Development of a 16-bit microprocessor learning system using Intel 8086 architecture

For the period 1971-1975, the industrial design engineers primarily studied the 4004, 8008 and 8080 microprocessors for the purposes of building control circuits and consumer products. The introduction of the superior 8-bit 8085 microprocessor in 1976 drew the attention of the academicians who were charmed at the architecture and functionality of this chip and they shortly included it as a course in the curriculum. As a result, the need for 8085 microprocessor Learning/Training System was a genuine demand and Intel released the SDK-85 Learning Kit without detailed design documentation. In 1978, Intel introduced the 16-bit 8086 microprocessor, which also found its place as a standard course at the educational institutions. Intel released the SDK-86 Learning Kit for 8086 but again without detailed design information. The SDKs helped people learning the 8085/8086 architecture and programming but not knowing the design methodology of a microprocessor learning system. The design techniques remained within the realm of the business companies. This paper presents an account of independently developed and tested design guidelines for an 8086 trainer, which an interested reader may use to build his own 8086 Microprocessor Learning System.