Intel AN87C196KD: An In-Depth Technical Overview of the 16-Bit Embedded Controller
The Intel AN87C196KD represents a significant member of the MCS® 96 family of 16-bit embedded controllers, designed for high-performance, real-time control applications. This microcontroller integrates a powerful set of features onto a single chip, making it a cornerstone solution for demanding industrial systems, advanced motor control, and complex automotive applications during its era.
At the heart of the AN87C196KD lies a high-performance 16-bit CHMOS CPU. Unlike simpler 8-bit architectures, this core features a register-to-register architecture based on a 232-byte register file, which eliminates the accumulator bottleneck and significantly accelerates data manipulation and processing speeds. This design is central to its capability to handle computationally intensive tasks efficiently.
A key feature of this controller is its sophisticated on-chip peripherals. The device includes a dedicated Programmable Event Processor (PEP), which offloads critical I/O handling from the main CPU. This is complemented by a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with a sample-and-hold circuit, enabling precise measurement of analog signals from sensors. For timing and control, it is equipped with two dedicated 16-bit counter/timers and a Watchdog Timer for enhanced system reliability. Furthermore, the Peripheral Transaction Server (PTS) provides a microcoded interrupt handling mechanism that reduces interrupt response overhead, facilitating efficient multi-tasking and real-time event management.
Memory architecture is another strong suit. The AN87C196KD offers a 16KB of On-Chip EPROM, allowing for the storage of complex control algorithms and firmware. This is supported by 512 bytes of register RAM, which provides fast, on-chip storage for frequently accessed variables and stack operations, minimizing the need for slower external memory accesses and boosting overall system performance.
The device supports multiple operating modes and clocking options, providing designers with flexibility in balancing performance and power consumption. Its extensive I/O capabilities, including a high-speed I/O unit and a serial port (UART), make it suitable for interfacing with a wide array of external devices and communication networks.
In summary, the Intel AN87C196KD stands as a powerful and integrated solution for complex embedded control, leveraging its robust 16-bit core, intelligent peripheral subsystems, and significant on-chip memory to deliver performance where it matters most.
ICGOOODFIND: The Intel AN87C196KD is a quintessential high-integration 16-bit microcontroller, distinguished by its efficient register-based CPU, intelligent peripherals like the PEP and PTS, and substantial on-chip EPROM, making it an ICGOODFIND for developers of sophisticated real-time control systems.
Keywords: 16-Bit Embedded Controller, CHMOS CPU, On-Chip Peripherals, Programmable Event Processor (PEP), Peripheral Transaction Server (PTS)
