Intel 8080 manual Advantages of Designing With Microcomputers, Microcomputer Design Aids

	CONVENTIONAL SYSTEM	PROGRAMMED LOGIC
Product definition		Simpl ified because of ease of incorporating features
System and logic design	Done with logic diagrams	Can be programmed with design aids
		(compilers, assemblers, editors)
Debug	Done with conventional	Software and hardware aids reduce time
	Lab Instrumentation

PC card layout

Documentation

Cooling and packaging

Power distribution
Engineering changes	Done with yellow wire

Table 0-1. The Advantages of Using Microprocessors

ADVANTAGES OF DESIGNING

WITH MICROCOMPUTERS

Microcomputers simplify almost every phase of pro- duct development. The first step, as in any product devel- opment program, is to identify the various functions that the end system is expected to perform. Instead of realizing these functions with networks of gates and flip-flops, the functions are implemented by encoding suitable sequences of instructions (programs) in the memory elements. Data and certain types of programs are stored in RAM, while the basic program can be stored in ROM. The microprocessor performs all of the system's functions by fetching the in- structions in memory, executing them and communicating the results via the microcomputer's I/O ports. An 8080 microprocessor, executing the programmed logic stored in a single 2048-byte ROM element, can perform the same logical functions that might have previously required up to 1000 logic gates.

The benefits of designing a microcomputer into your system go far beyond the advantages of merely simplifying product development. You will also appreciate the profit- making advantages of using a microcomputer in place of custom-designed random logic. The most apparent advantage is the significant savings in hardware costs. A microcomputer chip set replaces dozens of random logic elements, thus re- ducing the cost as well as the size of your system. In addi- tion, production costs drop as the number of individual components to be handled decreases, and the number of complex printed circuit boards (which are difficult to lay- out, test and correct) is greatly reduced. Probably the most profitable advantage of a microcomputer is its flexibility for change. To modify your system, you merely re-program the memory elements; you don't have to redesign the entire system. You can imagine the savings in time and money when you want to upgrade your product. Reliability is another reason to choose the microcomputer over random logic. As the number of components decreases, the prob- ability of a malfunctioning element likewise decreases. All

Fewe r cards to layout

Less hardware to document

Reduced system size and power consumption eases job

Less power to distribute

Change program

of the logical control functions formerly performed by numerous hardware components can now be implemented in a few ROM circuits which are non-volatile; that is, the contents of ROM will never be lost, even in the event of a power failure. Table 0-1 summarizes many of the advan- tages of using microcomputers.

MICROCOMPUTER DESIGN AIDS

If you're used to logic design and the idea of designing with programmed logic seems like too radical a change, re- gardless of advantages, there's no need to worry because Intel has already done most of the groundwork for you. The INTELLEC® 8 Development Systems provide flexible, in- expensive and simplified methods for OEM product develop- ment. The INT~LLEC@ 8 provides RAM program storage making program loading and modification easier, a display and control console for system monitoring and debugging, a standard TTY interface, a PROM programming capability and a standard software package (System Monitor, Assem- bler and Test Editor). In addition to the standard software package available with the INTELLEC® 8, Intel offers a PL/MTcompiler, a cross-assembler and a simulator written in FORTRAN IV and designed to run on any large scale com- puter. These programs may be procured directly from Intel or from a number of nationwide computer time-sharing services. Intel's Microcomputer Systems Group is always available to provide assistance in every phase of your product development.

Intel also provides complete documentation on all their hardware and software products. In addition to this User's Manual, there are the:

•PL/M'~Language Reference Manual

•8080 Assembly Language Programming Manual

•INTELLEC®8/MOD 80 Operator's Manual

•INTELLEC®8/MOD 80 Hardware Reference Manual

•8080 User's Program Library

ii