Getting Started

2

This chapter contains instructions for installing the IQ80960RM/RN platform in a host system and, how to download and execute an application program using Wind River System’s IxWorks ∗ or Intel’s CTOOLS software development toolsets.

2.1Pre-Installation Considerations

This section provides a general overview of the components required to develop and execute a program on the IQ80960RM/RN platform. IQ80960RM/RN evaluation boards support two software development toolsets, Wind River System’s IxWorks and Intel’s CTOOLS.

IxWorks is a complete toolset featuring an integrated development environment including a compiler, assembler, linker, and debugger. It also features a real-time operating system. If you are using the IxWorks operating system with the TORNADO* development environment, refer to the Wind River Systems, Inc. documentation referenced in Section 1.8.3.

CTOOLS is a complete C/C++-language software-development toolset for developing embedded applications to run on i960 processors. It contains a C/C++ compiler, the gcc960 and ic960 compiler driver programs, an assembler, runtime libraries, a collection of software-development tools and utilities, and printed and on-line documentation. The MON960 Debug Monitor User’s Guide fully describes the components of MON960, including MON960 commands, the Host Debugger Interface Library (HDIL), and the MONDB.EXE utility. If you are using MON960 and the CTOOLS toolset, refer to section Section 2.2.1, “Installing Software Development Tools” on page 2-1 .

See Chapter 1 for more information on the IxWorks and CTOOLS features.

The IQ80960RM/RN evaluation boards are supplied with IxWorks intelligent real-time operating system pre-loaded into the on-board Flash. You also have the option of installing the MON960 debug monitor, which is required if you are using the CTOOLS debugging tools, GDB960, GDB960V, or MONDB. Section 3.3.1 describes the Flash ROM programming utility, which allows you to load MON960 onto the platform or re-load IxWorks.

2.2Software Installation

2.2.1Installing Software Development Tools

If you haven’t done so already, install your development software as described in its manuals. All references in this manual to CTOOLS or CrossWind assume that the default directories were selected during installation. If this is not the case, substitute the appropriate path for the default path wherever file locations are referenced in this manual.

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Intel IQ80960RM, RN manual Getting Started, Pre-Installation Considerations, Software Installation

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.