PREFACE
Understanding any complex comp.lting system, such as the Intel iAPX 432, requires the assimilation of a great deal of technical information. Before reading this manual on the architecture of the 432 Interface Processor, the reader should have conmand of the general 432 concepts. Intel offers three documents which provide these prerequisites.
oThe INTEL 432 System Summary, Order Number 171867, provides the broad picture of the 432. It should be read as a first introduction to the 432 system.
oThe Introduction to the iAPX 432 Architecture, Order Number 171821, restricts discussion to general architecture features which distinguish the 432.
oThe iAPX 432 General Data Processor Architecure Reference
Manual, Order Number
This manual describes another 432 processor, the Interface Processor (IP), similar in many respects to a GOP and different in others. Rather than duplicate all of the general 432 information oontained in the companion documents, this manual relies 00 the above references for descr iptions of features of 432 architecture which are common among processors. Unique features am functions of the IP are presented and oontrasted with those of the GOP when appropriate.
Chapters 1 through 6 of this manual are oomposedof descriptions of the Interface Processor, allowing the reader to understand the cx:x>peration between an IP and Peripheral Subsystems in forming a logical I/O processor for a 432 system. Detailed representations for the objects, descriptions of windCMs and functions, faults, interrupts, am initialization may be foum in the apperrlices.
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