MOS 6502
Summary
From 1973, Charles Peddle worked for Motorola on the Motorola 6800 processor, sold at a bundle price of 300 USD. Peddle saw a gap in the market for cheaper processors, but Motorola’s management rejected his proposal. In 1974, he and several colleagues left to join MOS Technology. There, Peddle could pursue his idea after MOS appointed him to lead development of the 650x processor family.
The most famous representative is the MOS 6502, which has around 3500 transistors. This 8-bit microprocessor comes on the market for USD 25 – much cheaper than the then rival Motorola 6800 and Intel 8080. Accordingly, it is popular with many different computer but also home console manufacturers.
The first home computers to be implemented with the CPU are the KIM-1 and Commodore PET. In variations, the processor is even used in the Nintendo Entertainment System and other devices.
Examples of other uses
- Apple II
- Commodore VC-20
- Oric-1
- BBC Micro
- Various Atari 8-bit computers
The End of MOS Technology
In 1976, MOS was purchased by the computer manufacturer Commodore. After this company goes bankrupt again in 1994, MOS moves to GMT Microelectronics. However, this acquisition is not permanent either, as GMT 2001 has to close production facilities due to a groundwater contamination scandal. This is also true of MOS Technology.
Sources and further links
Connections in the collection
In the exhibition concept
- 2 CPUs for the mass market · Area B, Section 2