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