Intel 80186
Intel 80186
The Intel 80186, also known as the iAPX 186, is a noteworthy microprocessor and microcontroller introduced in 1982 by Intel Corporation. This chip was an enhancement over the Intel 8086, incorporating several integrated peripherals which made it more efficient for certain tasks, especially in embedded systems.
Architecture and Features
The Intel 80186 is a 16-bit processor built on a similar instruction set architecture as the Intel 8086 and the Intel 8088. However, it included a number of enhancements and integrated components that were not present in its predecessors. The 80186 contained:
- Interrupt Controller
- Timer
- Programmable Peripheral Interface
- DMA Controllers
These integrated components reduced the need for external support chips, making the 80186 particularly suitable for embedded applications. The chip came in different versions, with the primary variants being the 80186 and the 80188, a version with an 8-bit data bus.
Performance and Usage
The Intel 80186 was typically clocked at speeds ranging from 6 MHz to 25 MHz. Its performance improvements over the 8086 made it a suitable choice for a variety of applications, including industrial control and embedded systems. Despite its advantages, the 80186 did not become widely used in the personal computer market primarily due to its incompatibility with the hardware designs of the IBM PC and its derivatives, which were based on the Intel 8088.
Historical Context
The introduction of the 80186 was a part of Intel's strategic effort to refine and expand its line of microprocessors. Following the 80186, Intel released the Intel 80286, which further improved the architecture and performance by introducing protected mode and other enhancements. The 80186's integration of peripherals prefigured the design approach of later Intel microcontrollers and embedded processors.
Comparison with Contemporaries
While the 80186 had significant improvements over the 8086 and 8088, it was contemporaneous with the Intel 80286. The 80286 provided more advanced capabilities for general-purpose computing, such as the introduction of protected mode, which was essential for the development of more advanced operating systems.
Legacy
The Intel 80186 has left a lasting impact on the field of microprocessors, particularly in the realm of embedded systems. Its design philosophy of integrating multiple peripherals into a single chip influenced later microcontroller designs. The 80186 and 80188 were also second-sourced by other manufacturers, such as Fujitsu, ensuring their widespread use in various industrial applications.