L8051XC1: Legacy-Configurable 8051-Compatible Microcontroller IP Core
The L8051XC1 is an MCS®51-compatible microcontroller core designed to match the timing and peripherals of legacy 8051-based systems. It supports instruction execution every 12, 6, or 4 clock cycles and includes user-selectable architectural extensions such as multiple data pointers, a multiply/divide unit, and a power management unit. The core can be coupled with peripherals that match the behavior of those from legacy vendors like Intel, NXP, Infineon, Maxim, and TI. Several pre-configured versions are available, along with options for customization. It supports legacy code and modern development through CAST’s on-chip debugging features and compatibility with IAR Embedded Workbench and Keil uVision™ IDEs. With design experience dating back to 1997 and hundreds of 8051 IP customers, CAST ensures that the core is optimized for easy ASIC/FPGA reuse. It is strictly synchronous, with positive-edge clocking and no internal tri-states. At 65nm, the core uses just 7.9K–20K gates.