This text is written for the student in a course of study that requires a thorough knowledge of the Intel family of microprocessors beginning with the Intel 80286. It is a very practical reference text for anyone interested in all aspects of this important microprocessor family. Today, anyone functioning or striving to function in a field of study that uses computers must understand this important family of microprocessors. Intel microprocessors have gained wide applications in many areas of electronics, communications, control systems, and particularly in desktop computer systems.
In order to cultivate a comprehensive approach to learning, each chapter of the text begins with a set of objectives that briefly define the contents of the chapter. This is followed by the body of the chapter, which includes many programming and hardware applications that illustrate the main topics of the chapter. At the end of each chapter, a numerical summary, which doubles as a study guide, reviews the information presented in the chapter. Finally, questions and problems are provided to promote practice and mental exercise with the concepts presented in the chapter. This text is divided into two main parts. The first presents the microprocessor as a programmable device. Chapters 1--6 explain the function of each instruction and also illustrate many example programs. Example programs, using the Microsoft Macro Assembler program, provide an opportunity to learn how to program the Intel family of microprocessors. Chapter 6 concentrates on using the assembler, linker, library, macros, DOS function, and BIOS functions. The basic foundation presented in the first six chapters are required to understand the second part of the text (Chapters 7--13, which explains how the microprocessor functions in its environment. The microprocessor's environment includes its memory and I/O system. Interfacing is explained so the microprocessor can be connected to virtually any device that exists. Through this comprehensive approach, the student will become proficient in microprocessor programming, interfacing, and application.
Because the Intel family of microprocessors is quite diverse, this text initially concentrates on the 80286 microprocessor. Other family members, which include the 80386 and 80486, are compared and contrasted with the 80286 in Chapter 13. This entire series of microprocessors is very similar, which allows more advanced versions to be learned once the basic 80286 is understood.
In addition to fully explaining the programming, operation, and interfacing of the microprocessor, this text also explains the programming of the numeric coprocessor (80287/80387). The numeric coprocessor functions in a system to provide access to floating-point calculations that are important in applications such as control systems, video graphics, and computer aided design (CAD). The numeric coprocessor allows a program to access complex arithmetic operations that are otherwise difficult to achieve with normal microprocessor programming.
Through this approach, the operation of the microprocessor, programming, interfacing, and the advanced family members, a working and practical background id attainable. On completion of a course of study based on this text, you should be able to:
Chapter 1 introduces the Intel family of microprocessors with an emphasis on the 80286 microprocessor. This first chapter serves to introduce the microprocessor, its history, its operation, and the methods used to store data in a microprocessor-based system. Once an understanding of these basic machine is grasped, Chapters 2--5 explain how each instruction functions with the 80286 microprocessor. As instructions are explained, simple applications are presented to illustrate the operation of the instructions and develop basic programming concepts.
Once the basis for programming is developed, Chapter 6 provides applications using the assembler program. These applications include programming using DOS and BIOS function calls. Disk files are explained as well as keyboard and video operation on a personal computer system. This chapter provides the tools required to develop virtually any program on a personal computer system.
Chapter 7 introduces the 80286 as a component in a digital system. This chapter provides detail on the connection of the microprocessor to its system through bus buffers and latches. It also provides detail on ancillary components required for a functioning 80286-based system. The electrical characteristics are provided at this point so the microprocessor can be interfaced to memory and I/O components in later chapters.
Once the operation, pinout and electrical characteristics of the microprocessor are understood, Chapter 8 interfaces the microprocessor to a memory system. Memory interface is accomplished through the use of TTL decoders, PROM decoders, and PAL {PAL is a programmable array logic device that is a registered trademark of Monolithic Memories, Inc.) decoders. This chapter also describes the operation and how to interface common memory components such as EPROM, SRAM, and DRAM.
Chapters 9--11 provide a complete coverage of I/O interfacing to the microprocessor. The first of these chapters explains the operation of the I/O instructions and basic serial, parallel, ADC, and DAC interfacing. Common I/O subsystems include keyboards, displays, printer interfaces, and so forth.
Once these basic I/O devices are understood, Chapter 10 and 11 provide additional detail on interrupt and DMA processed I/O. They also explain the operation and programming of programmable interrupt and DMA controllers. Chapter 11 also explains how disk and video systems function in a computer system.
Advanced material on the 80287/80387 numeric coprocessor and the 80386/80486 microprocessors appears in chapters 12 and 13. These advanced topics include memory management, coprocessor programming, cache memory, and memory paging.
Appendices are included to enhance the application of the text. These include: