Which of the following lists correctly matches examples of 8 bit, 16 bit, and 32 bit Intel microprocessors respectively?

Introduction / Context:
Microprocessors are often classified by the width of their data paths and registers. Intel has produced famous 8 bit, 16 bit, and 32 bit processors that are widely studied in computer architecture courses. This question asks you to match the correct representative example for each bit width.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The Intel 8085 is a well known 8 bit microprocessor.
• The Intel 8086 is a 16 bit microprocessor.
• The Intel 80386 is a 32 bit microprocessor.

Concept / Approach:
The 8085 has 8 bit registers and an 8 bit data bus, but a 16 bit address bus. Therefore, it is classified as an 8 bit microprocessor. The 8086 has 16 bit registers and a 16 bit data bus, so it is a 16 bit device. The 80386 extended the x86 architecture to 32 bits and introduced 32 bit registers such as EAX and all the extended general purpose registers. The option that lists 8085, 8086, and 80386 in that order aligns with these classifications.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the 8 bit example. The 8085 is commonly taught as an 8 bit microprocessor.Step 2: Identify the 16 bit example. The 8086 has 16 bit registers and is described as a 16 bit processor.Step 3: Identify the 32 bit example. The 80386 is the first widely used 32 bit x86 processor.Step 4: Choose the option that lists these three devices in the correct order of 8 bit, 16 bit, and 32 bit.

Verification / Alternative check:
Checking Intel documentation confirms these classifications. The 8085 is 8 bit, the 8086 is 16 bit, and the 80386 is 32 bit. The 8088 is closely related to the 8086 but has an 8 bit external data bus. The 80286 is still 16 bit internally, despite enhancements. None of these details contradict the basic mapping used in this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: Mislabels the 8086 as 8 bit and the 80286 as 32 bit, which is incorrect since both are 16 bit internally.Option C: Reverses the historical bit widths, incorrectly calling the 4004 a 32 bit device, which it is not.Option D: Misclassifies the 80386 as 8 bit and the 8085 as 32 bit, which is the opposite of their actual specifications.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse external bus width with internal register width. For example, the 8088 has an 8 bit external data bus but is internally similar to the 16 bit 8086. The classification usually refers to the internal data path width, not just the external bus. Keeping these distinctions clear makes it easier to answer classification questions correctly.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is 8085 (8 bit), 8086 (16 bit), 80386 (32 bit).