feature article
Subscribe Now

CAST 80251 Processor IP Core Runs Legacy and New Code Up to 24x Faster

Woodcliff Lake, NJ, June 8, 2010 — Electronic designers using the popular 8051 microcontroller can now apply their investment in 8051 knowledge and code to faster systems using the R80251XC IP core from semiconductor intellectual property (IP) provider CAST, Inc.

http://www.cast-inc.com/ip-cores/8051s/r80251xc/index.html

This core makes new chip design more economical by enabling the use of legacy application code with a modern, faster processor. The core is compatible with Intel MCS® 51 and MCS® 251 instruction set code, but can run twenty-four times faster than Intel’s original 8051 microcontroller chip and four times faster than the later 80C251. This preservation of 8051-based features with the better performance required for new features helps extend the useful lifetime of existing 8051-based systems, avoiding the expensive and risky transition to an entirely new architecture.

Developed by partner Evatronix SA, the R80251XC joins CAST’s extensive 8051-compatible IP product line and incorporates improvements developed over thirteen years. For example, user configurability helps lower gate counts and reduce power requirements by letting designers tailor the processor to a specific application: peripheral options include multiple UARTs, I2C interfaces, timers, and serial ports, single SPI, Watchdog, software reset and real-time clock modules.

The core uses a 32-bit internal architecture (ALU) for faster performance. Customers may choose between two versions of the core’s CPU: one has internal instruction set execution timing identical to the standard Intel 80C251 chip for the greatest compatibility, the other reduces execution timing by a factor of four for the greatest performance (four times the original chip).

Application development is facilitated with an optional on-board debugging package that is compatible with the widely popular KEIL µVision4 integrated development environment (IDE).

Learn more about CAST, Inc. and the R80251XC processor core by calling +1 201.391.8300 or visiting www.cast-inc.com

Leave a Reply

CAST 80251 Processor IP Core Runs Legacy and New Code Up to 24x Faster

Woodcliff Lake, NJ, June 8, 2010 — Electronic designers using the popular 8051 microcontroller can now apply their investment in 8051 knowledge and code to faster systems using the R80251XC IP core from semiconductor intellectual property (IP) provider CAST, Inc.

http://www.cast-inc.com/ip-cores/8051s/r80251xc/index.html

This core makes new chip design more economical by enabling the use of legacy application code with a modern, faster processor. The core is compatible with Intel MCS® 51 and MCS® 251 instruction set code, but can run twenty-four times faster than Intel’s original 8051 microcontroller chip and four times faster than the later 80C251. This preservation of 8051-based features with the better performance required for new features helps extend the useful lifetime of existing 8051-based systems, avoiding the expensive and risky transition to an entirely new architecture.

Developed by partner Evatronix SA, the R80251XC joins CAST’s extensive 8051-compatible IP product line and incorporates improvements developed over thirteen years. For example, user configurability helps lower gate counts and reduce power requirements by letting designers tailor the processor to a specific application: peripheral options include multiple UARTs, I2C interfaces, timers, and serial ports, single SPI, Watchdog, software reset and real-time clock modules.

The core uses a 32-bit internal architecture (ALU) for faster performance. Customers may choose between two versions of the core’s CPU: one has internal instruction set execution timing identical to the standard Intel 80C251 chip for the greatest compatibility, the other reduces execution timing by a factor of four for the greatest performance (four times the original chip).

Application development is facilitated with an optional on-board debugging package that is compatible with the widely popular KEIL µVision4 integrated development environment (IDE).

Learn more about CAST, Inc. and the R80251XC processor core by calling +1 201.391.8300 or visiting www.cast-inc.com

Leave a Reply

featured blogs
Apr 24, 2026
A thought experiment in curiosity, confusion, and cosmic consequences....

featured paper

Want early design analysis without simulation?

Sponsored by Siemens Digital Industries Software

Traditional verification methods are failing today's complex IC designs, which require a proactive, early-stage analysis approach. A shift-left methodology addresses IP block integration challenges and the limitations of traditional simulation and ERC tools. Insight Analyzer detects hard-to-find leakage issues across power domains, enabling early analysis without full simulation. Identify inefficiencies earlier to reduce rework, improve reliability, and enhance power performance.

Click to read more!

featured chalk talk

Analog Output, Isolated Current, & Voltage Sensing Using Isolation Amplifiers
Sponsored by Mouser Electronics and Vishay
In this episode of Chalk Talk, Simon Goodwin from Vishay and Amelia Dalton chat about analog output, and isolated current and voltage sensing using isolation amplifiers. Simon and Amelia also explore the fundamental principles of current and voltage sensing and the variety of voltage and current sensing solutions offered by Vishay that can get your next design up and running in no time.
Apr 27, 2026
7,097 views