Intel 8087
TLDR: The Intel 8087 is a floating-point coprocessor (math coprocessor) introduced by Intel in 1980 to complement the Intel 8086 and Intel 8088 processors. Designed to handle complex mathematical calculations such as floating-point arithmetic, trigonometric functions, and logarithms, the Intel 8087 significantly enhanced the computational capabilities of early personal computers. This coprocessor offloaded intensive mathematical tasks from the main processor, improving performance in scientific, engineering, and graphics applications.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_8087
The Intel 8087 introduced the x87 floating-point instruction set, which became a standard for subsequent processors in the x86 architecture family. It operated as a tightly coupled unit with the main processor, executing instructions in parallel for increased efficiency. The 8087 was capable of handling 32-bit, 64-bit, and 80-bit floating-point numbers, offering precision and performance unmatched at the time. Its support for the IEEE 754 floating-point standard set a precedent for future hardware and software implementations of numerical computing.
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/docs/processors/8087-numerics-processor.html
The adoption of the Intel 8087 marked a significant step in making high-performance computing accessible to personal computer users. It became a standard addition in systems requiring advanced mathematical processing, such as CAD programs, simulations, and financial modeling. While later processors integrated floating-point units directly, the Intel 8087 laid the groundwork for modern FPU design, ensuring its legacy as a pioneering component in the evolution of computer architecture.