The maximum memory size of the third-generation Intel microprocessor (80286) is
2023
The maximum memory size of the third-generation Intel microprocessor (80286) is
- A.
4 GB
- B.
16 MB
- C.
16 GB
- D.
More than one of the above
- E.
None of the above
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Correct answer: B
Concept: The maximum physical memory a processor can address is fixed by the width of its address bus. An n-bit address bus produces 2n distinct addresses; since each address points to one byte, the maximum addressable memory equals 2n bytes.
Application: In the 8086-family generation scheme (8086/8088 first, 80186/80188 second, 80286 third), the 80286 is the third-generation Intel microprocessor. Its address bus is 24 bits wide, so:
Address bus width n = 24 bits.
Number of addressable bytes = 224 = 16,777,216 bytes.
16,777,216 bytes = 16,777,216 / 1,048,576 = 16 MB.
Cross-check: A 20-bit bus (8086) gives 220 = 1 MB, and a 32-bit bus (80386) gives 232 = 4 GB. The 24-bit 80286 sits between these at 16 MB, which confirms the result.