Ask A Scientist© Computer Science Archive

Index Key:   CSI002
Author:      Anthony
Subject:     The 686 problem.  Microprocessor CPU
Text:        In January 1993, Intel will be coming out with the 586. Is it 
possible for Intel to come out with a 686 with the microprocessor technology 
we currently have?  What changes have to occur?

Response #: 1 of 1
Author:     Chris Baker
Text:       Well, to review the past advancements: 
  8086/8088 - 8 bit processor 8 bit bus (8 MHz)
  80286 -   16 bit processor 16 bit bus (12 MHz)
  80386sx - 32 bit processor 16 bit bus (25 MHz)
  80386dx - 32 bit processor 32 bit bus (40 MHz) 
  80486sx - 32 bit processor 32 bit bus faster speeds (50 MHz)
  80486dx - 32 bit processor 32 bit bus (50 MHz) w/ Math Co-processor built in
  80586   -  ??
It all depends on what the improvements are.  There are other improvements in 
the above, other than bus width, speed, etc.  Each processor has been backward 
compatible, but other functions have been included in each processor like 
protected mode functions, memory operations, etc.... that have made the 
processor more multi-user and multi-function compatible. Probably more 
important, down the line, is not the processor advances, but actual 
architectural advances.  An example is to free the processor from the video 
tasks and have separate processors for this or multi-processor machines.  But, 
as a chip maker, Intel will continue making new chips. Maybe a 64 bit bus?