Intel486 Processors

The Intel486 microprocessors have provided 32-bit high performance in increasingly complex application environments for personal computers and network servers. Now the same microprocessors are available for a range of embedded applications, such as terminals, embedded PC boards, industrial control systems, scanners, printers, medical equipment and entertainment systems. Current customers of the embedded Intel386 processor can now take advantage of the Intel486 architecture to extend the performance of their embedded designs. The Intel® SL Technology, featured in the Intel486 processors, allows system designers to build intelligent power management capabilities into hardware, making these capabilities independent of application software. Power management becomes an integral part of the system, regardless of what operating system or application is used. Power management is improved because SL Technology protects the power management features from conflicting with other software. Intel486 SX Embedded.

Processor Overview

The embedded Intel486 SX processor provides high performance to 32-bit, embedded applications that do not required a floating-point unit. The embedded Intel486 SX processor is binary compatible with the Intel386 and earlier Intel processors. Compared with the Intel386 processor, it provides faster execution of many commonly used instructions. It also provides the benefits of an integrated 8-Kbyte, write-through cache for code and data. Its data bus can operate in burst mode, which provides up to 106Mbps transfers for cache-line fills and instructions prefetches. Two component packages are available: a 196-Lead Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP), and a 168-Pin Grid Array (PGA), both available for 5-volt designs. Both products operate at CLK frequencies up to 33MHz. Ultra Low Power Intel486 SX and Intel486 GX Processor Family The Ultra Low Power Intel486 SX processor was developed specifically for the embedded market. It brings high levels of performance to low-cost, entry-level, embedded applications, where maximum energy efficiency is a high concern. (Please see our datasheet for low power options). These low-power technology improvements allow for new packaging options for the Intel486 processor. The Ultra Low Power Intel486 SX processor comes in the 176 lead Thin Quad Flat Pack(TQFP) package. This is the smallest, lowest profile Intel486 processor in the world. At 25.4mm x 25.4mm x 1.5mm, the 176 lead TQFP package is the same size and thickness as the United States quarter (25 cent coin)!

IntelDX2 and IntelDX4 Processor Family

The IntelDX2 and IntelDX4 processors bring the highest level of performance in the Intel486 family, created by such combined features as speed-multiplying technology, on-chip integration of Level I unified code and data cache, memory management unit with paging, and floating-point unit. The clock-multiplier allows the processor to operate at frequencies higher than the external memory bus. The integer unit uses RISC design techniques to provide single-clock-cycle execution of common instructions and general purpose registers for manipulating 32-bit addresses and data. The 8K on-chip Write-Through unified cache on the speed-doubled IntelDX2 processor, and the 16K on-chip Write-Back Enhanced unified cache on the speed-tripled IntelDX4 processor maintains the one-clock-per-instruction execution rate. Intel 486 processors provide support for multiprocessing systems. Support for multi-level caches reduces bus utilization, allowing multiple Intel486 processors to share a single memory bus. For the highest level of performance, choose the IntelDX2 and IntelDX4 processors.