 colors Sprites none System OS Hu-BASIC, CP/M