In minimum mode, the 8086's signals are similar to the older 8080 processor. This made it easier for customers to migrate. Maximum mode provides complex, encoded control signals that support more functionality for multiprocessor or coprocessor systems.
In minimum mode, the device requests the bus through the HOLD signal, and the 8086 acknowledges it with HLDA. Three flip-flops manage the request, letting it proceed when the 8086 is ready.