MULTI PROCESSOR CONFIGURATIONS
3.1 MULTIPROCESSOR SYSTEMS
Multiprocessor Systems refer to the use of multiple processors that execute instructions
simultaneously and communicate using mailboxes and semaphores
Maximum mode of 8086 is designed to implement 3 basic multiprocessor configurations:
1. coprocessor (8087)
2. closely coupled (8089)
3. loosely coupled (Multibus)
Coprocessors and closely coupled configurations are similar in that both the CPU and the external
processor share:
- Memory
- I/O system
- Bus & bus control logic
- Clock generator
3.2 Closely Coupled Configuration:
CL O C K
80 86
Bus Sy ste m B u s
Co n tro l
Lo g ic
C o p ro cesso r
or
In d ep e n d e n t M em ory I/O
Po c e sso r
Example: 8086/8087
8086/8088
C o p ro c e s s o r (ie : 8 0 8 7 )
Monitor the
ESC 8086 or 8088
Wake up the
coprocessor
Deactivate the
Execute
host's !TEST pin
8086
and execute the
instructions
specified operation
Wake up the Activate the
8086 or 8088 !TEST pin
WAIT
Coprocessor cannot take control of the bus, it does everything through the CPU
- 8089 shares CPU=s clock and bus control logic
- communication with host CPU is by way of shared memory
- host sets up a message (command) in memory
- independent processor interrupts host on completion
NOTE: Closely Coupled processor may take control of the bus independently Two 8086s cannot be
closely coupled
8086/8088 Independent Processor (8089)
Wait for
Set up request
message
Fetch the
message
Wake up independent
processor with OUT
instruction Perform
requested
task
Execute Notify CPU
8086 of
instructions completion
Wait for ready
or interrupt
request
Source : http://nprcet.org/e%20content/Misc/e-Learning/IT/IV%20Sem/CS%202252-Microprocessors%20and%
20Microcontrollers.pdf