Intel386 Processors

Intel386 Processors

The Intel386 DX, EX, and SX embedded processors are based on the Intel386 architecture. All have 32-bit cores, and enhanced functionality for the embedded processor market.

* The static Intel386 EX microprocessor is designed for embedded applications that require high integration and low power. Key features include: PC compatibility, power management, low-voltage operation, and on-chip integration of numerous common peripherals such as interrupt controllers, chip selects, counters and timers.

* The static Intel386 SX, also referred to as the 80386SSX or 80386SXTA microprocessor, microprocessor is a pin-for-pin replacement for the dynamic Intel386 SX processor. The static design features clock freeze mode, and higher speed operation.

* The dynamic Intel386 SX microprocessor is an entry-level processor with a 16-bit external data bus and a 24-bit external address bus. It provides the performance benefits of a 32-bit architecture with the cost savings of a 16-bit hardware system.

* The dynamic Intel386 DX microprocessor is designed for single-user, multi-tasking applications. The 32-bit registers and data paths support 32-bit addresses and data types. It addresses 4 gigabytes of physical memory, and 64 terabytes of virtual memory. It offers a 50% performance increase over the Intel386 EX and SX processors.


Embedded system designers have long understood the benefits of PC compatibility in their designs. The embedded Intel386 processors are compatible with DOS and standard graphical windowing operating environments, as well as many popular embedded real-time operating systems.

Applications based on an Intel386 microprocessor allow designers to embed popular versions of DOS and graphical windowing environments to implement an array of existing software applications within their systems.

The PC compatibility, enhanced functionality, and real-time software support make the Intel386 microprocessors a sound embedded solution. Reduced design complexity and decreased software development time are major advantages in today's embedded market segment.

Time-to-Market

The embedded Intel386 processors reduce time-to-market by shortening both software and hardware design cycles. The embedded Intel386 processors preserve investments with existing Intel architecture software. Because the embedded Intel386 CPUs are 100% binary compatible with the 186/188 CPU, upgrading to an Intel386 CPU preserves software investment, and speeds time-to-market.

The PC makes an excellent tool for debugging code before application hardware is available. Code can be written and debugged in parallel with hardware development. The ability to use a PC for software debugging, in addition to a wide selection of development tools, allows for quick and inexpensive software development.

Intel386 EX architecture designs provide ease of use. The high integration of the Intel386 EX chip provides many of the peripheral devices previously found with personal computers. To add further value to the system, the Intel386 EX processor implements embedded peripheral functions such as interrupt controllers, chip-select generation, 16-bit timers and counters, DRAM refresh, watchdog timer, serial ports, etc. The high integration of the Intel386 EX microprocessor significantly reduces system complexity and hardware design time.

Integration of the Intel386 EX processor can also provide a simplified, compact design to lessen your burden on support chips that may become hard to find.

Upgrade Choice for 186 Processor

Intel's 186 processor family has been designed in many embedded applications over the years. If a 186 embedded design requires either more addressibility or higher performance, the Intel386 EX processor is the upgrade choice. The EX provides 26 address bits for a total of 4 Gbytes. Also, given the same clock rate, the Intel386 EX processor performs up to three times the performance of a 186-base processor. Since the EX has an 80386 core, it is code compatible with 186 processors, making it a logical upgrade processor to run your existing software.

Additionally, software can be modified to take advantage of the 80386 features, including memory protection and multitasking. Memory protection can provide a safety net to software problems. This can become very important if your customer ever modifies the software run on your application.