Chapter

2. System board features

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure

5.

Serial port assignments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Port assignment

 

Address range (hex)

 

IRQ level

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serial

1

 

03F8–03FF

 

IRQ4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serial

2

 

02F8–02FF

 

IRQ3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serial

3

 

03E8–03FF

 

IRQ4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serial

4

 

02E8–02FF

 

IRQ3

 

 

 

 

 

 

The default setting for the serial port is COM1.

Parallel port

Integrated in the system board is support for extended capabilities port (ECP), enh (EPP), and standard parallel port (SPP) modes. The modes of operation are selected thro Configuration/Setup Utility program with the default mode set to ECP. The ECP and EPP mod compliant with IEEE 1284.

The following figure shows the parallel port assignments used in the configuration.

Figure

6.

Parallel port assignments

 

 

 

 

 

Port assignment

 

Address range (hex)

IRQ level

 

 

 

 

 

Parallel

1

 

03BC–03BE

IRQ7

 

 

 

 

 

Parallel

2

 

0378–037F

IRQ5

 

 

 

 

 

Parallel

3

 

0278–027F

IRQ5

 

 

 

 

 

The default setting for the parallel port is Parallel 1.

The system board has one connector for the parallel port. For information on the conne assignments, see “Parallel port connector” on page 34.

Keyboard and mouse ports

The keyboard and mouse subsystem is controlled by a general purpose 8-bit microcontro compatible with 8042AH. The controller consists of 256 bytes of data memory and 2 KB memory (ROM).

The

controller

has

two

logical

devices: one controls the keyboard and the other contro

keyboard has

two

fixed I/O

addresses and a fixed IRQ

line

and

can

operate wit

mouse

cannot

operate

without

the keyboard because, although

it

has

a

fixed IRQ li

the addresses of the keyboard for operation. For the keyboard and mouse interface assignments are given in the system memory addresses or DMA channels. For information on resource assignments, see “Input/output address map” on page 36 and Figure 36 on page assignments).

The system board has one connector for the keyboard port and one connector for the information on the connector pin assignments, see “Mouse and keyboard port connectors” o

Chapter 2. System board features11

Page 19
Image 19
IBM 6268 Parallel port, Keyboard and mouse ports, Default setting for the serial port is COM1, Serial port assignments

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.