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Products FAQs |
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What are the products in the Intel® i960® processor family?
The products currently offered include low power, scalar and superscalar parts. The i960® scalar processors feature the i960® Sx processor with a 16-bit external data bus, and the i960® Kx processor with a 32-bit data bus. The i960® Jx processor series brings high performance levels, yet administers extremely cost effective solutions for high performance low power embedded RISC designs. Moving up the performance ladder are the superscalar i960® Cx processor series and the i960® Hx processor series. In addition, the i960® VH processor integrates the PCI interface with the 80960® JT core providing a compelling solution for embedded and I/O intensive applications that require a primary PCI bus interface.
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If a company already bases its designs on the i960 Processor, why should it continue to do so?
The i960 processor offers object code compatibility among all members of the family allowing designers to work with a single architecture within a wide variety of price and performance points. In today's highly competitive environment, the ability to reuse code, development tools and design expertise can mean the difference between profit or loss. The i960 processor family helps companies keep development time and costs reduced.
We haven't heard a lot about the i960 processor family in awhile. Is Intel discontinuing the product line?
These products have been discontinued. PCN 106013 has been released with the specifics on this product discontinuance.
Is the i960 product life cycle different than other embedded processors typical life cycle?
Because the i960 processor is part of the embedded processor market, there is no set life cycle. Unlike Intel's PC based products which are continually being upgraded and replaced by higher performance versions, embedded processors tend to have relatively long life cycles. i960 products have been in production for over 10 years with no current plans to discontinue them.
With Intel XScale® microarchitecture now available, why not move everyone to this architecture as soon as possible?
There are several reasons why this is not our strategy. First, customers currently using an 80960 product may have plenty of headroom within the 80960 product line for new designs. This preserves their software investment and is an easy upgrade. Second, any move from 80960 to Intel XScale products is an architectural change for the customer. Keeping customers on the 80960 for as long as possible is a good strategy under most circumstances. Third, there may be cases where there is no need for the customer to make any change at all. The performance and cost benefit of the 80960 currently being used may meet the customer's requirement for some time into the future.
How can I visually determine the stepping identification information on the i960 Processors?
Stepping information is contained in the lot code identifier that is in the second line marking on the top side of the chip. The second line marking is referred to as the Intel FPO# (finish process order) and is an eight digit number. The lot code identifier and Intel year and workweek the finished product was manufactured can be viewed by referencing the following FPO# guide:
| X |
X |
XX |
XXXX |
| Test Site |
Year |
Workweek |
Lot Code Identifier |
For example, a FPO# of L209555A would indicate the product was produced in 2002 in workweek 9. The stepping of the product would be A step.
Can the date of manufacture of the chip be determined by markings on the part?
Yes, the date of manufactured can be visually found by utilizing the FPO guide contained in the previous question.
What i960 Processors are available in extended temperature (-40° to &85°)?
The following i960 Processors are available in extended temperature:
| Marketing Product Name |
MM# |
| GD80960JC66ET |
826014 |
| TG80960JC66 |
826102 |
| TG80960JS25 |
824382 |
| TG80960JS33 |
825153 |
| TG80960JT100 |
824389 |
| TG80960JA3V25 |
819558 |
| TA80960KA16 |
803455 |
| TA80960KA20 |
803470 |
| TA80960KB16 |
803510 |
| TA80960KB20 |
803529 |
| TA80960KB25 |
803546 |
| TG80960KA20 |
803479 |
| TG80960KB25 |
803553 |
| TN80960SA16 |
803846 |
| TN80960SB16 |
803896 |
Where do I find more information on the mini-PBGA packaging that is available on some of the i960 processors?
Chapter 14 of the Intel® Packaging Databook describes the physical characteristics of this package, which is also known as the 15mm 196-ball PBGA package.
Do you have a quick reference guide for the i960 product family?
Yes! Refer to the quick reference guide with fields for package, speed and temperature options as well as feature set comparisons. |
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Intel® i960® Processors