Intel Corporation introduced the first microprocessor in 1971 and is today the world's largest manufacturer of such devices. Microprocessors are the central processing units in microcomputers. In addition to the 80x86 line of microprocessors, Intel also manufactures peripherals, microcontrollers, microcomputer modules and microcommunications products. Intel is also the largest supplier of erasable, programmable, read only memories (EPROMs) for microcomputers. These memory components store computer programs and data entered during system operation. The company also provides software for microcomputer operating systems and high level networking.
Intel's current primary product line, the 80x86 chip, was begun in 1978. Cited by some analysts as the "chip that started the PC industry," the 8086 used 16 bit internal and external data paths and was first introduced commercially in the Compaq Deskpro in 1984. The 8088 chip, developed in 1979, was the chip used in IBM's first personal computer, the XT, introduced in 1981. Similar to the 8086, this chip used 16-bit data paths internally, but an 8-bit external bus. When IBM introduced the PC AT, the 80286 chip by Intel was chosen as its microprocessor. This marked the beginning of Industry Standard Architecture. This chip also used 16-bit data paths both internally and externally, but also featured 24-bit address lines.
In 1985, Intel introduced the 80386SX chip, which used 32 bit internal and external data paths and had the ability to address four gigabytes of memory. Advanced Logic Research (ALR) and Compaq introduced 386 based machines before IBM was able to do so. Intel scaled back the 80386SX chip and in 1988 introduced a 16-bit version that could be used with 80286 hardware. The 80486DX chip was developed in 1989 and combined a math co processor, which provides additional speed, with the central processing unit. The 486DX also features 8 kilobytes of on board memory c...