NAME: OLA-FOLUWE Damaris Onamiyoluwa

REG NO: CSC/2013/147

COURSE: CPE 405 (MICROPROCESSOR AND MICROCOMPUTERS)
DATE: 14|10|2016

ASSIGNMENT: Describe briefly the structure and logic of the I/O module implemented on
Intel Core i5 and Mac microcomputer.

The input/output (I/0) module also known as the device controller is a set of interfaces
that connect I/O (peripheral) devices to the system bus of the microcomputer. They are a key
element in the computer system and contain the logic for performing a communication
function between the peripherals and the system bus.

Intel Core i5
Intel Core i5 is a mainstream or mid-level microprocessor in the Intel Core family of
microprocessors with Intel Core i7 and i3 being a high-end and an entry-level microprocessor
respectively. The Core i5 features some of Intels latest microprocessor technologies such as
Intel QuickPath Interconnect (QPI), Intels Turbo Boost, and Intels Active Management
Technology (AMT) etc. The I/O module implemented on the Intel Core i5 microprocessor is
known as I/O Controller Hub (ICH) known as the Southbridge. Another module implemented
in the microprocessor is the Memory Controller Hub (MCH), also known as the Northbridge.
The MCH and ICH combined are referred to as the chipset. The ICH is used to connect and
control peripheral devices. The technology used in the ICH is the PCIe (Peripheral
Component Interface Express). The specific ICH implemented on Core i5 is ICH10 which is
the last in that family of I/O Controller Hub. The latest chipset implemented on Intel Core i7
microprocessor is Platform Controller Hub (PCH).
The logic behind it which is the technology used is the PCIe. The peripheral
component interconnect (PCI) is a high-bandwidth, processor independent bus that can
function as a mezzanine or peripheral bus. PCIe like QPI, is a point-to-point interconnect

scheme with a high capacity to support the needs of higher data rate I/O devices, such as
Gigabit Ethernet and to support time-dependent data streams such as video-on-demand.

Mac
The I/O module implemented on Mac is

. The latest technology being

used in Mac microcomputer is the Thunderbolt technology which is an I/O technology that
supports high-resolution displays and high-performance data devices through a single,
compact port and redefines the idea of I/O expansion module. The Mac microprocessor also
uses PCIe which has been explained previously. Thunderbolt via one simple port and a cable
carries both DisplayPort and PCI Express data.

REFERENCES
Sangeetha P. and Mythili M. (2015) Features of Intel Core i7 Processors International
Journal of Engineering Research and General Science 3 (2), www.ijergs.org pp. 480
Intel 82801BA I/O Controller Hub 2 (ICH2) and Intel 82801BAM I/O Controller Hub 2
Mobile (ICH2-M) Datasheet October 2000.
Sehgal P., Singh P. and Dwivedi A., (2012), Special I/O Modules In PLC System
International Refereed Journal of Engineering and Science (IRJES) 1 (3) www.irjes.com
pp.20 pp. 27
Stallings W. (2013) Computer Organization and Architecture 9th ed. Prentice Hall New
Jersey
http://www.apple.com/thunderbolt/