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How did IBM convince Motorola to modify the 68000 and Intel to modify the 8087? Did IBMers do this work, or Intel and Motorola? When I was at IBM, we were mak
by jhallenworld 5y ago
How did IBM convince Motorola to modify the 68000 and Intel to modify the 8087? Did IBMers do this work, or Intel and Motorola?
When I was at IBM, we were making x86-based appliances for business software. I thought it would be cool if they used a mainframe CPU instead of x86 for them. It would have been slower, but possibly more reliable. Definitely it could have had some marketing cachet.. On the other hand, we otherwise did not want to eat our own dog-food.
- ChickeNES 5y ago> How did IBM convince Motorola to modify the 68000 and Intel to modify the 8087? Did IBMers do this work, or Intel and Motorola? IBM had Nick Treddenick, the lead designer of the 68K do the work. His book "Microprocessor Logic Design" covers the development of the "Micro/370" in great detail, including flow charted microcode that looks remarkably similar to the flowcharts in Ken's article (though apparently Treddenick used flowcharts for the 68K microcode prior to moving to IBM. Regrettably I haven't actually read through my copy yet, so I can't give any further details. Ken, if you see this I highly recommend tracking down a copy to read, I think it's right up your alley.
- kens 5y agoOk, I've ordered a copy. Hopefully it's as good as you say :-)