INTEL/sup R/ 8090 I/0 Processor Enhances Microcomputer System Performance

I/0 subsystems play a key role in affecting the performance of computer systems. Intelligent I/0 subsystems have been effectively used by main- frame and minicomputer manufacturers in improving overall system performance. The Intel 8089 I/0 processor enhances the performance of microcomputer systems such as the 8086 and 8088 by supporting intelligent I/0 subsystems that significantly increase system throughput. The paper discusses system architectures employing the I/0 processor, the CPU-IOP communication scheme and the internal processor architecture.