Embedded Intel386(TM) Processor Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. What are the exact part numbers for the new embedded Intel386 processors, and what packages are they currently available in?
• 2. How do I get pricing and availability information for Intel386 embedded microprocessors?
• 3. What are the peripherals built into the Intel386 EX processor
• 4. What are the differences between the Intel386 SL and the Intel386 EX processors?
• 5. Where can I obtain programming information for the Intel386 EX processor?
• 6. Is there an extended temperature version of the Intel386 EX processor?
• 7. What is the latest information on the evaluation board for the Intel386 EX processor?
• 8: Is the source code, schematics and PLD equations available for the Intel386 EX evaluation board?
• 9. What is PC/104?
• 10. Is there any errata for the Intel386 EX processor?
• 11. What about errata for the static Intel386 SX and Intel386 CX processor?
• 12. Are there any benchmarks on the Intel386 EX processor? How does the Intel386 EX processor compare to the 186 as well as other processors?
• 13. What would be involved in an upgrade from the 186 to a Intel386 EX processor?
• 14. Where can I get the correct pinout and latest data sheet for the Intel386 EX processor?
• 15. Are there any reference designs for the Intel386 EX processor?
• 16. Is there BIOS or DOS for the Intel386 EX processor?
• 17. What development and software tools are going to be available for the Intel386 EX, CX, SX, and DX processors?
• 18. What math coprocessor does the Intel386 EX processor interface to?
• 19. Can the Intel386 EX, CX, and SX processors be configured to be PC/AT compatible?
• 20. PC/AT architecture uses two 8237A DMA controllers, connected in cascade, for a total of 7 channels, whereas the Intel386 EX processor has only 2 channels. What effect does this have on DOS compatibility?
• 21. What functionality is lost due to the multiplexing of the pins on the Intel386 EX processor?
• 22. What are values for interrupt latency on the Intel386 EX processor?
• 23. What is the life expectancy of the Intel386 EX, CX and SX processors, as well as the dynamic Intel386 SX and Intel386 DX processors? How long will these be produced and supported by Intel?
• 24. What companies currently offer and support Intel386 SX and DX processors with companion chips?
• 25. What companion chips will be available for the Intel386 SX and CX processors?
• 26. Are there any application notes on interfacing the Intel386 EX processor to DRAM?

Q. What are the exact part numbers for the new embedded Intel386 processors, and what packages are they currently available in?

A.


PART NUMBER	SPEEDS	COMMENTS
KU,80386EXSA	25	132 lead Plastic Quad Flatpack Package, Static Core
FA, 80386EXSA	25	144 lead Thin Quad Flatpack Package, Static Core
KU,80386EXTA	25	Extended Temperature 132 lead Plastic Quad Flatpack Package, Static Core
SB,80386CXSA	25, 33	100 lead Shrink Quad Flatpack Package, Static core
KD,80386CXSA	25, 33,40	100 lead Plastic Quad Flatpack Package, Static core
KD,80386CXSB	25,33	100 lead Plastic Quad Flatpack Package, Low Power, Static core
KD,80386SXSA	25, 33, 40	100 lead Plastic Quad Flatpack Package, Static core


For a product line card of the entire Embedded Intel386 line of processors check out the Intel Architecture /Choose/80386 Integrated/ Feature Set area at this site.

Q. How do I get pricing and availability information for Intel386 embedded microprocessors?

A. Contact an authorized Intel Distributor for exact pricing and availability. For a list of authorized distributors, refer to the Buy section of the Embedded Products area at this site.

Q. What are the peripherals built into the Intel386 EX processor

A.The Intel386 EX processor contains the following integrated peripherals:

• Clock and Power Management Unit.
  
• Integrated Chip Select Unit with 8 chip select lines.
  
• Interrupt Control Unit containing two 82C59A modules connected in cascade.
  
• Timer / Counter Unit with the same functionality as the 82C54 counter/timer, providing 3 timer / counters.
  
• Watchdog Timer Unit.
  
• Asynchronous Serial I/O Unit that is equivalent to the National Semiconductor NS16450 and INS8250 and contains two full-duplex asynchronous serial channels.
  
• Synchronous Serial I/O Unit for simultaneous bi-directional communications.
  
• Parallel I/O Unit containing 3 8-bit general purpose bi-directional I/O ports.
  
• DMA controller containing a 2 channel DMA that can be used as an 8237A-like controller.
  
• Refresh Control Unit that greatly simplifies DRAM refresh.
  
• JTAG Test-logic Unit that is fully compliant with IEEE standard 1149.1.
  
  

For more detailed information about these peripherals, consult the Intel386 EX data sheet .

Q. What are the differences between the Intel386 SL and the Intel386 EX processors?

A. The 386SL and the 386EX have the exact same static internal core. Both have the integrated System Memory Management mode, Chip Select Unit, and integrated DRAM refresh controller. The Intel386 EX processor, however, adds several peripherals not available on the Intel386 SL processor (see previous question). The only major feature not found on the 386EX that was available on the 386SL is the integrated cache controller and tag RAM. The 386EX does not offer the direct ISA bus interface that the 386SL did, however, it will be possible with only slight hardware and software modifications to re-create the ISA bus. The 386SL comes in a 196 lead PQFP package whereas 386EX comes in a 132 lead PQFP. Although not a pin for pin replacement, the Intel386 EX processor is code compatible with the Intel386 SL processor, and should be considered the replacement of choice for the Intel386 SL processor.

Q. Where can I obtain programming information for the Intel386 EX processor?

A. Since the 386EX and the 386SX have the same internal static core, they both share the same instruction sets. Refer to Intel386 SX Programmer's Reference Manual #240331 for programming information.

Q. Is there an extended temperature version of the Intel386 EX processor?

A. Yes, the Intel386 EX processor is offered in extended temperature range (-40C to +110C). The maximum operating temperature is dependant on the system implementation. You can find this document under Intel Architecture / Use/80386 Integrated/ Technical Data/Data Sheets.

Q. What is the latest information on the evaluation board for the Intel386 EX processor?

A. The latest version of the evaluation board is revision 2.1. The part number for the evaluation board is EV386EX. The evaluation board contains a 512Kbyte Flash, 1-Mbyte DRAM SIMM, two SRAM sockets and a PC/104 connector. It also includes the Soft-Scope Debugger program from CSI, and an install utility program.

Q: Is the source code, schematics and PLD equations available for the Intel386 EX evaluation board?

A: Complete OrCad schematics, libraries, and PLD equations are available in the Try category for Intel Architecture under schematics and code examples respectively. The file names for the different revisions of the evaluation board are as follows:


	Revision 1.0	Revision 2.1
Schematics/PLD Equations	EV38611.ZIP	!EV21SCH.EXE
BIOS/Initialization Code	!BOOTLD.EXE	EV38621.EXE


The Intel386 EX Eval Board User's Manual #272525 also contains the schematics and PLD equations for the latest revision of the evaluation board.

Q. What is PC/104?

A. PC/104 is a new standard board based on the PC and PC/AT architecture. It is simply a smaller (3.8" X 3.0") version of the standard PC bus board. Its purpose is to allow PC compatible architecture to be compact enough to be embedded and still be able to use standard components. Intel has announced cooperative efforts to work with Ampro, a leading producer of PC/104 hardware, to develop and grow the embedded market for PC's. For more information about PC/104 standards and a complete list of PC/104 vendors, order FaxBACK document #2769 or contact the PC/104 Consortium: 415-903-8304.
To contact Ampro: 408-522-2100

Q. Is there any errata for the Intel386 EX processor?

A. The errata for the Intel386 EX A-step is FaxBACK document #2762 and the errata for the Intel386 EX B-step is FaxBACK #2775.

Q. What about errata for the static Intel386 SX and Intel386 CX processor?

A. The errata is found in document #2445.

Q. Are there any benchmarks on the Intel386 EX processor? How does the Intel386 EX processor compare to the 186 as well as other processors?

A. Benchmarks have not yet been completed for the Intel386 EX, however, because it shares the same core as the Intel386 SL, these benchmarks can be used. FaxBACK #7032 gives these benchmarks. As far as comparing it to the 186, maximum performance will increase by about a factor of 4.

Dhrystone V1.1 MIPS ratings:

• 386SL-25 : 4.5
  
• 186-16 : 0.9
  
  

Q. What would be involved in an upgrade from the 186 to a Intel386 EX processor?

A. The Intel386 EX is the logical upgrade path for the 186 because it offers an initial 4-fold performance increase (when moving from 16-bit to 32-bit code) and approximately a 3-fold increase when running the exact same (16-bit) code! The Intel386 EX processor contains all of the peripherals required of a 186 based system, and plenty of room for future performance growth. Although completely object code compatible, the Intel386 EX is not a pin for pin replacement for the 186 and therefore does require a board level redesign and a new BIOS. There is an apnote on upgrading from the 186 family to the 386EX available through Intel Tech Support; call 1-800-628-8686 for information.

Q. Where can I get the correct pinout and latest data sheet for the Intel386 EX processor?

A. The latest data sheet is available at this site under Intel Architecture/Use/80386 Integrated/Technical Data/Data Sheets.

Q. Are there any reference designs for the Intel386 EX processor?

A. Yes there are several.

• Evaluation Board
  

The evaluation is sold by Intel for development purposes but it can also be used as a reference design. The Eval Board User's Manual, order #272525-004, contains schematics, PLD equations, and detailed information on the design of the board. Complete OrCad schematics, OrCad libraries, and PLD equations of this Evaluation Board is also available on Intel's BBS (916-356-3600) under the self-extracting file EV38621.ZIP.

• Point of Sales (POS) Terminal Reference Design Kit
  

The purpose of this design is to provide a proven platform as a starting point for new designs. The POS was designed by Intel and highlights the features of the 386EX and Intel Boot Block Flash Memory. The POS terminal shows interfacing to SVGA Controller, PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse, IDE Hard Disk, PCMCIA, Parallel Printer Port, and much more. Intel does not manufacture or sell the physical POS board. The POS design is only a reference design. The apnote and associated files are available at this site. The entire POS reference design kit which includes the apnote, schematics, and data sheets for the flash boot block devices is also available at this site under Intel Architecture/Use/80386 Integrated/Design Info/Application Designs.

• H4T Hamilton Hallmark Hand Held Terminal Reference Design Kit
  

The H4T was designed by Hamilton Hallmark. The features of this design are PCMCIA slot, RF Wireless Communications, Barcode Wand and Power Management.The reference design is available at this site under Intel Architecture/Use/80386 Integrated/Design Info/Application Designs.

• MHT9000 Reference Design Kit - Order #272585 (Available Q4'95)
  

A low cost pen-input handheld terminal with a graphical user interface. It was developed as a working reference design to enable shorter design cycles by providing a proven base platform as a starting point. The kit contains all necessary technical documentation; the design can be used "as is" or as a building block to enhance a specific function. See the Product Brief for more information (order code 272682)

• Explr1 Embedded PC Platform (Available September 1995)
  

Intel has enhanced the POS RDK design to create the Explr1, the first member of the Exploration Series. The Explr1 demonstrates the Intel386 EX processor features, and showcases its use in a small, portable, low cost, embedded computer application. The board will also include the BIOS and DOS, delivering to the end user a complete embedded solution. As part of the design, the complex PLD has been replaced with the R300EX. The R300EX is a Memory/Bus Controller, developed by RadiSys Corp., which provides the support required by the Intel386 EX processor and its peripheral devices. The Explr1 has already been featured in the June 22, 1995 cover article of EDN. The board is an example of the single board computer, as well as an embedded PC proof of concept board.

Q. Is there BIOS or DOS for the Intel386 EX processor?

A. Yes, they are provided by third party vendors. For information see the Intel Architecture/Try/80386 Integrated/Development Tools area of this site. In addition there are demo/evaluation DOS and BIOS files at this site under Intel Architecture/Try/80386 Integrated/Support Software/Software-Firmware. The file names are: DLEXEB1A.ZIP (contains BIOS/DOS files from Datalight), GSEXEB1B.ZIP (contains BIOS/DOS files from General Software), !ESEXEB1.EXE (Contains sample BIOS from Eurosoft), and !SFEXBLA.EXE (contains demo BIOS for the 386EX Eval Board from FarmBIOS)

Q. What development and software tools are going to be available for the Intel386 EX, CX, SX, and DX processors?

A. For a complete list of Intel386 in-circuit emulators, software debuggers, compilers, assemblers, linkers, locators, custom BIOS, operating kernels (including ROM DOS and ROMable Windows) and their respective vendors, see the Development tool area for Intel Architecture. Besides the evaluation board for the EX, Intel offers ApBUILDER v2.03. ApBUILDER is a free Windows based development tool that includes the Intel386, 186, 196, 51, and 251 family of products. The latest version of this development tool is available on this site as well under the file APBSETUP.EXE.

Q. What math coprocessor does the Intel386 EX processor interface to?

A. The 386EX interfaces to the 80387SX Math Coprocessor. The part number is BOX387SX. This coprocessor comes in a boxed plastic leaded chip carrier package supporting 16, 20, 25 MHZ systems. For information on how to interface the 386EX to the 80387SX Math Coprocessor, see 386SX Hardware Reference Manual (order #240332), chapter 5 for details.
Since the 386EX has the same core as the 386SX, the Math Coprocessor interface is similar.

Q. Can the Intel386 EX, CX, and SX processors be configured to be PC/AT compatible?

A. Yes, see the Intel386 EX processors User's Manual Chapter 4 and Appendix B.

Q. PC/AT architecture uses two 8237A DMA controllers, connected in cascade, for a total of 7 channels, whereas the Intel386 EX processor has only 2 channels. What effect does this have on DOS compatibility?

A. The Intel386 EX processor has been designed so it can easily be configured for full DOS compatibility. All versions of DOS 3.2 and higher only use one DMA channel, for the floppy disk controller. Thus, the two supplied by the EX are sufficient. If older versions of DOS are used or if more than two channels must be needed, two 8237A DMA controller can be easily connected to the Intel386 EX processor and can replace the on-board 2 channel DMA controller via an on-board relocation register. This results in the PC/AT standard of 7 DMA channels. See the Intel386 EX processors User's Manual chapter 4 and Appendix B.

Q. What functionality is lost due to the multiplexing of the pins on the Intel386 EX processor?

A. Most of the microprocessor's package pins support two signals. Some are connected to two peripherals without the use of a multiplexer (see table 5-1 of the EX User's Manual), the rest have multiplexers controlled by a bit in a pin configuration register. The best source for what pins are multiplexed and how to set them up is the EX User's Manual Appendix A, and chapter 5.

The main functions that overlap are:

• The use of serial I/O channel 1 (SIO1) precludes using DMA channel 1, and vice versa.
  
• The use of serial I/O channel 1 (SIO1) modem signals RTS#, DSR1#, DTR#, and RI1# precludes use of synchronous serial I/O (SSIO) signals, and vice versa.
  
• The math coprocessor and Timer 2 cannot be used at the same time.
  

Q. What are values for interrupt latency on the Intel386 EX processor?

A. Latency values for the Intel386 CX and EX processor can be calculated using the latency values for the dynamic Intel386 SX processor (pages 3-27 and 3-28 of the Intel386 SX processor hardware reference manual, lit #240332) plus an additional 2 clocks. Latency can be 29 to 432 clocks for the Intel386 EX and CX processors.

Latency for the static Intel386 SX processor are the same as the dynamic Intel386 SX processor. Latency is minimized under real mode using no strings or locked instructions. See the technical note "Interrupt Latency in 386EX Based System" at this site under Intel Architecture/Use/80386 Integrated/Design Info/Technical Notes.

Q. What is the life expectancy of the Intel386 EX, CX and SX processors, as well as the dynamic Intel386 SX and Intel386 DX processors? How long will these be produced and supported by Intel?

A. The dynamic Intel386 SX and Intel386 DX processors are now considered by Intel to be part of the Embedded Intel386 line of microprocessors. As with all embedded products, the average life span for production and support is predictably long and well-established. Intel has emphasized their position on this by recently stepping up production of the dynamic Intel386 SX and DX processors. In other words, Intel has full intention of producing and supporting the newly established line of Embedded Intel386 Microprocessors for quite some time to come.

Q. What companies currently offer and support Intel386 SX and DX processors with companion chips?

A. The following companies have given positive signs that they intend to keep supporting their SX/DX companion chips as long as an embedded demand exists:

• ACC: 408-980-0622
  
• ETEQ: 408-432-8147
  
• LSI Logic: 408-433-8000
  
• PicoPower: 408-954-8880
  
• OAK: 408-737-0888
  
• Opti 408-980-8178
  
• Vadem: 408-943-9301
  
• VLSI: 602-752-8574
  
• Western Digital: 714-932-5000
  
  

A. We have two providers:
SAMSUNG COMPANION CHIP SOLUTION:
Intel386 SX processor with Samsung KS82C388A system controller. Samsung (408) 954-7000
PICOPOWER COMPANION CHIP SOLUTION:
Intel386 CX processor with Picopower PT86C378 (CEDAR) system controller.
Picopower (408) 954-8800

Q. Are there any application notes on interfacing the Intel386 EX processor to DRAM?

A. The 386EX has integrated DRAM refresh control logic that can be used in conjunction with a simple PLD device to provide complete DRAM refresh capabilities. A good reference would be to look at the evaluation board reference schematics which show the EX interfacing to DRAM via a 22V10 PLD. These schematics and the PLD equations are on on this site at Intel Architecture/Use/80386 Integrated/Design Info/Schematics.


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