What Zilog does

Zilog, Inc. is a Milpitas, California-based supplier of application-specific embedded system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for industrial and consumer markets, founded in 1974 by Federico Faggin, co-inventor of the microprocessor. The company's core product lines center on 8-bit and 16-bit microcontroller families — including the legacy Z80, Z8 Encore!, ZNEO, eZ80, and S3 architectures — augmented by specialized solutions such as the ZMOTION passive-infrared motion detection family, eZ80AcclaimPlus! Ethernet single-board computers with integrated TCP/IP stack and RTOS, and the Mini-Z 28-pin stamp module platform for prototyping. Zilog's technology differentiators include proprietary CPU cores (eZ8, ZNEO), pre-programmed motion-detection firmware, and reference designs combining its MCUs with IXYS power components for lighting, motor control, and power monitoring applications.

Zilog sells primarily through a quote-based, multi-year contract model targeting OEM and distributor customers, complemented by an online store for development kits, reference designs, and product samples. Distribution is executed via direct sales offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, an authorized distributor network, and — following its acquisition by IXYS and subsequent absorption into Littelfuse Inc. — through the parent's global sales channels. Customer segments are horizontal: industrial control, consumer electronics, energy management, and a hobbyist/educational tail. The company holds ISO 9001:2008 certification and complies with RoHS and REACH environmental regulations.

The company operates as a division of Littelfuse Inc., with U.S. headquarters in Milpitas, an engineering center in Meridian, Idaho, and a wholly-owned manufacturing subsidiary, Zilog Electronics Philippines, Inc. (ZEPI). Zilog has shipped over 1.4 billion microcontroller units cumulatively and maintains an installed base in long-life industrial and consumer designs, though current headcount (51–100) is materially below historical levels.

Name

Zilog

Legal name

Zilog, Inc.

Website

https://zilog.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Zilog designs and sells application-specific 8-bit and 16-bit embedded microcontrollers, SoCs, and motion-detection modules for industrial, consumer, and energy-management OEMs, operating as a division of Littelfuse Inc. since the IXYS acquisition.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Embedded Microcontrollers

NAICS

Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (3341), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

SIC

Electronic Components & Accessories (3670), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)

akta.pro primary industry

System-on-Chip (SoC) Platforms (Mobile/Consumer/Embedded) (HDAHAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

General-Purpose Logic & Microcontrollers (MCU/MPU) (HDAHAAAA), Real-Time & Industrial Control Processors (RT MCUs/PLC-class SoCs) (HDAHAJAL), Embedded & Industrial Network Interfaces (PCIe/M.2/SOM/SoC NICs) (HDAFAEAI)

Keywords

• Embedded microcontrollers
• System-on-chip solutions
• Motion detection ICs
• Motor control MCUs
• MCU development tools

Headquarters

HQ city

Milpitas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Semiconductor/Embedded Systems Sales: Revenue generated from sale of microcontrollers, SoCs, single-board computers, and embedded system components to industrial and consumer markets
2. Development Tools and Software: Sale of development kits, reference designs, programming tools, and software downloads for embedded system designers
3. Application-Specific Software Stacks: Pre-programmed ROM code and firmware solutions tailored for specific customer applications

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Zilog designs, manufactures, and sells application-specific embedded system-on-chip (SoC) solutions centered on 8-bit (S3, Z8 Encore!, eZ80, Classic Z80) and 16-bit (ZNEO) microcontroller families for industrial and consumer OEMs. The portfolio is augmented by specialized application products including ZMOTION PIR-based motion detection modules, motor control Flash MCUs, Ethernet single-board computers, Multi-Protocol ESCCs, Mini-Z 28-pin stamp modules, reference designs, and supporting development tools and firmware.

Product overview

Zilog is a supplier of application-specific embedded system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for industrial and consumer markets. The product portfolio centers on microcontroller families (S3, ZNEO 16-bit, Z8 Encore! Flash, eZ80, and Classic products) augmented by specialized solutions. The ZMOTION line provides PIR-based motion detection with modules for occupancy sensing, intrusion detection, and AC load control. Connectivity solutions include eZ80AcclaimPlus! Ethernet SBCs with integrated TCP/IP stack and Multi Protocol ESCC controllers. The Mini-Z platform offers 28-pin stamp modules in ZNEO, WLAN, Z-PAN, and USB variants, each paired with compatible development boards. Reference designs target specific applications including motor control (microstepper), LED lighting, power monitoring, and battery charging. ZDS II provides the development environment while ZTP delivers the TCP/IP protocol stack and RTOS for networked applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Z80: Award-winning 8-bit microprocessor architecture
• ZNEO
• Z8 Encore!
• eZ80
• eZ80Acclaim!
• ZMOTION
• Mini-Z
• Zdots

Products and services

• S3 Family Microcontrollers Zilog's legacy 8-bit S3 microcontroller family serving industrial and consumer embedded applications.
• ZNEO Microcontrollers 16-bit ZNEO microcontrollers with CISC architecture, 24-bit address space, up to 128 KB Flash, and integrated peripherals for industrial and consumer applications.
• Z8 Encore! Microcontrollers Flash-based 8-bit microcontrollers built on the eZ8 CPU core, optimized for low-power and wireless applications with operating voltage range of 1.8V to 3.6V and integrated peripherals including Sigma-Delta ADC and multi-mode timers.
• eZ80 Microcontrollers High-performance 8-bit eZ80 microcontrollers with integrated Ethernet MAC and Dual Ported RAM, 50MHz operation, and single-cycle DMA for Ethernet-connected embedded applications.
• Classic Z80 Microprocessors Legacy Z80 microprocessor and 8-bit microcontroller products maintained for backward compatibility with existing customer designs.
• ZMOTION Detection Module II PIR-based motion detector module integrating Z8FS040 ZMOTION MCU with preprogrammed motion detection algorithms and support for multiple lens types, designed for occupancy detection applications.
• ZMOTION Occupancy Sensor Kit Complete PIR-based motion detector lighting kit supporting Occupancy Mode and Vacancy Mode with PWM or 1-10V interfaces for dimmable ballasts in smart lighting and building automation.
• ZMOTION Intrusion Detection Solution ZMOTION security-focused motion detection solution with anti-mask features, pet immunity up to 30 kg, and multiple lens types including wide angle, corridor, and vertical barrier patterns for intrusion detection systems.
• ZMOTION AC Load Controller Module Motion-activated AC load controller using 8-pin Z8FS040 MCU to control a mechanical relay for lighting and HVAC applications, with adjustable sensitivity and delay settings.
• eZ80AcclaimPlus! Ethernet Single Board Computer 10/100 Base-T Ethernet single board computer featuring 50MHz eZ80F91 MCU with integrated Ethernet MAC, RFC-compliant TCP/IP stack, and RTOS for embedded web server applications.
• Multi Protocol Enhanced Serial Communications Controller (ESCC) Enhanced Serial Communications Controller supporting asynchronous, HDLC/SDLC, and bit-oriented synchronous protocols with data rates up to 5 Mbps for embedded communication systems.
• Digital UART Standalone Digital UART devices for serial communication in embedded systems designs.
• Motor Control Flash MCUs Flash microcontrollers specialized for motor control applications including brushed DC, brushless DC, stepper, and single-phase/three-phase motor drives.
• Mini-Z ZNEO 28-Pin Module 28-pin stamp module featuring the 16-bit ZNEO Z16F2810 MCU, pin-compatible with basic stamp modules for quick prototyping by hobbyists, students, and engineers.
• Mini-Z WLAN 28-Pin Module Stand-alone 802.11 b/g TCP/IP wireless networking module integrating ZNEO MCU with Roving Networks RN-171 WiFly LAN module for wireless embedded applications.
• Mini-Z Z-PAN 28-Pin Module 802.15 Personal Area Network module integrating ZNEO MCU with Roving Networks RN-41 Bluetooth module for Class 1 wireless connectivity with 128-bit encryption and SPP/DUN profile support.
• World of Motors Design Kit Motor control development platform supporting DC brush, servo, unipolar stepper, and bipolar stepper motors, with optional wireless control via Mini-Z Z-PAN or WLAN modules.
• World of Sensors Design Kit Multi-sensor development platform featuring accelerometer, ambient light, humidity, microphone, pressure, proximity, and temperature sensors with a serial LCD display for sensor fusion prototyping.
• Mini-Z USB Design Board USB host and peripheral reference design using Max3421E USB transceiver with Secure Digital card support for mass storage and HID input applications on the Mini-Z platform.
• Mini-Z Solid State Relay Design Board Development platform for Mini-Z stamp modules featuring 8 optically isolated solid state relay outputs, USB serial communications, and battery/external power operation.
• ZDS II Development Environment Integrated Development Environment supporting ZNEO, Z8 Encore!, and eZ80Acclaim! microcontrollers with ANSI C compiler, sample code, and debugging capabilities, available as a free download.
• ZTP TCP/IP Stack and RTOS Preemptive multi-tasking RTOS with integrated RFC-compliant TCP/IP protocol stack including HTTP, SNMP, TELNET, SMTP, DNS, TFTP, and FTP for embedded eZ80F91 networking applications.
• High Temperature ROM MCUs Z86C08 high-temperature ROM microcontroller designed for operation in elevated temperature environments such as industrial and automotive under-hood applications.
• Z8 Encore! XP 64K Flash MCUs Z8 Encore! XP microcontroller family variant with 64 KB Flash memory and advanced peripherals including Sigma-Delta ADC, analog comparators, and multi-mode timers.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• IXYS CorporationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIXYS Corporation acquired Zilog and merged with Littelfuse. Together, IXYS and Littelfuse leverage combined technology portfolios and expertise to enhance customer value. Zilog operates as a division of Littelfuse Inc.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• STMicroelectronics: STM32 ARM Cortex-M family dominates the modern 32-bit embedded MCU market and increasingly addresses the industrial control and motor control segments where Zilog plays. STM8 also competes in 8-bit space.
• Microchip Technology: Microchip is one of the largest dedicated MCU vendors, with a broad 8/16/32-bit MCU portfolio (PIC, AVR, SAM) that competes head-on with Zilog's Z80/Z8/ZNEO families in industrial, motor control, and consumer embedded applications.
• Holtek Semiconductor: Holtek is a Taiwan-based MCU specialist offering 8/32-bit microcontrollers for consumer, household appliance, and industrial control applications — a similar application profile to Zilog's primary segments.
• NXP Semiconductors: NXP offers Kinetis and LPC ARM-based MCUs plus legacy 8/16-bit families, directly competing with Zilog in industrial automation, motor control, and connectivity-focused embedded designs.
• Renesas Electronics: Renesas RL78, RX, and RA MCU families target industrial, motor control, and consumer applications with strong legacy 8/16-bit and modern 32-bit offerings, comparable to Zilog's product positioning.

Emerging players

• Parallax Inc. Parallax's Basic Stamp and Propeller platforms are the original pin-compatible stamp module ecosystem that Zilog's Mini-Z family targets; both serve the hobbyist, educational, and rapid-prototyping community.
• Arduino: Arduino dominates the hobbyist/educational embedded prototyping space, the same persona Zilog targets with Mini-Z modules and free ZDS II tools, though Arduino is open-source vs. Zilog's proprietary MCU core.
• Silicon Laboratories: Silicon Labs focuses on low-power wireless MCUs and IoT connectivity, partially overlapping with Zilog's eZ80Acclaim Ethernet SBC and Mini-Z WLAN/Bluetooth modules in connected embedded designs.

Broad incumbents

• Infineon Technologies (PSoC/Cypress): Infineon (including legacy Cypress PSoC) addresses industrial, motor control, and connected embedded with XMC and PSoC families, competing for the same design wins as Zilog's industrial control portfolio.
• Texas Instruments: TI's MSP430 and C2000 MCU families plus broader analog portfolio compete across Zilog's industrial, motor control, and energy management target segments as part of a much larger semiconductor catalog.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ZilogTV
• Xx.com/captainzilog01
• Facebookfacebook.com/zilogembeddedsystems
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/7243

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zilog