CHAPTER 4 INTRODUCTION TO THE SOFTWARE

The Intel 186 EC/EB Evaluation Board uses an Embedded Controller Monitor (ECM) written for the 80x186 family of 16-bit microprocessors. This monitor supports basic debug facilities (LOAD, GO, STEP, etc.) in the user’s target system. The ECM is broken into two independent programs. One of these (iRISM-186) executes in the evaluation board and the other (iECM-86) executes in an IBM PC or BIOS-compatible computer. These two programs communicate via an asynchronous serial channel using a binary protocol defined specifically for this application.

The partitioning of the ECM into two separate programs supports a number of goals:

The system is easy to adapt to a new target because the code that runs in the target is very simple and small.

The feature set of the user interface is not limited by the resources of the target, since the user interface is implemented in the host PC.

Concurrent operation of the ECM and the target system is easily achieved. This allows you to interrogate and (carefully) modify the state of the target system while it is running.

This chapter describes the user interface provided by the iECM-86, the interface between this PC- resident software and the target-resident software, and the structure of the software in the target. The board uses the internal 80x186 EB/EC serial port for host communications.

The iECM-86 software was created by Intel to support users of the 80x186 architecture and is placed in the public domain with no restrictions or warranties of any kind.

4.1SOFTWARE FEATURES

The iECM-86 software has the following features:

Sixteen software execution breakpoints

Concurrent interrogation of target memory and registers

Supports BYTE, CHARACTER, WORD, STRING, DOUBLE WORD, and REAL variable types

Supports LOAD, SAVE, LIST, LOG, and command INCLUDE files

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Intel 80C186EB, 80L188EC, 80L186EB, 80L186EC, 80C188EB, 80L188EB, 80C188EC Introduction to the Software, Software Features

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.