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The Vortex86 is a computing
system-on-a-chip A system on a chip (SoC) is an integrated circuit that combines most or all key components of a computer or electronic system onto a single microchip. Typically, an SoC includes a central processing unit (CPU) with memory, input/output, and dat ...
(SoC) based on a core compatible with the
x86 x86 (also known as 80x86 or the 8086 family) is a family of complex instruction set computer (CISC) instruction set architectures initially developed by Intel, based on the 8086 microprocessor and its 8-bit-external-bus variant, the 8088. Th ...
microprocessor family. It is produced by DM&P Electronics, but originated with Rise Technology.


History

Vortex86 previously belonged to
SiS Sis or SIS may refer to: People *Michael Sis (born 1960), American Catholic bishop Places * Sis (ancient city), historical town in modern-day Turkey, served as the capital of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. * Kozan, Adana, the current name ...
, which got the basic design from Rise Technology. SiS sold it to DM&P Electronics in
Taiwan Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia. The main geography of Taiwan, island of Taiwan, also known as ''Formosa'', lies between the East China Sea, East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocea ...
. Before adopting the Vortex86 series, DM&P manufactured the ALi M6117D, which contains VM Technology VMT386SX+ derived x86 core, an Intel
386SX The Intel 386, originally released as the 80386 and later renamed i386, is the third-generation x86 architecture microprocessor from Intel. It was the first 32-bit processor in the line, making it a significant evolution in the x86 architect ...
compatible, 25–40 MHz SoC.


CPU

Vortex86 CPUs implement the
IA-32 IA-32 (short for "Intel Architecture, 32-bit", commonly called ''i386'') is the 32-bit version of the x86 instruction set architecture, designed by Intel and first implemented in the i386, 80386 microprocessor in 1985. IA-32 is the first incarn ...
architecture but which instructions are implemented varies depending on the model. Vortex86SX and the early versions of Vortex86 do not have a floating point unit (FPU). Any code that runs on i586 but does not use floating point instructions will run on these models. Any i586 code will run on Vortex86DX and later. Some Linux kernels (by build-time option) emulate the FPU on any CPU that is missing one, so a program that uses i586-level floating point instructions will work on any Vortex86 family CPU under such a kernel, albeit more slowly on a model with no FPU. The more advanced models have FPUs that have i686-level instructions, such a
FUCOMI
Code intended for i686 may fail on some models because they lack a Conditional Move (CMOV) instruction. Compilers asked to optimize code for a more advanced CPU (for example the GNU Compiler with its -march=i686 option) generate code that uses CMOV. Linux systems intended to run on i686 are generally not compatible with these Vortex86 models because the GNU C Library, when built for i686, uses a CMOV instruction in its assembly language strcmp function, which its dynamic loader (ld.so) uses. Hence, no program that uses shared libraries can execute. Below are the properties of a Vortex86 original CPU reported by the Linux kernel tool /proc/ cpuinfo. Note that this CPU is a later version with an FPU.
processor       : 0
vendor_id       : SiS SiS SiS
cpu family      : 5
model           : 0
model name      : 05/00
stepping        : 5
cpu MHz         : 199.978
fdiv_bug        : no
hlt_bug         : no
f00f_bug        : no
coma_bug        : no
fpu             : yes
fpu_exception   : yes
cpuid level     : 1
wp              : yes
flags           : fpu tsc cx8 mmx up
bogomips        : 399.95
clflush size    : 32
cache_alignment : 32
address sizes   : 32 bits physical, 32 bits virtual
power management:


Software compatibility

DM&P maintained an embedded
Linux Linux ( ) is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an kernel (operating system), operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically package manager, pac ...
distribution customized to use the
SoCs SOCS (suppressor of cytokine signaling proteins) refers to a family of genes involved in inhibiting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Genes * CISH (gene), CISH * SOCS1 * SOCS2 * SOCS3 * SOCS4 * SOCS5 * SOCS6 * SOCS7 Structure All SOCS have certai ...
features. Other operating systems may work depending on the SoC model, including various
RTOS A real-time operating system (RTOS) is an operating system (OS) for real-time computing applications that processes data and events that have critically defined time constraints. A RTOS is distinct from a time-sharing operating system, such as Unix ...
systems such as
QNX QNX ( or ) is a commercial Unix-like real-time operating system, aimed primarily at the embedded systems market. The product was originally developed in the early 1980s by Canadian company Quantum Software Systems, founded March 30, 1980, and l ...
and
VxWorks VxWorks is a real-time operating system (or RTOS) developed as proprietary software by Wind River Systems, a subsidiary of Aptiv. First released in 1987, VxWorks is designed for use in embedded systems requiring real-time, Deterministic system, ...
, Linux distributions,
FreeBSD FreeBSD is a free-software Unix-like operating system descended from the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD). The first version was released in 1993 developed from 386BSD, one of the first fully functional and free Unix clones on affordable ...
or various versions of
Microsoft Windows Windows is a Product lining, product line of Proprietary software, proprietary graphical user interface, graphical operating systems developed and marketed by Microsoft. It is grouped into families and subfamilies that cater to particular sec ...
systems such as
Windows Embedded Compact Windows CE, later known as Windows Embedded CE and Windows Embedded Compact, is a discontinued operating system developed by Microsoft for Mobile device, mobile and Embedded system, embedded devices. It was part of the Windows Embedded family an ...
or
Windows IoT Windows IoT, short for Windows Internet of Things and formerly known as Windows Embedded, is a family of operating systems from Microsoft designed for use in embedded systems. Microsoft has three different subfamilies of operating systems for em ...
. The ability to identify Vortex86 processors was added to Linux 5.16, released in January 2022.


Versions


Vortex86 original

The Vortex86 (M6127D) is a rebadged SiS 551 system-on-chip (SoC). The CPU core is derived from the Rise mP6, which has three integer and MMX
pipelines A pipeline is a system of pipes for long-distance transportation of a liquid or gas, typically to a market area for consumption. The latest data from 2014 gives a total of slightly less than of pipeline in 120 countries around the world. The Un ...
and
branch prediction In computer architecture, a branch predictor is a digital circuit that tries to guess which way a branch (e.g., an if–then–else structure) will go before this is known definitively. The purpose of the branch predictor is to improve the flow ...
.


Vortex86SX

Introduced in February 2007, the Vortex86SX is an x86-compatible System-on-chip (SoC) with built-in north and south bridge on a 0.13 micron process in a 27x27 mm 581-pad BGA package. The CPU core is typically clocked at 300 MHz and is compatible with the 486SX instruction set. It has a six-stage pipeline with a direct-mapped
write-through In computing, a cache ( ) is a hardware or software component that stores data so that future requests for that data can be served faster; the data stored in a cache might be the result of an earlier computation or a copy of data stored elsew ...
16 KB Data + 16 KB Instruction L1
cache Cache, caching, or caché may refer to: Science and technology * Cache (computing), a technique used in computer storage for easier data access * Cache (biology) or hoarding, a food storing behavior of animals * Cache (archaeology), artifacts p ...
but, unlike the Vortex86, lacks L2 cache and an FPU. The memory controller allows 16-bit wide access to
SDRAM Synchronous dynamic random-access memory (synchronous dynamic RAM or SDRAM) is any DRAM where the operation of its external pin interface is coordinated by an externally supplied clock signal. DRAM integrated circuits (ICs) produced from the ...
up to 128 MB at 133 MHz and DDR2 up to 256 MB at 166 MHz. The SoC includes *
PCI PCI may refer to: Business and economics * Payment card industry, businesses associated with debit, credit, and other payment cards ** Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, a set of security requirements for credit card processors * Prov ...
2.1 interface at 33 MHz * ISA bus interface * ATA controller with 2 channels at Ultra-DMA 100 * Fast
Ethernet Ethernet ( ) is a family of wired computer networking technologies commonly used in local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN) and wide area networks (WAN). It was commercially introduced in 1980 and first standardized in 198 ...
MAC *
USB Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an industry standard, developed by USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), for digital data transmission and power delivery between many types of electronics. It specifies the architecture, in particular the physical ...
2.0 host with 4 ports * 5 FIFO
UART A universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter (UART ) is a peripheral device for asynchronous serial communication in which the data format and transmission speeds are configurable. It sends data bits one by one, from the least significant to ...
ports compatible with 16C550/16C552 at up to 460.8 kbit/s *
GPIO A general-purpose input/output (GPIO) is an uncommitted digital signal pin on an integrated circuit or electronic circuit (e.g. MCUs/ MPUs) board that can be used as an input or output, or both, and is controllable by software. GPIOs have no p ...
with 40 pins * Embedded 256 KB
flash memory Flash memory is an Integrated circuit, electronic Non-volatile memory, non-volatile computer memory storage medium that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. The two main types of flash memory, NOR flash and NAND flash, are named for t ...
Unlike the original Vortex86, it does not integrate video or audio controllers.


Vortex86DX

Introduced in August 2008, the Vortex86DX retains the same BGA package as the SX and is pin-compatible. It is built on a 90 nm process. The CPU core is clocked at 600 MHz to 1 GHz (2.02  W @ 800 MHz ) and improves on the SX with a 4-way 16 KB Data + 16 KB Instruction L1 cache, adds a 4-way 256 KB L2 cache, in write-through or write-back mode, and an FPU. The memory controller drops the ability to use SDRAM but increases the amount and speed of DDR2 memory it can drive to 1 GB and 333 MHz. The SoC adds the ability to function as a USB 1.1 client on 1 port and increases the embedded flash capacity to 2 MB. The PDX-600 is a version of the ''Vortex86DX'' that differs only in the number of RS-232 ports (three instead of five) and has no
I²C I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit; pronounced as "" or ""), alternatively known as I2C and IIC, is a synchronous, multi-master/multi-slave, single-ended, serial communication bus invented in 1980 by Philips Semiconductors (now NXP Semiconduct ...
and servo controllers, thus targeting more the embedded than the industrial market.
Netbook A netbook is a small-sized laptop computer; they were primarily sold from 2007 until around 2013, designed mostly as a means of accessing the Internet and being significantly less expensive than regular-sized laptops. At their inception in l ...
s similar to the Belco 450R use this chip.


Vortex86MX

The Vortex86MX uses a larger 31x31 mm 720-ball BGA package, still on a 90 nm process. The CPU core improves on the DX by adding branch prediction, cache-access optimisation and MMX instructions. The memory controller can drive up to 1 GB of DDR2 memory at 400 MHz. The SoC drops ISA bus attachment but adds a
VGA Video Graphics Array (VGA) is a video display controller and accompanying de facto graphics standard, first introduced with the IBM PS/2 line of computers in 1987, which became ubiquitous in the IBM PC compatible industry within three years. T ...
-compatible 2D
GPU A graphics processing unit (GPU) is a specialized electronic circuit designed for digital image processing and to accelerate computer graphics, being present either as a discrete video card or embedded on motherboards, mobile phones, personal ...
, with separate DDR2 memory, and a HD Audio controller. It has only three FIFO UART ports at up to 460.8 kbit/s. The consumer grade version is known as the PMX-1000. Current models of the Gecko Edubook use the Xcore86, a rebadge of the Vortex86MX.


Vortex86MX+

Introduced in June 2010, the Vortex86MX+ retains the same BGA package and CPU core as the MX. The memory controller allows wider 32-bit access to DDR2 up to 1 GB, still at 400 MHz. The integrated GPU switches to
UMA Uma may refer to: Religion * Uma (goddess), a Hindu goddess also known as Parvati or Gauri People * Uma (given name), including a list of people with the name * Uma (actress) (Uma Shankari, fl from 2000), Indian actress Nature * ''Uma'' (liza ...
, removing the requirement for separate video memory. The three FIFO UART ports can operate at data rates up to 115.2 kbit/s.


Vortex86DX2

Introduced in May 2012, the Vortex86DX2 retains the same BGA package, CPU core, and GPU as the MX+. The memory controller allows 32-bit access to DDR2 up to 2 GB at 400 MHz. The SoC drops conventional PCI capability and adds *
PCI Express PCI Express (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express), officially abbreviated as PCIe, is a high-speed standard used to connect hardware components inside computers. It is designed to replace older expansion bus standards such as Peripher ...
1.0 interface *
SATA SATA (Serial AT Attachment) is a computer bus interface that connects host bus adapters to mass storage devices such as hard disk drives, optical drives, and solid-state drives. Serial ATA succeeded the earlier Parallel ATA (PATA) standard ...
with one port at 1.5 Gbps * nine FIFO UART ports compatible with 16C550/16C552 at up to 6 Mbps * ISA bus interface * GPIO with 88 pins * Motor control interface with 3 groups of controllers, four controllers per group


Vortex86EX

Vortex86EX has a 32 KB write through 2-way L1 cache, 128 KB write through/write back 2-way L2 cache, PCI-e bus interface, 300 MHz DDR3, ROM controller, IPC (Internal Peripheral Controllers with DMA and interrupt timer/counter included), Fast Ethernet, FIFO UART, USB2.0 Host and ATA controller. The package is a single 288-pin TFBGA-package.


Vortex86DX3

Vortex86DX3 has a 1.0 GHz dual-core i686-compatible CPU.ICOP OS support list
/ref> It has an eight-way 32K I-Cache, an eight-way 32K D-Cache, a four-way 512 KB L2 cache with a write-through or write-back policy, ability to use up to 2 GB of DDR3 RAM, a PCI-e bus interface, 100 Mbit/s Ethernet, FIFO UART, a USB 2.0 host, integrated GPU, an ATA controller at Primary Channel, and a SATA 1.5 Gbit/s controller (one port) at Secondary Channel. The package is a single 720-pin BGA-package.


Vortex86EX2

Vortex86EX2 has two asymmetrical CPU cores (one master and one slave). The master core runs at 600 MHz, has 16K I-Cache, 16K D-Cache, and four-way 128 KB L2 cache with a write-through or write-back policy. The slave core operates at 400 MHz and also has 16 KB I-Cache, 16 KB D-Cache, but has no L2 cache. Both have a built-in FPU, as well as the MMX, cmpxchg8b and cmov instructions, but only the master core has SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3 and NX support. Maximum DDR3 RAM capacity is 2 GB. It can also use
ECC memory Error correction code memory (ECC memory) is a type of computer data storage that uses an error correction code (ECC) to detect and correct ''n''-bit data corruption which occurs in memory. Typically, ECC memory maintains a memory system immun ...
. It is produced using the 65 nm manufacturing process{{Cite web, url=https://www.icop.com.tw/article/205, title=Vortex86 CPU, website=ICOP Technology Inc. and uses the 19x19 mm LFBGA-441 package.


See also

* Embedded x86 Manufacturers


References


External links


DM&P Electronics official website

Vortex86 series comparison sheet

Change CPU speed in DOS, Linux, Windows
Embedded microprocessors System on a chip X86 microprocessors