Intel AN87C196JRF8: An In-Depth Technical Overview of the 16-Bit Embedded Controller
The Intel AN87C196JRF8 stands as a prominent member of the MCS® 96 family of 16-bit embedded controllers, representing a significant leap in performance and integration for industrial and high-end embedded applications of its era. This microcontroller is renowned for its robust architecture, which combines high-speed computational power with a rich set of peripheral features, all engineered to handle complex real-time control tasks with precision.
At the core of the AN87C196JRF8 lies a high-performance 16-bit CHMOS CPU. Unlike traditional 8-bit microcontrollers, its central processing unit features a register-to-register architecture, eliminating the accumulator bottleneck common in earlier designs. This allows for dramatically faster execution of instructions and more efficient data handling. The core operates on a Register Arithmetic Logic Unit (RALU), which executes most instructions in a highly efficient manner, making it exceptionally capable for numerical calculations and control algorithms.
A key differentiator of this controller is its sophisticated memory subsystem. It incorporates a 16 KB of on-chip, factory-programmable OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM for non-volatile code storage. This provides a secure and reliable method for storing firmware while simplifying the system design by reducing the need for external memory components. For data handling, it is equipped with 512 bytes of on-chip Register RAM. This RAM is not a simple storage array; it is organized as a register file, which can be accessed quickly by the CPU, further accelerating program execution.
The peripheral set integrated into the AN87C196JRF8 is extensive and tailored for real-time control. It includes a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with a 10-channel multiplexer, enabling the direct interfacing and processing of multiple analog sensor inputs, a critical feature for motor control and process automation. For timing and event control, it is equipped with a High-Speed I/O (HSIO) subsystem. This includes a 16-bit timer/counter and a Programmable Counter Array (PCA) with multiple capture/compare modules, providing the flexibility to generate precise PWM signals, measure pulse widths, and trigger events without CPU intervention.
Furthermore, the device supports a variety of serial communication protocols essential for system interfacing. It features a full-duplex UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) for RS-232/485 communication and a synchronous serial port for connecting to peripheral chips. Its 16-bit architecture is complemented by a multiplexed address/data bus, allowing it to interface seamlessly with external memory and logic when required for more expansive applications.
Designed for resilience in demanding environments, the AN87C196JRF8 operates effectively over industrial temperature ranges and is built on Intel's reliable CHMOS technology, which offers a compelling blend of the high speed of HMOS and the low power consumption of CMOS.
ICGOOODFIND: The Intel AN87C196JRF8 is a quintessential high-integration 16-bit embedded controller, architected for superior computational throughput and sophisticated real-time peripheral management. Its potent combination of a register-based CPU, ample on-chip OTP ROM, a high-speed ADC, and advanced timing units solidifies its legacy as a powerful solution for complex embedded control systems.
Keywords:
16-Bit Embedded Controller
MCS® 96 Family
On-Chip OTP EPROM
High-Speed I/O (HSIO)
Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)
