The Intel 8086 microprocessor, introduced in 1978, is no longer used in most modern commercial systems—but it still appears in niche or legacy applications where ultra-low performance is sufficient or backward compatibility is critical.
Real-Life Applications Where 8086 (or its architecture) Is Still Used
1. Legacy Industrial Systems
- Many older CNC machines, PLCs, and factory automation systems were originally built with 8086 or compatible CPUs.
- These systems are still in use because they are stable, reliable, and expensive to replace.
- Replacing or upgrading them would require redesigning both hardware and software.
Example: Old Siemens PLC controllers or Fanuc CNC systems.
2. Avionics and Defense Equipment
Some military or aerospace systems still use 8086/80186-class processors due to:
- Long certification cycles
- Proven reliability
- Radiation-hardened variants exist
Used in non-critical subsystems of aircraft or missiles.
Example: Maintenance interfaces, data entry terminals in aircraft.
3. Embedded Systems with Low Complexity
Some embedded designs still use 8086-compatible microcontrollers in:
- Basic control panels
- Point-of-sale terminals
- Entry-level industrial controllers
Although rare today, some custom SoCs or FPGA-based platforms implement 8086-compatible cores for training or simple tasks.
4. Education and Training
The 8086 is still widely used in teaching computer architecture and assembly programming.
Students learn:
- Registers (AX, BX, etc.)
- Segmentation model (CS, DS, etc.)
- Real-mode memory addressing
Example: Lab kits like EMU8086, DOSBox, or 8086 microprocessor kits in universities.
5. Hobby Projects and Retro Computing
Retro computing enthusiasts use the 8086 for:
- Rebuilding classic PCs (IBM XT/AT)
- DOS-based games or interfaces
- Homebrew OS or emulators
Tools: VGA cards, floppy drives, DOS, and BASIC interpreters running on 8086 hardware.
Compatible CPUs Still in Use
Even though the original 8086 is obsolete, its descendants and compatible CPUs are still relevant:
Summary
