The 82C230 is a single chip that contains most of the core logic required to support the system logic functions required to build a 100% IBM Model 30 (8086) Compatible computer, but based on the higher performance 80286 processor. This allows the OEM to offer a compatible solution for the low end of the marketplace that out-performs the offerings from IBM or compatibles based on the 8086 CPU.

The 82C230 contains CPU control logic including clocks, a DRAM controller that supports up to 8 megabytes of memory with EMS and Shadow RAM capabilities, 8259, 8237, 8254 and 8255 equivalents, refresh controller, expansion bus interface, keyboard and mouse interfaces, numeric processor interface, and peripheral chip selects for floppy and hard disks, real-time-clock, video, serial and parallel ports.

The 82C230 can be combined with the 82C601 multi-function peripheral chip and the 82C451 VGA chip to build a complete Model 30 compatible motherboard that offers superior performance with much higher integration. The 82C230 can support the 82C451 on the 8-bit system bus, or on the 16 bit local bus for higher performance.

The 82C230 DRAM controller can support zero wait state designs at CPU speeds of 12.5 MHz using 80 ns DRAM, or 16 MHz with 60 ns DRAM. Wait states can be inserted so that lower speed DRAMs may be used with high speed processors.

The 82C230 memory controller supports up to 8 megabytes of DRAM. The CPU can access this memory directly or through an EMS 4.0 compatible register set. BIOS ROM support is provided for both 8 and 16 bit wide data paths. Since Shadow RAM is also supported, an OEM can choose to save board space and costs by using a single 8 bit ROM and copying it to shadow RAM for fast execution.

For today's low-end machines, which must have performance levels greater than yesterday's high-end machines, the 82C230 is the clear choice.