Production when?? For real.

The binaries are not available for the existing parts.

The binaries are locked in the internal flash and can not be moved.

I am confused on your question for production when?
We are ready to fulfill orders as they come in and build when necessary.

OK, since ZGate is just a software upgrade (NOT new hardware), it would have been nice to be able to upgrade our existing ez80F91's already in inventory or in the field. Zilog has guaranteed that can't happen now. Talk about doing it the hard way.

From our side that would mean we'd have to have two sets of software if we wanted to use the features in the new code - one for the ZGate style and one for the Non-ZGate - and all for the exact same end-product. Try telling our customers the new software requires them to spend $3,800 on a new device in order to replace the a chip that has 25 cents worth of software loaded onto it. I'll hand you the phone <Laughing>.

Or we would have have to tell our customers to that if they want to upgrade, they have to send in their boards to do a software upgrade, because the software has to be soldered onto the PC board. After we've spent $$$$ on developing a rugged flash loader for software upgrades at any time under any condition for a device that is located 275 miles offshore on an un-manned oil rig.

Good grief - what are you guys thinking??

Jim Granville wrote:
Shame - That's a brave call - coming late to a party, with a Niche core.. What IS the point of difference then ?
Niche core? The eZ80 is a strong core. In an age of RISC, it's an enhanced CISC.

And unlike everyone else the development tools are completely free, unlike competitors that have free tools but you have to pay for an optimizing compiler.

BusyBuilder wrote:
Jim Granville wrote:
Shame - That's a brave call - coming late to a party, with a Niche core.. What IS the point of difference then ?
Niche core? The eZ80 is a strong core. In an age of RISC, it's an enhanced CISC.

And unlike everyone else the development tools are completely free, unlike competitors that have free tools but you have to pay for an optimizing compiler.

The devices being discussed at that point, are the new Encore parts which I think do not have eZ80 cores, but the Z8-Encoire.

Feedback is appreciated and interesting. In keeping with our promise to provide the facts why Zilog decides to do something whenever possible, we can use this as an example.

While Zilog is rebuilding our brand/value (however you want to view it) and adding new MCU offerings like the new Encore 6482 or Z8051 cores, we must still breathe some fresh life into existing products to stay relevant (or at least attempt to) in an ever changing industry. The past is the past, this team cannot change that. We can set the pace and direction of where Zilog goes now. It’s why we started the forum, re-surfaced the newsletter and other ways to start reaching out and communication with our customers. From my personal perspective it should have never faltered, and that is why we are honestly listening now. We may not always seem to get it but I am more than happy to explain why, whether it was due to resources, budgets, or strategic decision.

ZMOTION was a good example of that by embedding some useful software that is well suited for specific applications, in that case it was motion sensing and control. Note this differentiated combination now is taking off for us and it has achieving the goal of winning new designs.

In regards to ZGATE Embedded Security solution being mentioned here, true enough we are leveraging the F91 existing hardware and taking unique security software to create a new type of platform that Zilog previously had no play in….The plan was to open potential new markets for Zilog with this offering.

Important to note that ZGATE is not just about the F91, we have in plan “other types” of embedded security software(s) that will be a part of the ZGATE Security family but not necessary be using F91, next target may well be using the ZNEO MCU.

This move was really more about creating a new solution family for Zilog, leveraging either internal or external embedded SW layers. The current offering is restricted to only use/sell this particular software as an embedded solution. Zilog does not have the right to provide or license the stand-a-lone software as a product. Obviously, as we worked with the company their model was very different and we had to do a good bit of work to create a suitable embedded match to microcontroller.

Hope that helps explain the thought and decision made. As a company Zilog continues working for your business, maybe everything doesn't come out perfectly articulated but we definitely value your feedback!


Steve Darrough
IXYS Corporation - Zilog Inc.
Vice President of Marketing
Mobile: 408-644-6534
email: sdarrough@zilog.com
website: www.zilog.com
website: www.ixys.com