MOS Technology 6502

	MOS 6502 registers
	Main registers
	Index registers
	Program counter
PC	Program Counter
	Status register

The MOS Technology 6502 is an 8-bit microprocessor monolithic integrated circuit introduced in 1975 that was originally developed by a team led by the engineer Chuck Peddle at MOS Technology (later purchased by Commodore).

It was second-sourced by other companies such as California Micro Devices (GTE Microcircuits), Rockwell, and Synertek. Western Design Center (WDC) first developed a CMOS version, which is still in production as of 2019. In addition, several implementations (commercial as well as free) are available to synthesize the core into FPGA designs.

The 6502 was a popular choice of processor because of its low price and high capabilities. It was used in multiple early computers such as the Commodore 64, Commodore VIC-20, Apple II, BBC micro, and many others.

Internals

The 6502 had many revisions and derivatives. Most of the revisions have either enhanced its capabilities or have added new features.

Depending on the manufacturer, the fabrication process can be CMOS, HMOS and NMOS.

The 6502 has three registers, one main register and two index registers. The original MOS 6502 had 151 "legal" opcodes. Later version included more.

Used in

1230, 1225, 1220 (65C02)
DC509, DC5009: R6504 28-pin DIP variant (156-1482-00) with 13-bit address bus (8K address space)
DC5010

Some instruments using part MOS Technology 6502

Instrument	Manufacturer	Class	Model	Description	Introduced
1220	Tektronix	Logic Analyzer	1220	32 channel logic analyzer	1988
1225	Tektronix	Logic Analyzer	1225	48 channel logic analyzer	1988
1230	Tektronix	Logic Analyzer	1230	16 to 64 channel logic analyzer	1988
DC5009	Tektronix	Plug-in	DC5009	135 MHz programmable frequency counter	1982
DC5010	Tektronix	Plug-in	DC5010	350 MHz programmable frequency counter	1982
DC509	Tektronix	Plug-in	DC509	135 MHz programmable frequency counter	1981

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