Hardware Reference

3.4Console Serial Port

The console serial port on the IQ80960RM/RN platform, based on a 16C550 UART, is capable of operation from 300 to 115,200 bps. The port is connected to a phone jack-style plug on the IQ80960RM/RN platform. The DB25 to RJ-45 cable included with the IQ80960RM/RN can be used to connect the console port to any standard RS-232 port on the host system.

The UART on the IQ80960RM/RN platform is clocked with a 1.843 MHz clock, and may be programmed to use this clock with its internal baud rate counters. The UART register addresses are shown in Table 3-5; refer to the 16C550 device data book for a detailed description of the registers and device operation. Note that some UART addresses refer to different registers depending on whether a read or a write is being performed.

Table 3-5.

UART Register Addresses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

Read Register

Write Register

 

 

 

 

 

E000 0000H

Receive Holding Register

Transmit Holding Register

 

 

 

 

 

E000 0001H

Unused

Interrupt Enable Register

 

 

 

 

 

E000 0002H

Interrupt Status Register

FIFO Control Register

 

 

 

 

 

E000 0003H

Unused

Line Control Register

 

 

 

 

 

E000 0014H

Unused

Modem Control Register

 

 

 

 

 

E000 0015H

Line Status Register

Unused

 

 

 

 

 

E000 0016H

Modem Status Register

Unused

 

 

 

 

 

E000 0017H

Scratchpad Register

Scratchpad Register

 

 

 

 

3.5Secondary PCI Bus Expansion Connectors

Four PCI Expansion Slots are available on the IQ80960RM/RN platform. The IQ80960RM supports 32-bit PCI expansion and the IQ80960RN supports 64-bit PCI expansion. The slots are designed for +5V PCI signalling and accommodate PCI cards with +5V or universal signalling capabilities.

3.5.1PCI Slots Power Availability

Power from the Primary PCI bus, +3.3V, +5V, +12V, and –12V, is routed to the Secondary PCI bus expansion slots. +3.3V is only available at the secondary PCI slots if the host system makes +3.3V available on the Primary PCI slots. LED CR5 indicates if this power is available.

3-4

IQ80960RM/RN Evaluation Board Manual

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Intel RN, IQ80960RM manual Console Serial Port, Secondary PCI Bus Expansion Connectors, PCI Slots Power Availability

RN, IQ80960RM specifications

The Intel IQ80960RM and RN are part of the Intel i960 family of microprocessors, which were specifically designed for embedded applications in real-time computing environments. Introduced in the early 1990s, these processors were aimed at providing high-performance processing capabilities in industrial, telecommunications, and military systems.

One of the key features of the IQ80960RM and RN is their ability to support a 32-bit architecture, delivering a significant performance advantage over 16-bit and earlier processors. This architecture enables the execution of complex algorithms and the management of large amounts of data, making these microprocessors suitable for demanding applications.

The i960 family is built around a superscalar architecture, allowing multiple instructions to be completed in a single clock cycle. This is achieved through advanced instruction pipelining, which significantly boosts throughput and overall computational speed. The IQ80960RM and RN also included features like branch prediction and out-of-order execution, enhancing efficiency and reducing latency in real-time applications.

Memory management capabilities are another strong point of the IQ80960RM and RN. They support both virtual and physical memory addressing, enabling sophisticated memory management strategies. Their integrated memory management unit (MMU) allows for easier and more effective memory allocation, critical for real-time operating systems that require precise timing and resource management.

Furthermore, these processors are designed with an extensive instruction set architecture (ISA), which supports a wide range of operations, including digital signal processing (DSP) tasks. This versatility allows them to be utilized in various applications, from automotive systems to robotics, where reliable performance is paramount.

The thermal performance and power efficiency of the IQ80960RM and RN has also been a notable characteristic. With operational capabilities across various temperature ranges, these chips are well-suited for harsh environments often found in industrial settings.

In terms of connectivity, the IQ80960 series supports multiple I/O interfaces and communication protocols, ensuring that they can integrate seamlessly with other components and systems. This flexibility enhances their usability in networked applications, particularly in embedded systems.

Overall, the Intel IQ80960RM and RN processors represent a significant step forward in embedded processor technology, characterized by their robust performance, advanced features, and ability to meet the stringent demands of real-time applications across various industries.