Reverse-Engineering the Intel 386: Protecting I/O Pins from Static Damage and Latchup
By
todsacerdoti
Front-window bakery material. Catches the eye, delivers the goods.
Summary
The article delves into the reverse-engineering of the Intel 386 processor, focusing on its input/output (I/O) pins and the unique challenges they face, such as static electricity, latchup, and metastability. The author highlights the discovery of a previously-undescribed flip-flop circuit and explores the protective mechanisms of the I/O circuitry.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThese I/O circuits are completely different from the logic circuits in the 386.
I've come across a previously-undescribed flip-flop circuit, so I'm venturing into uncharted territory.
Static electricity and latchup can destroy the chip, while metastability can cause serious malfunctions.
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