No, many people mistakenly assume that the 486
processor is obsolete. For companies like Intel
and AMD, who specialize in microprocessors, no CPU is really obsolete.
When the commercial group is
no longer focusing on a CPU version, speed,
or generation, they move on to the next version,
higher speed, or next generation. This older
part then moves on to their embedded group.
The commercial group is interested in high volume
sales and cutting edge products. The embedded
group is interested in extending the life of
an older CPU by servicing mostly non-PC applications,
this of course means lower sales volume,
but since the product know-how and
manufacturing equipment
is available, there is no need to
get rid of it all. Older CPUs like the 8088,
8086, 80186, 80286, and 80386 are also still
being made. You don’t need a Pentium 4
CPU to run a robot on an assembly line; you
can use one but why spend the money when a 386
or 486 will do.
At this time Intel is the main manufacturers
of 486 processors.
This is a mistaken assumption, Intel
and some other chip manufacturers are still
building 486s and 486 cores. Many embedded motherboard
manufacturers are still building SBC (single
board computers) that use 486 processors. There
are a few 486 motherboards in AT form factor
still being made for PC or embedded applications.
586, 486, 386 and older processors are no longer
high volume CPUs; many distributors will not
stock low volume products, and if they do only
at high resale prices.
If you check the web carefully, you’ll
find lots of 486 support and resources, mainly
in SBC and embedded PC boards. You will also
find an increasing number of embedded 486 core
processors.
ESA is committed to extending the life of 486
Baby-AT style of motherboards. Our goal is to
maintain the supply our TF-486 motherboard
past 2006 with no changes, and longer if possible.
We want to be able to extend the life of all
ISA cards, by supporting 8 ISA slots on our
Baby-AT TF-486 motherboard, and 6 ISA slots
on our ATX motherboards.
