Intel MCS-51 - Related Processors

Related Processors

The 8051's predecessor, the 8048, was used in the keyboard of the first IBM PC, where it converted keypresses into the serial data stream which is sent to the main unit of the computer. The 8048 and derivatives are still used today for basic model keyboards.

The 8031 was a cut down version of the original Intel 8051 that did not contain any internal program memory (ROM). To use this chip, external ROM had to be added containing the program that the 8031 would fetch and execute. An 8051 chip could be sold as a ROM-less 8031, as the 8051's internal ROM is disabled by the normal state of the EA pin in an 8031-based design. A vendor might sell an 8051 as an 8031 for any number of reasons, such as faulty code in the 8051's ROM, or simply an oversupply of 8051's and undersupply of 8031's.

The 8052 was an enhanced version of the original 8051 that featured 256 bytes of internal RAM instead of 128 bytes, 8 KB of ROM instead of 4 KB, and a third 16-bit timer. The 8032 had these same features except for the internal ROM program memory. The 8052 and 8032 are largely considered to be obsolete because these features and more are included in nearly all modern 8051 based microcontrollers.

Intel discontinued its MCS-51 product line in March 2007, however there are plenty of enhanced 8051 products or silicon intellectual property added regularly from other vendors. Current vendors of MCS-51 compatible processors include more than 20 independent manufacturers including Atmel, Infineon Technologies (formerly Siemens AG), Maxim Integrated Products (via its Dallas Semiconductor subsidiary), NXP (formerly Philips Semiconductor), Microchip Technology, Nuvoton (formerly Winbond), ST Microelectronics, Silicon Laboratories (formerly Cygnal), Texas Instruments, Ramtron International, Silicon Storage Technology, Cypress Semiconductor and Analog Devices.

The 80C537 and 80C517 are CMOS versions, designed for the automotive industry. Enhancements mostly include new peripheral features and expanded arithmetic instructions. The 80C517 has fail-safe mechanisms, analog signal processing facilities and timer capabilities and 8 KB on-chip program memory. Other features include:

  • 256 byte on-chip RAM
  • 256 directly addressable bits
  • External program and data memory expandable up to 64 KB
  • 8-bit A/D converter with 12 multiplexed inputs
  • Arithmetic unit can make division, multiplication, shift and normalize operations
  • Eight data pointers instead of one for indirect addressing of program and external data memory
  • Extended watchdog facilities
  • Nine ports
  • Two full-duplex serial interfaces with own baud rate generators
  • Four priority level interrupt systems, 14 interrupt vectors
  • Three power saving modes

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