Introduction

1

This manual describes the IQ80960RM and IQ80960RN evaluation platforms for Intel’s i960 ® RM/RN I/O processor. The i960 RM/RN I/O processors combine an 80960JT core with two PCI bus interfaces, as well as a memory controller, DMA channels, an interrupt controller interface, and an I2C serial bus. The difference between the two processors is that the 80960RN utilizes 64-bit primary PCI and secondary PCI buses while the 80960RM utilizes both a 32-bit primary and secondary PCI bus. The IQ80960RM and IQ80960RN platforms are full-length PCI adapter boards and are 8.9” in height to accommodate four standard PCI connectors on the secondary PCI bus. The boards can be installed in any PCI host system that complies with the PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.1. PCI devices can be connected to the secondary bus to build powerful intelligent I/O subsystems.

Figure 1-1. IQ80960RM/IQ80960RN Platform Functional Block Diagram

 

Secondary PCI Slot 4

 

 

 

 

Secondary PCI Slot 3

 

 

 

 

Secondary PCI Slot 2

 

 

 

 

Secondary PCI Slot 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Console

 

 

SDRAM (x72)

 

 

Port

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

User

Battery

 

 

 

RS-232

LED

 

 

 

Serial Port

 

Backup

Logic Analyzer Interface

 

 

 

 

 

Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flash

Logic

 

LED

 

 

Analyzer

UART

 

 

ROM

Register

 

 

Interface

 

 

i960®RM/RN

 

 

 

 

Secondary PCI

 

 

 

 

I/O Processor

Bus 32/64-bits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROM Bus

 

 

 

 

Primary PCI Bus 32/64-bits

 

 

 

IQ80960RM/RN Evaluation Board Manual

 

 

 

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Image 7
Intel manual Introduction, IQ80960RM/IQ80960RN Platform Functional Block Diagram

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.