What is minimum and maximum mode of 8088?

Minimum mode describes a chip configuration where the 8288 bus controller is not required. Certain signals, such as ALE, are then generated directly by the processor. Maximum mode describes a chip configuration where the 8288 bus controller is required. The 8288 generates ALE, and other signals, allowing the processor to provide other signals, such as LOCK. These two mode allow the system designer some freedom, and allow the number of pins on the chip to remain lower.