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I would like to create a 20Mhz clock that generates a square wave for the home-brew Z80 computer I' making. I already have several 20MHz crystal oscillators but am at a loss when it comes to circuit diagrams and other components needed. I have looked around but I haven't found any diagrams with all of the details that I need.

Thanks!

VivaDaylight3
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    Are you sure your Z80 can run at 20MHz? The fastest version I am aware of was Z80H, which ran at 8MHz max. – jippie May 08 '14 at 18:52
  • The one I bought is in fact the 20MHz model – VivaDaylight3 May 08 '14 at 19:02
  • @jippie it goes up to 25 MHz; see the end of this page http://www.z80.info/z80brief.htm – Cornelius May 08 '14 at 19:13
  • @Cornelius I wasn't aware of those advances. Last time I checked the Z80 datasheets there was no such thing as SMD or QFP and I thought development was discontinued after the 8MHz version. – jippie May 08 '14 at 19:20
  • @jippie neither did I, but I found it in that link. – Cornelius May 08 '14 at 19:21
  • Frankly, I'd recommend just buying a 20 MHz clock oscillator. It will save space and be more reliable. eBay is your friend here - it took a few minutes to find 4 units for $7.00, free shipping. – WhatRoughBeast May 08 '14 at 19:22
  • OP said "I already have several 20MHz crystal oscillators". Do you care to share any part numbers, @VivaDaylight3? – TimH - Codidact May 08 '14 at 19:58
  • @WhatRoughBeast Thanks for the input, but I don't live in the US like most people assume, and I can't find any of those on the UK Ebay site :/ – VivaDaylight3 May 08 '14 at 21:14
  • @TimH Unfortunately there aren't any part numbers on the crystal, only the frequency (20.0MHz) – VivaDaylight3 May 08 '14 at 21:15

2 Answers2

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If you have a crystal oscillator (they usually come in a 4-pin can), you just have to apply power (and ground) to the oscillator, and it will produce a 20 MHz square wave, which can be fed directly into the Z80's clock input.

If you have a plain crystal (usually in a 2-pin can), the other answers show possible oscillator circuits.

Peter Bennett
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You will need a 74 series IC (7400, 7404, 7406 etc.), two capacitors and two resistors.

Here is one possible circuit for a square wave clock generator:

enter image description here

Source: z80.info by Thomas Scherrer. Also check his site for more Z80 related information.

Cornelius
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