8-bit

In computer architecture, 8-bit integers, memory addresses, or other data units are those that are at most 8 bits (1 octet) wide. Also, 8-bit CPU and ALU architectures are those that are based on registers, address buses, or data buses of that size. 8-bit is also a term given to a generation of computers in which 8-bit processors were the norm.

00000000 = 0 ... 11111111 = 255

A CPU can be classified on the basis of the data it can access in a single operation. An 8-bit processor can access 8 bits of data in a single operation, as opposed to a 16-bit processor, which can access 16 bits of data in a single operation.

Examples of 8-bit processors (very incomplete)

 * Intel 8008
 * Intel 8080 (8008 source compatible)
 * Intel 8085 (8080 binary compatible)
 * Intel 8051 (Harvard architecture)
 * Zilog Z80 (8080 binary compatible)
 * Zilog Z180 (Z80 binary compatible)
 * Zilog Z8
 * Zilog eZ80 (Z80 binary compatible)
 * Motorola 6800
 * Motorola 6803
 * Motorola 6809 (partially 6800 compatible)
 * MOS Technology 6502
 * Microchip PIC10
 * Microchip PIC12
 * Microchip PIC16
 * Microchip PIC18
 * Atmel AVR family microcontrollers
 * NEC 78K0 series microcontrollers