RCA 1802

RCA 1802

The RCA CDP1802, also known as the COSMAC (Complementary Symmetry Monolithic Array Computer), is an 8-bit CMOS microprocessor (µP) introduced by RCA in early 1976. It is currently being manufactured by Intersil Corporation as a high-reliability microprocessor. The 1802 has an architecture different from most other 8-bit microprocessors.

In 1970 and 1971, Joseph Weisbecker developed a new 8-bit architecture computer system,. RCA released Weisbecker's work as the COSMAC 1801R and 1801U in early 1975, using its CMOS process (called COSMOS, an acronym for Complementary Silicon/Metal-oxide Semiconductor). In 1976, a team led by Jerry Herzog integrated the two chips into one, the 1802.