Revision as of 16:57, 18 November 2016

AMD Am9080
Am9080
Developer	Intel
Manufacturer	AMD
Type	Microprocessors
Production	1975
ISA	8080
Word size	8 bit 1 octets 2 nibbles
Technology	nMOS
Clock	500 kHZ-4 MHz
Package	DIP-40, CerDIP-40
Succession
	→
	Am8086

Am9080 was a family of 8-bit microprocessors reverse-engineered clones of the Intel 8080 introduced by AMD in 1975.

History

AMD began manufacturing their version of Intel's 8080 in 1975 after reverse-engineering an original off-the-shelf i8080, decapping it, and taking pictures of the die using a microscope^[1]. Work was undertaken by Shawn Hailey and Kim Hailey. In 1976 AMD entered into a cross-licensing agreement with Intel granting them authorization to become a second source. The agreement granted each other the nonexclusive right to manufacture, use, and sell any product covered by any patents of the other party. Additionally the agreement released each other from any liability for past infringements. AMD paid Intel $325K ($25K during signing and $75K/year thereafter)^[2]. The agreement was later expanded in 1982 which grew to incorporate the x86 family of microprocessors and which later grew into legal dispute that lasted until 1996^[2].

Architecture

Main article: MCS-80

The Am9080 is a reverse-engineered clone of the Intel 8080 and is thus architecturally identical. It's interesting to note that AMD's chip is significantly smaller die than Intel's own 8080 (in fact it's the densest 8080 produced).

Die Shot

• Am9080 Die Shot
• Die Size 0.132" x 0.17"
• Pin 11 is connected to the substrate

Identification

Members

Microprocessors

Support Chips

Document

Datasheets

• AM9080 Datasheet, 1980
• 8080A/Am9080A Datasheet; Publication # 04123; Rev B; Adendment /0; May 1987

Other

• An Emulation of the Am9080A; 1978.

See also

• MCS-80
• 8080

References