COM2, -COM1, Diag | Intel 80C188EC, 80L188EC, 80L186EB, 80L186EC

INTEL 186 EB/EC EVALUATION BOARD USER’S MANUAL

4.5.2-COM2, -COM1

These options tell the iECM-86 software which serial communication port is to be used. If neither option is entered, COM1 is used as a default. If iECM-86 detects valid CTS (Clear to Send) and DSR (Data Set Ready) signals from the appropriate COM port, it signs on and displays a command prompt. When the target is stopped, the command prompt is an asterisk (*). When the target is already running, the prompt is a greater-than sign (>).

4.5.3-DIAG

If CTS and DSR are not present, iECM-86 displays a warning message. You can choose to proceed or exit. It is possible, but not likely, that iECM-86 will operate properly even after the warning. It is more likely that there is a problem with the serial port or the cabling that prevents proper operation.

If the problem is not obvious, such as a disconnected cable or no power to the target hardware, use the -DIAG invocation option to help isolate the problem. The -DIAG option puts the iECM- 86 system in a special mode that allows many tests to be used to find interfacing problems or target bugs.

The diagnostic mode is intended to support debugging of boards that use iECM-86 software. It also provides a simple routine to check the communications interface between the host and the target.

In the board, a serial port loop-back mode allows debugging the host/board interface. Upon reset, the board is in the echo mode. Until it receives an ASCII slash (/) or backslash (\), it increments every character it receives from the host and sends the incremented value back to the host. The LCD displays the word “ DIAGNOSTICS” when the board is in echo mode. If a backslash is received by the RISM, the board leaves echo mode and starts normal operation. When a slash is received, the board stops echoing incremented received data and starts responding to RISM commands with the diagnostic flag set.

NOTE

The target hardware has to be reset before using the -DIAG option. When executing diagnostic routines from Flash, certain commands such as breakpoints and stepping will not work because they need to modify the code to work properly.

When the host software is invoked in the diagnostic mode, it prompts you to enter characters on the keyboard. These characters are sent to the target, and the response from the target is displayed on screen. This is a simple confidence check on the serial communication channel. You are told to enter a slash or backslash to terminate this mode and proceed in either the diagnostic mode or the normal user’s mode. If the user interface is invoked without the -DIAG option, the software immediately transmits a reverse-slash, which should put the target in the normal mode.

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80L188EB, 80C188EC, 80C188EB, 80L186EB, 80C186EB specifications

The Intel 80L188EC, 80C186EC, 80L186EC, 80C186EB, and 80L186EB microprocessors represent a significant evolution in Intel's 16-bit architecture, serving various applications in embedded systems and computing during the late 1980s and early 1990s. These microprocessors are designed to offer a blend of performance, efficiency, and versatility, making them suitable for a range of environments, including industrial control, telecommunications, and personal computing.

The Intel 80L188EC is a member of the 186 family, notable for its low-power consumption and integrated support for a range of peripheral devices. It operates at clock speeds of up to 10 MHz and features a 16-bit architecture, providing a balance of processing power and energy efficiency. The 80C186EC, on the other hand, is a more advanced version, offering enhanced performance metrics with faster clock speeds and improved processing capabilities, making it ideal for applications that require more computational power.

The 80L186EC shares similarities with the 80L188EC but is enhanced further for various low-power applications, especially where battery life is crucial. With a maximum clock speed of 16 MHz, it excels in scenarios demanding energy-efficient processing without sacrificing performance.

In contrast, the 80C186EB and 80L186EB are optimized versions that bring additional features to the table. The 80C186EB operates at higher clock speeds, coupled with an extended instruction set, enabling it to handle more complex tasks and run sophisticated software. These enhancements allow it to serve well in environments that require reliable performance under load, such as data acquisition systems or advanced control systems.

The 80L186EB is tailored for specific low-power scenarios, integrating Intel's sophisticated low-power technologies without compromising on speed. Utilizing advanced process technologies, these chips benefit from reduced heat output and extended operating life, a significant advantage in embedded applications.

Overall, these microprocessors showcase Intel's commitment to innovation in 16-bit processing, marked by their varying capabilities and power profiles tailored to meet the demands of diverse applications, from industrial systems to consumer electronics. Their legacy continues to influence subsequent generations of microprocessor designs, emphasizing performance, energy efficiency, and versatile applications in computing technology. As such, the Intel 80C186 and 80L188 families play a crucial role in understanding the evolution of microprocessor technology.