The Z8470APSZ80A-DART is a Dual Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (DART) peripheral device from Zilog, designed to enhance serial communication capabilities in embedded systems. It is part of the Z80 family of microprocessors and provides two independent full-duplex channels for transmitting and receiving data asynchronously.

Applications:

• Industrial control systems
• Point-of-sale (POS) terminals
• Data acquisition systems
• Communication controllers
• Modems and other serial communication devices
• Embedded systems requiring multiple serial ports

Features:

• Two independent full-duplex channels: Allows simultaneous transmission and reception of data on two separate serial ports.
• Programmable baud rate generator: Provides a wide range of baud rates to support various communication standards.
• Parity generation and checking: Ensures data integrity by detecting errors during transmission.
• Framing error detection: Identifies invalid data frames caused by timing discrepancies.
• Overrun error detection: Prevents data loss due to buffer overflow.
• Interrupt control: Generates interrupts to signal the host processor when data is received or transmitted.
• Multi-drop mode: Enables communication with multiple devices on a single serial line.
• Automatic wake-up mode: Reduces power consumption by enabling the device to enter a low-power state when inactive.
• Z80 bus compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with Z80-based systems.
• 40-pin DIP/SMD package: Offers flexible mounting options.

Benefits:

• Increased serial communication capacity: Provides two independent serial channels, expanding the communication capabilities of the system.
• Improved data integrity: Parity generation and checking ensure reliable data transmission.
• Reduced processor overhead: Interrupt control allows the processor to focus on other tasks while the DART handles serial communication.
• Enhanced flexibility: Programmable baud rate generator supports a wide range of communication standards.
• Simplified system design: Z80 bus compatibility facilitates easy integration with existing Z80-based systems.
• Lower power consumption: Automatic wake-up mode reduces power consumption in inactive periods.

Additional Details:

The Z8470APSZ80A-DART supports various asynchronous communication protocols, including RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485. It includes internal registers for configuring the communication parameters, such as baud rate, parity, and data format. The device typically operates from a single +5V power supply. It is often used in conjunction with other Z80 peripherals, such as PIOs and CTCs, to create a complete embedded system. The “Z80A” designation indicates a specific clock speed rating, typically 4 MHz. The device is often used in legacy industrial equipment and embedded control systems where robust and reliable serial communication is required.