80186EC IP Core R80251XC Fast, Configurable, 80251-Compatible Microcontroller Core

This 80251-compatible IP core implements a range of fast microcontrollers that execute the MCS® 251 instruction set and legacy code for the MCS® 51 instruction set.

The R80251XC IP core requires a single clock per machine cycle and runs an average of 3.18 times faster than the original 80C251 chip at the same clock frequency. Dhrystone 2.1 test results of 0.098 to 0.397 DMIPS/MHz (depending on features) show the core runs up to 41.8 times faster than the original 80C51 and up to 3.8 times faster than the 80C251 at the same clock frequency.

The core has a rich set of optional features and peripherals. Designers can choose from several versions, including the easy-to-configure full version with all options included and a variety of pre-packaged versions. System development is facilitated through the EASE native on-chip debugging option and support of Keil’s C251 integrated development environment.

This R80251XC builds on CAST’s experience with hundreds of 8051 IP customers go-ing back to 1997. The core is designed for easy reuse in ASICs, structured ASICs, or FPGAs, and it has been rigorously verified and production-proven.

See representative implementation results (each in a new pop-up window):

Applications

Legacy code support with faster performance makes the core suitable for economically developing new systems by extending existing systems with new capabilities.

Available Versions

Six versions of the core are available, offering a range of capabilities and prices.

• R80251XC includes all options, and is user-configurable (options may be included or excluded prior to synthesis).
  

• R80251XC-C includes a custom set of options specified by the customer, and is not user-configurable.
  

• R80251XC-I includes options that match the original Intel 80C251 peripheral set: three timers, PCA, serial port, four parallel I/O Ports, two external interrupts, and a watchdog timer. These options are user-configurable (i.e., may be deleted prior to synthesis).
  

• R80251XC-IF version derived from the R80251XC-I, but is fixed and not user-configurable.
  

• R80251XC-T includes options that match the original Intel 80C251 with enhanced performance including: three timers, PCA, serial port, four parallel I/O Ports, two external interrupts, and a watchdog timer. These options are user-configurable (i.e., may be deleted prior to synthesis).
  

• R80251XC-TF version derived from the R80251XC-T, but is fixed and not user-configurable.

ASIC (RTL) and FPGA (netlist) deliverables are available; FPGA packages are not user-configurable.

The native EASE debugging package is an extra option for all versions.

Support

The core as delivered is warranted against defects for ninety days from purchase. Thirty days of phone and email technical support are included, starting with the first interaction. Additional maintenance and support options are available; contact CAST Sales.

Deliverables

The core is available in ASIC (synthesizable HDL) or FPGA (netlist) forms, and includes everything required for successful implementation. ASIC versions include:

• HDL RTL source code
• Behavioral model
• Easy-to-use configuration tool (with configurable versions)
• An example chip implementation, which uses the core in a sample system
• Sophisticated self-checking HDL Testbench including everything needed to test the core (Verilog versions use Verilog 2001)
• Simulation script, vectors, and expected results
• Synthesis script
• Comprehensive user documentation, including detailed specifications and a system integration guide

 

A reference design board is available; contact CAST Sales for information.

This core is sourced from the IP experts at Evatronix SA.