Chapter 2. System board features

Audio subsystem

Some PC

300GL models come with

an Analog

Devices,

Inc. integrated audio controller. These

which are capable of playing

and recording sounds, support DirectX and Microsoft Windo

System

applications. SoundBlaster

applications are

supported in a DOS window only.

The device drivers for the

audio controller are on the hard disk drive. The device

available on Softwarethe

SelectionsCD

provided

with all

models.

The following connectors are available on the audio adapter or integrated audio controll

ŸLine/Headphone outport for connecting powered speakers. Your audio system requires a

speakers

or headphones

connected

to the

Line/Headphone out port

in

order to

hear

system. These

speakers

must be powered with a built-in amplifier.

In

general,

any po

designed

for

use

with

personal

computers can be used with your

audio system. Thes

available

with

a

wide

range of

features

and power outputs.

 

 

 

Ÿ Line in port for connecting musical devices, such as a portable CD-ROM or stereo syst

ŸMicrophone for connecting a microphone.

Super

input/output

controller

 

Control

of the

integrated input/output (I/O) and diskette drive controllers is

provided

the Super Input/Output Controller. This module supports Plug and Play and controls

the follo

features:

 

 

ŸDiskette drive interface

ŸSerial port

ŸParallel port

Ÿ Keyboard and mouse ports

ŸGeneral purpose I/O ports

Diskette drive interface

The

following

is

a list of devices that

the

diskette drive subsystem supports:

Ÿ

1.44

MB,

3.5

inch diskette

drive

 

 

 

Ÿ

1.44

MB,

3.5

inch, 3-mode drive for

Japan (no BIOS

support for 3-mode drive)

Ÿ

1 Mbps, 500

Kbps, or

250 Kbps internal

tape

drive

 

One

connector

is provided on the system board for diskette drive support. For informati

connector

pin

assignments,

see

“Diskette drive

connector”

on page 32.

Serial ports

Two universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter

(UART)

serial port

are integrated into

the

The serial ports include 16-byte

data, first-in first-out (FIFO)

buffers and have

progr

generators. The serial ports are

NS16450 and

PC16550A

compatible.

 

 

For information on the connector pin assignments, see “Serial port connector” on page 34.

Note: Current loop interface is not supported.

The following figure shows the serial port assignments in the configuration.

10 Technical Information Manual

Page 18
Image 18
IBM 6288, 6268, 6278 manual Audio subsystem, Controller, Diskette drive interface, Serial ports, Super

6278, 6268, 6288 specifications

The IBM 6278, 6288, and 6268 are part of IBM's extensive lineup of mid-range computers, specifically tailored for business environments in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These systems were designed to handle substantial data processing tasks, facilitating efficient business operations with robust performance and reliability.

The IBM 6278 was notable for its high-performance capabilities, making it suitable for a variety of applications ranging from transaction processing to complex computations. One of the main features of the 6278 was its multiprocessing capability, which allowed it to run multiple tasks concurrently. This was achieved through a combination of advanced hardware and software that optimized performance and resource allocation.

Similarly, the IBM 6288 was recognized for its versatility and scalability. This system incorporated enhanced memory management and was capable of handling larger workloads than its predecessors. The 6288 was designed with user-friendly interfaces and supported various input/output devices, making it easier for organizations to integrate into existing IT infrastructures. Additionally, it provided improved connectivity options, essential for modern networking needs at the time.

The IBM 6268, on the other hand, offered a balance between cost and performance, appealing to smaller businesses or those with less intensive data processing requirements. Despite being less powerful than the 6278 and 6288, the 6268 still managed to include essential features such as reliable data storage, effective processing speed, and compatibility with IBM's extensive software ecosystem.

All three models utilized IBM's proprietary operating systems, which were well-known for their robustness and security features. They were built with technologies such as error detection and correction, ensuring the integrity of data processing tasks. The architecture of these systems also allowed for easy upgrades, enabling businesses to expand their capabilities without a complete overhaul of their IT infrastructure.

In summary, the IBM 6278, 6288, and 6268 represented a significant advancement in mid-range computing technology during their era. Their main features encompassed multiprocessing, scalability, and user-friendly interfaces, making them valuable assets for businesses seeking reliable and efficient computing solutions. These systems laid the groundwork for future innovations in business computing, and despite their age, they remain a significant part of IBM's legacy in the computing industry.