Motorola MC68340 manual Vector Base Register, Exception Handling

Models: MC68340

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Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

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condition and count are checked after each execution of the data operations of the looped instruction. The CPU32 automatically exits the loop mode on interrupts or other exceptions.

5.1.4 Vector Base Register

The vector base register (VBR) contains the base address of the 1024-byte exception vector table, which consists of 256 exception vectors. Exception vectors contain the memory addresses of routines that begin execution at the completion of exception processing. These routines perform a series of operations appropriate for the corresponding exceptions. Because the exception vectors contain memory addresses, each consists of one long word, except for the reset vector. The reset vector consists of two long words: the address used to initialize the supervisor stack pointer (SSP) and the address used to initialize the PC.

The address of an interrupt exception vector is derived from an 8-bit vector number and the VBR. The vector numbers for some exceptions are obtained from an external device; other numbers are supplied automatically by the processor. The processor multiplies the vector number by 4 to calculate the vector offset, which is added to the VBR. The sum is the memory address of the vector. All exception vectors are located in supervisor data space, except the reset vector, which is located in supervisor program space. Only the initial reset vector is fixed in the processor's memory map; once initialization is complete, there are no fixed assignments. Since the VBR provides the base address of the vector table, the vector table can be located anywhere in memory; it can even be dynamically relocated for each task that is executed by an operating system. Refer to 5.5 Exception Processing for additional details.

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VECTOR BASE REGISTER (VBR)

5.1.5 Exception Handling

The processing of an exception occurs in four steps, with variations for different exception causes. During the first step, a temporary internal copy of the status register (SR) is made, and the SR is set for exception processing. During the second step, the exception vector is determined. During the third step, the current processor context is saved. During the fourth step, a new context is obtained, and the processor then proceeds with instruction processing.

Exception processing saves the most volatile portion of the current context by pushing it on the supervisor stack. This context is organized in a format called the exception stack frame. This information always includes the SR and PC context of the processor when the exception occurred. To support generic handlers, the processor places the vector offset in the exception stack frame. The processor also marks the frame with a frame format. The format field allows the return-from-exception (RTE) instruction to identify what information is on the stack so that it may be properly restored.

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Motorola MC68340 manual Vector Base Register, Exception Handling

MC68340 specifications

The Motorola MC68340 is a highly integrated microprocessor that was introduced in the early 1990s. It belongs to the 68000 family of microprocessors and is designed to cater to the demands of embedded systems, particularly in telecommunications and networking applications. This chip represents a significant evolution in microprocessor technology by combining a microprocessor core with additional peripherals on a single chip, making it an attractive solution for engineers looking to design compact and efficient systems.

One of the key features of the MC68340 is its 32-bit architecture, which allows for significant processing power and data handling capabilities. This architecture enables the processor to handle larger data sizes and perform more complex calculations compared to its 16-bit predecessors. The MC68340 operates at clock speeds typically ranging from 16 MHz to 25 MHz. Its dual instruction pipeline enhances throughput, allowing for simultaneous instruction fetches and executions, which significantly boosts performance.

A notable characteristic of the MC68340 is the inclusion of integrated peripherals, which help reduce the overall component count in a system. Key integrated components include a memory management unit (MMU), a direct memory access (DMA) controller, and various communication interfaces such as serial ports. The memory management capabilities enhance the processor's ability to manage memory resources efficiently, enabling it to support multitasking environments commonly found in modern computing.

In terms of connectivity, the MC68340 features connections for both synchronous and asynchronous serial communication, making it well-suited for networking tasks. The processor supports a range of bus standards, including address and data buses, which facilitate seamless interaction with peripheral devices.

Another important aspect of the MC68340 is its flexibility. The processor supports multiple operating modes, including multiple CPU configurations and compatibility with the Motorola 68000 family, allowing for easier integration into existing systems.

Moreover, the MC68340 boasts low power consumption compared to many of its contemporaries, making it an excellent choice for battery-operated applications, enhancing its appeal in sectors like telecommunications, industrial control, and automotive systems. Its combination of performance, integration, versatility, and efficiency has secured the MC68340 a reputable position in the annals of embedded systems technology, proving to be a valuable asset for developers and engineers alike.