Intel S87C196KM-20: An In-Depth Technical Overview of the 16-Bit Embedded Controller
The Intel S87C196KM-20 stands as a significant member of the MCS 96 family of 16-bit microcontrollers, a series renowned for its high-performance capabilities tailored for demanding embedded control applications. This microcontroller integrates a powerful 16-bit CHMOS CPU core with a rich set of peripheral functions onto a single monolithic chip, making it an ideal solution for complex real-time systems in industrial automation, automotive control, and advanced instrumentation.
At the heart of the S87C196KM-20 is its advanced 16-bit CPU architecture. Unlike traditional 8-bit CISC designs, its core features a register-to-register structure, eliminating the accumulator bottleneck and enabling faster execution of instructions. The core includes a 232-byte register file, where any register can function as an accumulator, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and throughput. Operating at a clock frequency of 20 MHz (indicated by the -20 suffix), the device delivers the computational power necessary for sophisticated algorithms and fast interrupt response times.
A key feature of this controller is its integrated non-volatile memory configuration. The "87C" prefix denotes that the chip contains 16 KB of on-chip, factory-masked One-Time Programmable (OTP) EPROM for program storage. This memory is robust and suitable for final production runs where firmware is stable. Additionally, it is equipped with 488 bytes of Register RAM, which serves as the primary scratchpad for data manipulation, offering rapid access compared to standard external RAM.
The peripheral set of the S87C196KM-20 is extensive and designed for embedded control. It includes a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with a sample-and-hold circuit, capable of converting up to 8 analog input channels. This is crucial for systems requiring interface with sensors measuring real-world parameters like temperature, pressure, or position. For timing and event control, it features a versatile High-Speed I/O (HSIO) subsystem. This includes a dedicated 16-bit timer/counter and a Programmable Counter Array (PCA) with multiple capture/compare modules, which can be configured for functions such as PWM generation, event timing, or pulse measurement without CPU intervention.
Furthermore, the controller supports multiple standard serial communication interfaces to connect with other system components. It incorporates both a full-duplex UART (Serial Port) for asynchronous communication and a synchronous Serial I/O Port for interfacing with peripheral chips. Its five 8-bit I/O ports provide extensive digital interfacing capabilities, with many pins multiplexed to serve alternate functions for the integrated peripherals, maximizing the utility of the available pins.
The device is built using Intel's CHMOS technology, which combines the high performance and density of HMOS with the low power consumption of CMOS. This makes the S87C196KM-20 suitable for power-sensitive applications. It also features power-saving modes like Idle and Power Down to further minimize energy usage during periods of inactivity.
ICGOODFIND: The Intel S87C196KM-20 is a highly integrated, high-performance 16-bit microcontroller that exemplifies the power of the MCS 96 architecture. Its combination of a efficient CPU, ample OTP EPROM, a sophisticated ADC, and flexible timing/counter units made it a formidable choice for developers designing complex, real-time embedded control systems in an era demanding robust and reliable performance.
Keywords: 16-Bit Microcontroller, OTP EPROM, Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), Programmable Counter Array (PCA), CHMOS Technology.
