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CHAPTER 2
ARCHITECTURAL OVERVIEW
The Intel386
™
EX embedded processor (Figure 2-1) is based on the static Intel386 SX processor.
This highly integrated device retains those personal computer functions that are useful in embed-
ded applications and integrates peripherals that are typically needed in embedded systems. The
Intel386 EX processor provides a PC-compatible development platform in a device that is opti-
mized for embedded applications. Its integrated peripherals and power management options
make the Intel386 EX processor ideal for portable systems.
The integrated peripherals of the Intel386 EX processor are compatible with the standard desktop
PC. This allows existing PC software, including most of the industry’s leading desktop and em-
bedded operating systems, to be easily implemented on an Intel386 EX processor-based platform.
Using PC-compatible peripherals also allows for the development and debugging of application
software on a standard PC platform.
Typical applications using the Intel386 EX processor include automated manufacturing equip-
ment, cellular telephones, telecommunications equipment, fax machines, hand-held data loggers,
high-precision industrial flow controllers, interactive television, medical equipment, modems,
and smart copiers.
This chapter is organized as follows:
• Intel386 EX Embedded Processor Core (see below)
• Integrated Peripherals (page 2-3)
2.1 Intel386 EX EMBEDDED PROCESSOR CORE
The Intel386 EX processor contains a modular, fully static Intel386 CX central processing unit
(CPU). The Intel386 CX processor is an enhanced Intel386 SX processor with the addition of
System Management Mode (SMM) and two additional address lines. The Intel386 EX processor
has a 16-bit data bus and a 26-bit address bus, supporting up to 64 Mbytes of memory address
space and 64 Kbytes of I/O address space. The performance of the Intel386 EX processor closely
reflects the Intel386 SX CPU performance at the same speeds.
Chapter 3, “CORE OVERVIEW” describes differences between the Intel386 EX processor core
and the Intel386 SX processor. Please refer to the Intel386™ SX Microprocessor Programmer’s
Reference Manual (order number 240331) for applications and system programming informa-
tion; descriptions of protected, real, and virtual-8086 modes; and details on the instruction set.