Z80 as embedded processor

[Kasper Souren]

I think the Z80 is an option for you. I've been a quite a fervent MSX
user.

 > - Scalability (price-wise) there should be cheap units (no more than $15 a piece) for
 >   simple devices that do not need much computing power, and also faster ones in which
 >   i could reuse parts of my code for more complex/demanding applications

There is an 8 MHz variant at least (Z80H). I don't know about the
newer ones though. There is also an R800, which is about 4 times
faster than the Z80H, but I think that would be quite hard to get.

 > - Availability of an (affordable) in-circuit single step debugging tool so i can plug a cable
 >   into my current project at the bench and measure in/out lines with the scope while
 >   tracing instructions through the code

 > - Availability of versions with 8 or 16 bits DAC´s and ADC´s

Don't really know about these.

 > - EEPROM programming memory to shorten development cycles, in sizes from 2 KB
 >   to (say) 8 KB, larger sizes a plus

I know of 32 kB EPROM's. Could also be EEPROM's. Don't really know for
sure. But the address range of the Z80 is 64 kB (without memory
mapping that is :).

 > - RAM 64 to 512 Bytes

Possible, of course. But more is also possible.

 > - The development system should not cost an arm and a leg. I am looking for a starter
 >   kit in the price range of $300 max.

Don't really know what is meant with 'development system', software or
hardware?

 > - a C compiler would be nice (included in the IDE, not some external cross-compiler)

There is are least two C compilers (Hitech and ASCII) that I know
of. Easy to get if you ask on comp.sys.msx or something.

 > Another issue would be the availability of these MCU´s in DIP cases, so i do not need
 > to use an expensive and fiddly PLCC socket. (i do not have SMD soldering equipment)

All Z80's I've seen were DIP's.

You could also try to find a (cheap) MSX... They all come with Z80's,
and at least 16 kB RAM.  :)

greetz,
Kasper