Discover the Intel I 960 JX: Performance, Affordability, Efficiency

Discover the Intel I 960 JX: Performance, Affordability, Efficiency

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Evolution of the Intel 960 Architecture
3. Introducing the Intel I 960 JX Microprocessor
4. Features and Specifications of the 960 JX
   • 4.1 Performance in Price-Constrained Systems
   • 4.2 Power Saving Features and Small Footprint
   • 4.3 Special Features for Memory Access
5. The Programming Model of the Intel 960 JX
   • 5.1 Global and Local Registers
   • 5.2 Predicated Execution and Conditional Operations
   • 5.3 Complex Addressing Modes
6. Memory Management and Power Consumption
   • 6.1 On-Chip Data RAM and Interrupt Vectors
   • 6.2 Unaligned Memory Reference Support
   • 6.3 Power Management and Halt Instruction
7. Performance Analysis and Benchmarks
   • 7.1 Dhrystone Benchmark
   • 7.2 Imaging Performance
8. Variations and Future Developments
   • 8.1 Different Proliferations of the 960 JX
   • 8.2 Future Upgrades and Enhancements

Introducing the Intel I 960 JX Microprocessor

In this article, we will delve into the exciting world of the new Intel I 960 JX microprocessor, a low-end embedded processor recently announced by Intel. The 960 architecture has a rich history dating back to the mid-1980s with the introduction of the earliest 960 KX microprocessor. Now, with the unveiling of the JX, Intel aims to fill the role previously occupied by the KX in cost-effective embedded systems.

The Evolution of the Intel 960 Architecture

Before diving into the features of the Intel I 960 JX, let's take a moment to appreciate the evolution of the 960 architecture. Over the years, Intel has continuously improved and adapted the 960 series to meet the ever-changing demands of the embedded systems market. The new JX processor signifies a significant milestone, as it brings advancements in performance, power efficiency, and functionality that Align with the requirements of modern embedded systems.

Features and Specifications of the 960 JX

The Intel I 960 JX is designed to excel in price-constrained embedded systems where cost optimization is crucial. Its feature set is tailored to meet the specific demands of these systems, which often prioritize factors like low price, modest CPU performance, and efficient power consumption. Let's explore the key features and specifications that make the 960 JX an ideal choice for such environments.

Performance in Price-Constrained Systems

Embedded systems with tight cost constraints call for processors that provide adequate performance at affordable prices. Intel understands this requirement and has engineered the 960 JX to deliver more than 30 VAX MIPS (Millions of Instructions Per Second) performance within a price range of less than $30. This ensures that the processor is aligned with the overall system design cost and meets the expectations of price-sensitive embedded applications.

Power Saving Features and Small Footprint

In low-end embedded systems, power consumption and physical footprint are crucial considerations. The 960 JX addresses these concerns by incorporating several power-saving features. At a voltage of 3.3 volts and a clock speed of 33 megahertz, the processor operates at a mere half-watt power consumption. This low power profile enables the 960 JX to function efficiently while minimizing the strain on the system's power supply. Additionally, its compact form factor ensures minimal physical space requirements, making it an ideal choice for space-constrained embedded applications.

Special Features for Memory Access

Memory access plays a vital role in determining the overall performance of an embedded processor. The 960 JX boasts a range of special features designed to optimize memory access in price-constrained systems. Often, embedded systems of this nature implement slow instruction memory, typically 16 bits with slow bandwidth. To overcome these limitations, Intel has implemented mechanisms such as non-blocking data cache and 4 kilobytes of instruction cache. These features enable the 960 JX to provide acceptable 32-bit performance while efficiently fetching instructions from the slower memory.

Stay tuned for the following sections as we explore the programming model of the 960 JX, delve into memory management and power consumption, analyze the performance using benchmarks, and discuss variations and future developments of this exciting new microprocessor.

🔥 Highlights:

• The Intel I 960 JX microprocessor is a low-end embedded processor designed to cater to price-constrained systems.
• It offers more than 30 VAX MIPS of performance for less than $30, making it an affordable choice for embedded applications.
• The 960 JX incorporates power-saving features and has a small physical footprint, ideal for space-constrained environments.
• Special features for memory access, such as non-blocking data cache and instruction cache, ensure efficient performance despite slow instruction memory.

Please note that the following FAQ Q&A section provides more insights about the Intel I 960 JX microprocessor.