Hi

Z380 is a new powerfull microprocessor 32bit with Z80 compatibility mode...

Then, the new Sprinter Generation could be have...

- Z380 CPU
- USB
- PCI
- More support of other architectures such as MSX1, MSX2, MSX2+, MSX TR...
...

PCI and USB isnt necesary... but...

The Z380 has a major weakness. It can only run in one mode at a time and must be reset to change modes. Also, when it is in Z80 compatibility mode it can only run in the bottom 64K of memory. This means the larger address bus is useless if you want to run Spectrum code as it is legacy Z80 code and only runs in the first 64K of memory. Sure, you can make a custom Z380 based computer that runs in "enhanced" mode, but older software will not run on it as long as it is in enhanced mode.

In other words, the only advantage the Z380 offers to Sprinter or Spectrum enthuisiasts is a 16 bit data bus. The Z380 does not use the top 16 bits of the address bus in Z80 mode.

Besides, the Z380 is being phased out by ZiLOG. It is old technology and not as new and powerful as you may think.

Rich



"Did you ever feel everone else are tuxedos and you were just a pair of brown shoes?"

Yes, you are right. We knew about Z380 when we developed Sprinter. But this processor is not produce any more. Zilog sells only that was already produced. And this reason has not allowed to find stable delivery ways in Russia. Another processor eZ80 was only a project. And we have chosen Z80, It's a most popular and has full compatible with Z80-based computers.
Also Sprinter has PLD where can be implemented some hardware. For example, we had work for Forth-CPU, that can be put in the Sprinter PLD.