286

286

The 286, also known as the Intel 80286, is a microprocessor introduced by Intel Corporation in 1982. It is the second generation of the x86 family of processors and was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Intel 8086.

History

The development of the 286 began in the late 1970s as a response to the growing demand for more powerful microprocessors. Intel aimed to create a chip that would offer better performance and compatibility with existing software. The 286 was released in 1982 and quickly gained popularity in the personal computer market.

Features

The 286 introduced several important features that set it apart from its predecessor. It had a 16-bit architecture, which allowed it to address up to 16 megabytes of memory. This was a significant improvement over the 8086, which could only address 1 megabyte. The 286 also introduced protected mode, which provided enhanced memory management and multitasking capabilities.

Another notable feature of the 286 was its ability to switch between real mode and protected mode. Real mode allowed the processor to run software written for the 8086, while protected mode enabled it to take advantage of the advanced features of the 286.

Impact

The 286 had a profound impact on the personal computer industry. Its increased performance and memory capacity made it suitable for more demanding applications, such as graphical user interfaces and multitasking operating systems. This led to the development of more advanced software and expanded the capabilities of personal computers.

The 286 also played a crucial role in the evolution of the IBM PC compatible platform. Many computer manufacturers adopted the 286 as the standard processor for their systems, which helped establish the dominance of the x86 architecture in the PC market.

Legacy

Despite being succeeded by more powerful processors, the 286 remains an important milestone in the history of microprocessors. Its architecture and features laid the foundation for future generations of x86 processors, including the popular Intel 386 and Intel 486.

Today, the 286 is considered a vintage processor and is no longer in active use. However, it still holds a special place in the hearts of computer enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate its historical significance.

See also

• Intel 8086
• Intel 386
• Intel 486

External links

• Intel 80286 on Wikipedia
• Intel Museum - 80286