Introduction

Refer to the SPI610 Reference Manual for JTAG emulation system installation and operation for both the Tornado and CTOOLS environment. Optionally, evaluation board serial port communications can be used for this communication link (see Section 1.3.3, “TORNADO Test and Debug Tools” on page 1-4).

1.6About This Manual

A brief description of the contents of this manual follows.

 

Introduces the IQ80960RM and IQ80960RN Evaluation Board features. This

Chapter 1, “Introduction”

chapter also describes Intel’s CTOOLS* and WindRiver Systems IxWorks*

software development tools, and defines notational-conventions and related

 

 

documentation.

 

 

 

Provides step-by-step instructions for installing the IQ80960RM or IQ80960RN

 

platform in a host system and downloading and executing an application

Chapter 2, “Getting Started”

program. This chapter also describes Intel’s software development tools, the

 

MON960 Debug Monitor, IxWORKS, software installation, and hardware

 

configuration.

 

 

Chapter 3, “Hardware

Describes the locations of connectors, switches and LEDs on the IQ80960RM

and IQ80960RN platforms. Header pinouts and register descriptions are also

Reference”

provided in this chapter.

 

 

 

Chapter 4, “i960® RM/RN

Presents an overview of the capabilities of the i960 RM/RN I/O processor and

I/O Processor Overview”

includes the CPU memory map.

 

 

Chapter 5, “MON960

Describes a number of features added to MON960 to support application

Support for IQ80960RM/RN”

development on the i960 RM/RN I/O processor.

 

 

Appendix A, “Bill of

Shows complete parts list IQ80960RM and IQ80960RN Evaluation Platforms.

Materials”

 

 

 

Appendix B, “Schematics”

Complete set of schematics for the IQ80960RM and IQ80960RN Evaluation

Platforms.

 

 

 

Appendix C, “PLD Code”

Example PLD code used on IQ80960RM and IQ80960RN evaluation boards

for SDRAM battery backup.

 

 

 

Appendix D, “Recycling the

Information on the RBRC program and the locations of participating recycling

Battery”

centers.

 

 

1-6

IQ80960RM/RN Evaluation Board Manual

Page 12
Image 12
Intel RN, IQ80960RM About This Manual, Brief description of the contents of this manual follows

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.