i960® RM/RN I/O Processor Overview

 

 

Figure 4-3.

i960® RM/RN I/O Processor Interrupt Controller Connections

 

 

P INTA# Output P INTB# Output P INTC# Output P INTD# Output

i960® RN/RM I/O Processor

 

 

S_INTD# Select bit

 

80960 Outbound Doorbell 0

 

 

S_INTC# Select bit

 

80960 Outbound Doorbell 1

 

 

S_INTB# Select bit

 

80960 Outbound Doorbell 2

 

 

S_INTA# Select bit

 

80960 Outbound Doorbell 3

 

 

 

 

 

S_INTA#/XINT0#

m

 

XINT0#

 

u

 

XINT1#

 

 

x

 

 

 

 

 

XINT2#

 

 

m

 

i960 Core

 

S_INTB#/XINT1#

u

 

XINT3# Processor

 

 

x

 

XINT4#

 

 

 

 

 

 

m

 

XINT5#

 

 

 

XINT6#

 

S_INTC#/XINT2#

u

 

 

 

x

 

XINT7#

 

 

 

 

 

 

m

 

NMI#

 

 

 

 

 

S_INTD#/XINT3#

u

 

 

 

 

x

 

 

 

XINT4#

 

 

 

 

(Loss of Fan)

 

 

 

 

XINT5# (UART)

 

 

 

 

 

DMA Channel 0 Interrupt Pending

XINT6 Interrupt

 

 

 

DMA Channel 1 Interrupt Pending

Latch

 

 

DMA Channel 2 Interrupt Pending

 

 

Performance Monitor Unit Interrupt Pending

 

 

Application Accelerator Interrupt Pending

 

 

I2C Bus Interface Unit Interrupt Pending

XINT7 Interrupt

Latch

 

 

Messaging Unit Interrupt Pending

 

 

Primary ATU/Start BIST Interrupt Pending

 

 

 

 

 

Bus Interface Unit Error

 

 

 

 

Primary PCI Bridge Interface Error

 

 

 

 

Secondary PCI Bridge Interface Error

NMI Interrupt

 

 

 

Primary ATU Error

 

 

 

Secondary ATU Error

Latch

 

 

Memory Controller Unit Error

 

 

DMA Channel 0 Error

 

 

DMA Channel 1 Error

 

 

DMA Channel 2 Error

 

 

Messaging Unit Error

 

 

 

NMI# (N/C)

Application Accelerator Unit Error

 

 

 

 

 

 

4-4

 

 

IQ80960RM/RN Evaluation Board Manual

Page 34
Image 34
Intel IQ80960RM manual I960 RM/RN I/O Processor Interrupt Controller Connections, I960 RN/RM I/O Processor

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.