Intel Embedded Intel486 User Manual

Embedded Intel486
™
Processor
Hardware Reference Manual
The embedded Intel486™ processors may contain design defects known as errata which may
cause the products to deviate from published specifications. Currently characterized errata are
available on request.
Release Date: July 1997
Order Number: 273025-001

Intel Embedded Intel486 Specifications

General

Brand	Intel
Model	Embedded Intel486
Category	Computer Hardware
Language	English

Summary

Introduction

Processor Features

Details core features like 32-bit RISC core, pipelining, on-chip cache, and MMU.

Memory Management

On-chip Cache

Details the 8/16-Kbyte unified cache, its protocols, and line fills.

Internal Architecture

Instruction Pipelining

Explains how instructions are processed in stages for improved performance.

Bus Interface Unit

Cache Unit

Covers cache operation, including hits, misses, line fills, and update policies.

Floating-Point Unit

Bus Operation

Data Transfer Mechanism

Explains how data operands of various lengths are transferred over the bus.

Dynamic Data Bus Sizing

Bus Arbitration Logic

Bus Functional Description

Locked Cycles

Covers atomic memory access using the LOCK# pin for read-modify-write operations.

Invalidate Cycles

Bus Hold

Enhanced Bus Mode Operation (Write-Back Mode) for the Write-Back Enhanced IntelDX4™ Processor

Describes bus operation changes for write-back mode.

Memory Subsystem Design

The Burst Cycle

The KEN# Input

Improving Write Cycle Latency

Covers techniques like interleaving and write posting to reduce write latency.

Second-Level Cache

Explains the advantages and performance benefits of using an L2 cache.

Peripheral Subsystem

Peripheral/Processor Bus Interface

Dynamic Bus Sizing

Bus Control and Ready Logic

Write Buffers and I/O Cycles

82C59A Interface

System Bus Design

EISA BUS: SYSTEM DESIGN EXAMPLE

PCI BUS: SYSTEM DESIGN EXAMPLE

Introduces the PCI bus, its features, and its implementation in embedded systems.

Performance Considerations

Memory Performance Factors

Instruction Execution Performance

Reviews how Intel486 processors achieve faster instruction execution and compares with earlier processors.

Internal Cache Performance Issues

Analyzes the on-chip cache's organization, size, and impact on performance.

On-Chip Write Buffers

Details the function of write buffers in reducing latency and enhancing write performance.

External Memory Considerations

Second-Level Cache Performance Considerations

Explains the advantages and performance benefits of using an L2 cache.

Floating-Point Performance

Analyzes the floating-point unit's performance, execution sequences, and on-chip interface.

Physical Design and System Debugging

Power Dissipation and Distribution

Discusses power dissipation, capacitive loading, and power/ground planes.

High-Frequency Design Considerations

Covers management of transmission lines, impedance control, and EMI.

Latch-Up

Covers prevention of latch-up by observing voltage limits and using proper layout.

Clock Considerations

Discusses requirements for clock signals, skew, and loading effects.

Thermal Characteristics

Explains thermal specifications, junction temperature calculation, and heatsink usage.

Building and Debugging the Intel486™ Processor-Based System

Outlines steps for building and debugging the system incrementally.

Debugging Features of the Intel486™ Processor

Debug Registers