Hardware Reference

3.2.1SDRAM Performance

The IQ80960RM/RN platform uses 72-bit SDRAM with ECC or 64-bit SDRAM without ECC. SDRAM allows zero data-to-data wait state operation at 66 MHz. The memory controller unit (MCU) of the i960® RM/RN I/O processor supports SDRAM burst lengths of four. A burst length of four enables seamless read/write bursting of long data streams, as long as the MCU does not cross the page boundary. Page boundaries are naturally aligned 2 Kbyte blocks. 72-bit SDRAM with ECC allows a maximum throughput of 528 Mbytes per second.

Both 16 Mbit and 64 Mbit SDRAM devices are supported. The MCU keeps two pages per bank open simultaneously for 16 Mbit devices and 4 pages per bank for 64 Mbit devices. Simultaneously open pages allow for greater performance for sequential access, distributed across multiple internal bus transactions. Table 3-3shows read and write examples of a single 8 byte access and for a multiple 40 byte access.

Table 3-3.

SDRAM Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cycle Type

Table Clocks

Performance Bandwidth

 

 

 

 

 

Read Page Hit (8 bytes)

7

76 Mbytes/sec

 

 

 

 

 

Read Page Miss (8 bytes)

12

44 Mbytes/sec

 

 

 

 

 

Read Page Hit (40 bytes)

11

240 Mbytes/sec

 

 

 

 

 

Read Page Miss (40 bytes)

16

165 Mbytes/sec

 

 

 

 

 

Write Page Hit (8 bytes)

4

132 Mbytes/sec

 

 

 

 

 

Write Page Miss (8 bytes)

8

66 Mbytes/sec

 

 

 

 

 

Write Page Hit (40 bytes)

8

330 Mbytes/sec

 

 

 

 

 

Write Page Miss (40 bytes)

12

220 Mbytes/sec

 

 

 

 

Note that if ECC is enabled and you attempt a partial write — less than 64 bits — you will incur a penalty. Because ECC is enabled, the MCU will translate the write into a read-modify-write transaction. Therefore, for a single byte write the clock count will be 11.

3-2

IQ80960RM/RN Evaluation Board Manual

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Intel RN, IQ80960RM manual Sdram Performance, Table Clocks
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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.
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