The i386-Engine^(TM) (IE) is a 32-bit microprocessor core module based on the 33 MHz Intel386EX^(TM). It is designed for embedded systems that require high performance, PC-compatibility, compactness, low power consumption, and high reliability at a low cost. The i386-Engine^(TM) is not only easy to program in C/C++, but also offers PC-compatibility, and thus a vast software library. Whether you use it as the processor core component of an OEM product, as part of a smart sensor, or as a node in a distributed microprocessor system, building your product around the i386-Engine^(TM) will reduce development time and costs, minimize technical risks, and allow you to deliver a more reliable end product.

The i386-Engine^(TM) operates with regulated 5V-only power input, and consumes 270 mA at 33 MHz. In software-programmable power-down mode, power consumption is 28 mA. The real-time clock can switch an external power supply on and off via the "VOFF" pin on the J1 header to achieve ľA-level power consumption. The i386-Engine^(TM) can operate in either 8-bit or 16-bit external data mode. Up to 512KB 8-bit ROM/Flash and up to 512KB 8-bit battery-backed SRAM can be installed on-board. 64MB of memory space is supported, with 26 address lines and 16 data lines. The on-board 512-byte serial EEPROM, which does not require a battery backup, can be used as an additional memory device to store important data such as user IDs, calibration coefficients, etc. An optional real-time clock (RTC) provides information on the year, month, date, hour, minute, second, 1/64 second, and an interrupt signal. A PCB-mounting lithium coin battery can be installed to back up both the SRAM and RTC. Under normal conditions, the battery can last at least three years.

Two asynchronous serial ports from the i386EX support reliable DMA-driven serial communication at up to 115,200 baud and provide complete handshaking and modem control signals. One synchronous serial port from the i386EX can interface to external synchronous serial devices at a rate of up to 8 MHz. An optional UART SCC2691 can be added for a third asynchronous serial port that supports 8-bit or 9-bit networking communication.

Three PC-compatible 16-bit programmable timers/counters can operate in one of six modes. They can be used to generate interrupts or count external events, at a rate of up to 8 MHz, or to generate pulse outputs. Three 8-bit multifunctional, user-programmable I/O ports support up to 10 external interrupts. Four external interrupts are buffered by Schmitt-trigger inverters and provide active low inputs. The other six interrupts provide active high inputs. A supervisor chip (LTC691) with power-failure detection, a watchdog timer, and a red LED are on-board.

The optional 12-bit ADC has 11 channels of analog inputs with sample-and-hold and a high-impedance reference input. With an analog input range of single ended 0-5V (or 0 to REF), the ADC supports conversion up to a sample rate of 10KHz. Up to four channels of 12-bit DAC that provide 0-4.095V analog voltage outputs capable of sinking or sourcing 5mA are also available.

On-board expansion headers provide data lines, address lines, control signals, and pre-decoded chip select lines for user expansion.

The basic i386-Engine expects a regulated 5V voltage supply, and does not provide RS232 or RS485 drivers for the serial ports. The VE232 can be used to provide this. If you are using this controller stand-alone, you might want to consider one of the other larger variants of this controller.