Intel AN87C196JT: An In-Depth Technical Overview of the 16-Bit Embedded Controller
The Intel AN87C196JT represents a significant member of the MCS® 96 family of 16-bit embedded controllers, engineered for high-performance control applications demanding robust computational power and sophisticated peripheral integration. As a derivative of the 80C196 architecture, this microcontroller is particularly noted for its suitability in complex industrial systems, automotive control, and real-time processing environments.
Architectural Foundation and Core Performance
At its heart, the AN87C196JT features a 16-bit CPU core that eliminates the classic accumulator bottleneck through a register-to-register architecture. This design is built upon a 256-byte register file, where any register can function as an accumulator, significantly enhancing data throughput and efficiency. The core operates with a prefetch mechanism, queuing instructions to accelerate execution, making it adept at handling computationally intensive algorithms.
A key attribute of this controller is its embedded 8KB of On-Chip Programmable EPROM. This non-volatile memory is used for storing firmware and critical application code, offering the security and speed of execution directly from on-chip memory. This is complemented by 256 bytes of register RAM, providing fast storage for variables and stack operations.
Advanced Peripheral Integration
The device is distinguished by its rich set of integrated peripherals, designed to minimize external component count and simplify system design.
High-Speed I/O Unit: A dedicated High-Speed Input/Output (HSIO) unit allows for the triggering and capturing of events in hardware, independent of the CPU. This is crucial for real-time control tasks such as measuring pulse widths or generating complex waveforms without software overhead.
Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): It incorporates a 10-bit, 8-channel ADC with a sample-and-hold circuit. This enables the microcontroller to interface directly with analog sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure), which is a cornerstone capability for closed-loop control systems.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Output: The dedicated PWM output can be used for direct digital control of analog circuits, commonly employed in motor control, power supply regulation, and as a simple digital-to-analog converter.
Serial Communications: The Serial Port (UART) facilitates asynchronous communications with peripheral chips, computers, or other microcontrollers, enabling system diagnostics and data logging.
Timers/Counters: Two 16-bit hardware timers/counters support various timing and event counting functions, forming the basis for the operation of the HSIO and PWM units.
System Design and Development Support
The "JT" suffix in the part number often indicates a plastic leaded chip carrier (PLCC) package and commercial temperature range availability. A critical feature for development is that this part is an EPROM version, meaning it can be erased with ultraviolet light and reprogrammed. This makes it an ideal platform for prototyping, firmware debugging, and low-to-medium volume production before committing to a mask-ROM version.
Application Domains
The combination of processing power, integrated peripherals, and real-time control capabilities made the AN87C196JT a preferred solution for a wide array of demanding applications. Its primary use cases included:
Industrial Control: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), sensor data acquisition, and process automation.
Automotive Systems: Engine control units (ECUs), anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and transmission control.
Advanced Motor Control: Precisely controlling brushless DC (BLDC) and AC induction motors.
Robotics: Serving as a central controller for managing sensors, actuators, and kinematics.
ICGOOODFIND
The Intel AN87C196JT stands as a quintessential example of a high-integration 16-bit embedded controller from its era. Its powerful register-based CPU architecture, extensive suite of on-chip peripherals like the 10-bit ADC and HSIO unit, and the flexibility of EPROM memory solidified its role as a cornerstone component in sophisticated real-time control systems across industrial and automotive fields.
Keywords: 16-Bit Microcontroller, Embedded Control, MCS® 96 Architecture, On-Chip Peripherals, Real-Time Processing
