Microprocessor 8085 vs. Microprocessor 8086

Attribute	Microprocessor 8085	Microprocessor 8086
Manufacturer	Intel	Intel
Year of Release	1977	1978
Architecture	Von Neumann	Von Neumann
Instruction Set	8-bit	16-bit
Address Bus	16-bit	20-bit
Data Bus	8-bit	16-bit
Registers	6 general purpose registers	8 general purpose registers

Introduction

Microprocessors are essential components of modern computing devices, serving as the brain of the system. Two popular microprocessors from the 1980s are the Intel 8085 and Intel 8086. While both processors were groundbreaking at the time of their release, they have distinct differences in terms of architecture, performance, and capabilities. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the Microprocessor 8085 and Microprocessor 8086 to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Architecture

The Intel 8085 is an 8-bit microprocessor, meaning it can process data in 8-bit chunks at a time. It has a 16-bit address bus and an 8-bit data bus, allowing it to access up to 64 KB of memory. In contrast, the Intel 8086 is a 16-bit microprocessor with a 20-bit address bus and a 16-bit data bus. This architecture enables the 8086 to access up to 1 MB of memory, making it more suitable for handling larger and more complex applications.

Instruction Set

Another key difference between the 8085 and 8086 is their instruction sets. The 8085 has a simpler instruction set with fewer instructions compared to the 8086. This makes programming for the 8085 relatively easier but limits the complexity of tasks it can perform. On the other hand, the 8086 has a more extensive instruction set with support for more complex operations, making it more versatile but also more challenging to program.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Intel 8086 outshines the 8085 due to its 16-bit architecture and higher clock speeds. The 8086 can execute instructions faster and handle more data at a time, resulting in better overall performance for tasks that require intensive computation. In comparison, the 8085 may struggle with more demanding applications due to its limited processing capabilities.

Compatibility

One advantage of the Intel 8085 is its compatibility with existing 8-bit systems and peripherals. This makes it easier to upgrade older systems with the 8085 without needing to replace all components. On the other hand, the 8086's 16-bit architecture may require additional hardware upgrades to take full advantage of its capabilities, making it less compatible with older systems.

Cost

In terms of cost, the Intel 8085 is generally more affordable than the 8086 due to its simpler architecture and lower performance. This makes the 8085 a cost-effective option for applications that do not require high processing power or extensive memory access. However, for tasks that demand superior performance and memory capacity, the higher cost of the 8086 may be justified by the benefits it offers.

Applications

Both the Intel 8085 and 8086 have found applications in various industries, but they are suited for different types of tasks. The 8085 is commonly used in embedded systems, industrial control systems, and simple computing devices where cost and power efficiency are critical. In contrast, the 8086 is preferred for more advanced applications such as personal computers, servers, and scientific instruments that require higher performance and memory capacity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Microprocessor 8085 and Microprocessor 8086 have distinct attributes that make them suitable for different types of applications. The 8085 is a cost-effective option for simpler tasks and compatibility with existing systems, while the 8086 offers superior performance and memory capacity for more demanding applications. Understanding the differences between these two microprocessors is essential for choosing the right one for a specific project or application.