Introduction

1.1i960® RM/RN I/O Processor and IQ80960RM/RN Features

The i960 RM/RN I/O processor serves as the main component of a high performance, PCI-based intelligent I/O subsystem. The IQ80960RM and IQ80960RN platforms allow the developer to connect PCI devices to the i960 RM/RN I/O processors using the four secondary PCI expansion connectors. The features of the IQ80960RM and IQ80960RN platforms are enumerated below and shown in Figure 1-1and Figure 1-2.

i960 RM/RN I/O processor

Modified PCI long-card form factor

64-bit or 32-bit primary PCI bus interface (80960RM 32-bit only)

64-bit or 32-bit secondary PCI bus connected to the primary PCI interface with a PCI-to-PCI bridge (80960RM 32-bit only)

DMA channels on both PCI buses

I2C Serial Bus

168-pin, 3.3V DIMM socket supporting 16 to 128 Mbytes of Synchronous DRAM organized x72 to support Error Correction Code (ECC) and clocked at 66 MHz (ships with 16 M/ECC installed)

Serial console port based on 16C550 UART

Eight user-programmable LEDs

3 Indicator LEDs: processor has passed self-test, 3.3 V is supplied to SDRAM, and 3.3 V is supplied to secondary PCI slots

Flash ROM, 2 Mbytes

Logic analyzer connectors for SDRAM bus, ROM bus and secondary PCI arbitration signals

Fan heatsink monitor circuit

Battery backup for SDRAM

JTAG header

1.2Software Development Tools

A number of software development tools are available for the i960® processor family1. This manual provides information on two software development toolsets: Wind River System’s Tornado* for I20* and Intel’s CTOOLS. If you are using other software development tools, read through the information in this chapter and in Chapter 2 to gain a general understanding of how to use your tools with this board.

1. To view the electronic tools catalog, access http://developer.intel.com/design/develop.htm/ from the web.

IQ80960RM/RN Evaluation Board Manual

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Intel manual I960 RM/RN I/O Processor and IQ80960RM/RN Features, Software Development Tools

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.