Introduction

1.4CTOOLS Software Development Toolset

Intel’s i960 processor software development toolset, CTOOLS, features advanced

C/C++ - language compilers for the i960 processor family. CTOOLS development toolset is available for Windows* 95/NT-based systems and a variety of UNIX workstation hosts. These products provide execution profiling and instruction scheduling optimizations and include an assembler, a linker, and utilities designed for embedded processor software development.

1.4.1CTOOLS and the MON960 Debug Monitor

In place of IxWorks, the IQ80960RM/RN platform can be equipped with Intel’s MON960, an on-board software monitor that allows you to execute and debug programs written for i960 processors in a non-I2O environment. The monitor provides program download, breakpoint, single step, memory display, and other useful functions for running and debugging a program.

The IQ80960RM/RN platform works with the source-level debuggers provided with CTOOLS, including GDB960 (command line version) and GDB960V (GUI version).

1.4.1.1MON960 Host Communications

MON960 allows you to communicate and download programs developed for the IQ80960RM/RN platform across a host system’s serial port or PCI interface. The IQ80960RM/RN platform supports two methods of communication: terminal emulation and Host Debugger Interface (HDI).

1.4.1.2Terminal Emulation Method

Terminal emulation software on your host system can communicate to MON960 on the IQ80960RM/RN platform via an RS-232 serial port. The IQ80960RM/RN platform supports port speeds from 300 to 115,200 bps. Serial downloads to MON960 require that the terminal emulation software support the XMODEM protocol.

Configure the serial port on the host system for 300-115,200 baud, 8 bits, one stop bit, no parity with XON/XOFF flow control.

1.4.1.3Host Debugger Interface (HDI) Method

You may use a source-level debugger, such as Intel’s GDB960 and GDB960V to establish serial or PCI communications with the IQ80960RM/RN platform. The MON960 Host Debugger Interface (HDI) provides a defined messaging layer between MON960 and the debugger. For more information on this interface, see the MON960 Debug Monitor User’s Manual (484290).

HDI connection requests cannot be detected by MON960 if the user has already initiated a connection using a terminal emulator. In this case, the IQ80960RM/RN platform must be reset before the debugger can connect to MON960.

1.5SPI610 JTAG Emulation System

The SPI610 JTAG Emulation System from Spectrum Digital, Inc. is included in the IQ80960RM/RN development kit. It furnishes the default host development environment-to- evaluation board communication link based on the i960 RM/RN I/O processor JTAG interface.

IQ80960RM/RN Evaluation Board Manual

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Intel IQ80960RM, RN Ctools Software Development Toolset, SPI610 Jtag Emulation System, Ctools and the MON960 Debug Monitor

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.