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Zilog Z80 CPU QFP44 to DIP40 adapter

Introduction

I have originally designed this adaptor for Z80 microcomputer project and CPU tester, but this turned out sowell that I have now posted all schematic, gerber files and documentation to fellow enthusiast such as yourself. Perhaps (and I hope) content in this obscured corner of interwebs will inspire you to start your own projects.

I have found out that Z80 adaptor for QFP44 to DIP40 and PLCC44 to DIP40 packages are non existent on market and this little board would be handy, if you collect Zilog Z80 CPU's or just wanna have a play with different revisions/packages. Design of my adaptor PCB was inspired by Schmartboard QFP and QFN to DIP adapter with a twist from Schmartboard. I definitely recommend going through their webpage!

I will buy one of those fancy Schmartboard or any other QFP adaptors and it will all work you say.... WRONG!
Zilog Z80 in QFP and PLCC package has different pinout to standard and can not be used in one to one replacement. For starters QFP nad PLCC has 44 pins and DIP package only 40. Check out Product specification sheet and let the evidence guide your senses ☉ ‿ ⚆.
You can use adaptor in conjuction with Zilog Z80 CPU NOP Tester - NOP operation tester to test Zilog Z80 CPU and compatible clones.

Card was designed in a tenet that form follows function and nothing more. Nothing special to mention about QFP footprint, however DIP pinout is to be installed in 600mil spacing to fit in a machined DIP socket. 2x Pin header, Vertical, 1x20 SMD to bottom side of PCB were chosen because classic THT pin headers would collide with QFP package, trust me, I've tried. C1 is an optional bypass cap.
These boards look absolutely gorgeous in standard blue solder mask because hey! Zilog was all about blue! I can advise you where to buy connectors, I bought mine on Ali.

⊂(◉‿◉)つ
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EDA preview

click on pictures to enlarge


3d render v1.1


PCB design layout

Specifications

Board Type: Backplane
Board Material: FR4-Standard Tg 130-140C Epoxy Glass Composite
Layers: Double sided
PCB Colour: Blue colour solder mask, white silk screen lettering
Surface Finish: Lead free HASL-RoHS
External size: 75 x 99 mm for 3x1 panelized, 23 x 52 mm depanelized
Board Thickness: standard 1.6mm
Board Connector LQFP-44_10x10mm_P0.8mm, 2.54mm:PinHeader_1x20_P2.54mm_Vertical_SMD_Pin1Left
Copper Thickness: 35um
Card weight: 16g panelized

Bill of materials

BOM amount for 1 depanelized adaptor:

Identifier		Value	Qty	Notes
Printed Circuit Board		23 x 52 mm Z80 QFP44 DIP40 Adaptor	1	v1.0
Connector	J1,J2	2.54mm Pin header, Vertical, 1x20 SMD	2	Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x20_P2.54mm_Vertical_SMD_Pin1Left Solder to bottom side of PCB
Z80 CPU	Z80 QFP	Z84C00 CPU in QFP44 package	1	Package_QFP:LQFP-44_10x10mm_P0.8mm Solder to top side of PCB
Capacitor	C1	100nF / 0.1uF SMD 0805 unpolarized ceramic, bypass C	1	Capacitor_SMD:C_0805_2012Metric Solder to bottom side of PCB

Assembly instructions and notes

■ Gerber files contain " JLCJLCJLCJLC" to the silk layer. You can specify a location of the order number, select the "Specify a location" option when you place an order. Only if you order via JLCPCB
■ Use a temperature-controlled soldering station and quality solder, use plenty of flux. Take care not to leave solder bridges as any short circuit will most likely lead to failures
■ Use a temperature-controlled heat gun station and quality solder paste, use plenty of flux. Take care not to leave solder bridges as any short circuit will most likely lead to failures

■ Assembly:
1 - First start with CPU: Solder Z80 CPU in LQFP-44 packaging to top side of PCB.
2 - Solder 100nF / 0.1uF SMD 0805 unpolarized Ceramic Capacitor to bottom side of PCB.
3 - Solder 2x Pin header, Vertical, 1x20 SMD to bottom side of PCB. Pin headers are in 600mil pitch spacing, use socket or THD pcb to correctly space pin headers.
4 - Remove single PCB from panel by snapping mouse bites (please don't use teeth this might end up in disaster and you with new dentures).
5 - Enjoy!

Schematic

File type	File name	File size	Last modified
Z8400 CPU Product specification, document PS017801-0602, Fig2,2a,2b	z8400cpu_datasheet.pdf	1124 kB	20/07/2021
Z80 CPU QFP44 to DIP40 adapter Schematic v1.0	schematic_dip40-qfp44_v10.pdf	93 kB	08/08/2021

Design Files

File type	File name	File size	Last modified
PCB layers v1.1	pcblayers_z80cpu_qfp44_dip40_adapter_v11.pdf	170 kB	23/01/2022
Gerbers Panelized 1 row, 3 collumns 96 x 69 mm, 2 Layer FR4, v1.0	gerber_z80qfp-dip_panel_v10.zip	57 kB	09/08/2021
Gerbers Single adapter 22 x 52 mm, 2 Layer FR4, v1.2	gerber_z80qfp-dip_v12.zip	37 kB	27/05/2024
Solder paste stencil	Not available for this project	-	-

Photographs

click on pictures to enlarge
gerber files and photographs may vary. rev.1 (v1.0) pictured

Versions and revisions

This section lists the project version and revision history.

v1.2

■ Final version
■ Various silkscreen updates
■ Various cosmetic updates - amended PCB size, round corners

v1.1

■ Various silkscreen updates
■ Various cosmetic updates

v1.0

■ prototype
■ panelized PCB in 3x1 grid

Last page update: 27 May 2024

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