# IGT i960 Platform

## Introduction

The **IGT i960 Platform** is one of the most recognizable generations of gaming hardware developed by **International Game Technology (IGT)**. Introduced during the late 1990s and early 2000s, the platform powered a wide range of video slot machines and formed the foundation for numerous successful game titles deployed in casinos worldwide.

Built around the **Intel i960 RISC processor**, the platform combined reliable industrial hardware with a modular architecture that simplified maintenance and field service. Over its lifetime, the i960 platform evolved through several hardware revisions while maintaining a high degree of compatibility between components.

## Architecture

A typical i960-based gaming machine consists of several major subsystems:

- Main CPU board
- Video controller
- Game storage media
- Security hardware
- Input/Output controller
- Bill validator and peripheral interfaces
- Touchscreen or button panel
- Display system

Depending on the cabinet configuration and software revision, hardware layouts may vary, although the overall architecture remains consistent.

## Software

Games are typically stored on removable media and protected through multiple security mechanisms. Depending on the software generation, machines may use hardware security devices, signature verification, or platform-specific authentication methods.

System software includes diagnostics, hardware configuration, accounting functions, communication protocols, and game execution.

## Serviceability

One reason the i960 platform remained popular for many years is its relatively service-friendly design. Many components are modular and can be replaced individually, making repairs practical for trained technicians.

Common maintenance tasks include:

- Power supply replacement
- CPU board replacement
- CMOS battery service
- Display troubleshooting
- Storage media replacement
- Peripheral diagnostics

## Documentation

This section of SlotTech documents the i960 platform from a technical perspective, including:

- Hardware revisions
- Motherboard identification
- BIOS versions
- Connector pinouts
- Storage media
- Error codes
- Service procedures
- Reverse engineering notes
- Known hardware issues

The goal is to preserve technical knowledge for engineers, collectors, refurbishers, and service technicians working with legacy IGT gaming equipment.