Getting Started

2.3Hardware Installation

Follow these instructions to get your new IQ80960RM/RN platform running. Be sure all items on the checklist were provided with your IQ80960RM/RN.

Warning: Static charges can severely damage the IQ80960RM/RN platforms. Be sure you are properly grounded before removing the IQ80960RM/RN platform from the anti-static bag.

2.3.1Battery Backup

Battery backup is provided to save any information in SDRAM during a power failure. The IQ80960RM/RN platform contains four AA NiCd batteries, a charging circuit and a regulator circuit. The batteries installed in the IQ80960RM/RN platform are rated at 600 mA/Hr.

SDRAM technology provides a simple way of enabling data preservation through the self-refresh command. When the processor receives an active Primary PCI reset it issues the self-refresh command and drives the SCKE signals low. Upon seeing this condition, a PAL on the IQ80960RM/RN platform holds SCKE low before the processor loses power. The batteries maintain power to the SDRAM and the PAL to ensure self-refresh mode. When the PAL detects PRST# returning to inactive state, the PAL releases the hold on SCKE.

The battery circuit can be disabled by removing the batteries. LED CR4 indicates when the SDRAMs have sufficient power. If the batteries remain in the evaluation platform when it is depowered and/or removed from the chassis, the batteries will maintain the SDRAM for approximately 30 hours. Once power is again applied, the batteries will be fully charged in about 4 hours.

2.3.2Installing the IQ80960RM/RN Platforms in the Host System

If you are installing the IQ80960RM/RN platform for the first time, visually inspect the board for any damage that may have occurred during shipment. If there are visible defects, return the board for replacement. Follow the host system manufacturer’s instructions for installing a PCI adapter.

The IQ80960RM/RN platform is a full-length PCI adapter and requires a PCI slot that is free from obstructions. The IQ80960RM/RN platform is taller than specified in the PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.1. The extended height of the board will require you to keep the cover off of your PC. Refer to Chapter 3 for physical dimensions of the board.

2.3.3Verify IQ80960RM/RN Platform is Functional

These instructions assume that you have already installed the IQ80960RM/RN platform in the host system as described in Section 2.3.2.

1.To connect the serial port for communicating with and downloading to the IQ80960RM/RN platform, connect the RS-232 cable (provided with the IQ80960RM/RN) from a free serial port on the host system to the phone jack-style connector on the IQ80960RM/RN platform.

2.Upon power-up, the red FAIL LED turns off, indicating that the processor has passed its self-test.

3.If you have IxWorks installed in the flash ROM, the user LEDs display the binary pattern 99H. In the IxWorks development environment, raw serial input/output is not used. Instead, the Wind DeBug (WDB) protocol is run over the serial port, to allow communication with Tornado development tools. If the terminal emulation package is running at 115,200 baud, the letters “WDB_READY” display prior to launching in the WDB serial protocol.

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IQ80960RM/RN Evaluation Board Manual

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Intel manual Hardware Installation, Battery Backup, Installing the IQ80960RM/RN Platforms in the Host System

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.