The Z80 microprocessor is an 8-bit central processing unit (CPU) developed by Zilog in 1976. It became popular in the late 1970s and 1980s, powering a wide range of home computers, embedded systems, and industrial devices. Known for its efficient instruction set and compatibility with the Intel 8080, the Z80 was used in products such as the Sinclair ZX Spectrum and various arcade machines. Its architecture allowed for easy integration into different hardware, making it a favorite among engineers and hobbyists. Despite its age, the Z80 is still used in some modern embedded applications due to its simplicity and reliability.