Motorola MC68340 manual Freescale Semiconductor, Inc State Transitions, Privilege Levels

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5.4.1 State Transitions

The processor is in normal, background, or exception state unless halted.

When the processor fetches instructions and operands or executes instructions, it is in the normal processing state. The stopped condition, which the processor enters when a STOP or LPSTOP instruction is executed, is a variation of the normal state in which no further bus cycles are generated.

Background state is an alternate operational mode used for system debugging. Refer to

5.6Development Support for more information.

Exception processing refers specifically to the transition from normal processing of a program to normal processing of system routines, interrupt routines, and other exception handlers. Exception processing includes the stack operations, the exception vector fetch, and the filling of the instruction pipeline caused by an exception. Exception processing ends when execution of an exception handler routine begins. Refer to 5.5 Exception Processing for comprehensive information.

A catastrophic system failure occurs if the processor detects a bus error or generates an address error while in the exception processing state. This type of failure halts the processor. For example, if a bus error occurs during exception processing caused by a bus error, the CPU32 assumes that the system is not operational and halts.

The halted condition should not be confused with the stopped condition. After the processor executes a STOP or LPSTOP instruction, execution of instructions can resume when a trace, interrupt, or reset exception occurs.

5.4.2 Privilege Levels

To protect system resources, the processor can operate with either of two levels of access—user or supervisor. Supervisor level is more privileged than user level. All instructions are available at the supervisor level, but execution of some instructions is not permitted at the user level. There are separate SPs for each level. The S-bit in the SR indicates privilege level and determines which SP is used for stack operations. The processor identifies each bus access (supervisor or user mode) via function codes to enforce supervisor and user access levels.

In a typical system, most programs execute at the user level. User programs can access only their own code and data areas and are restricted from accessing other information. The operating system executes at the supervisor privilege level, has access to all resources, performs the overhead tasks for the user level programs, and coordinates their activities.

5.4.2.1SUPERVISOR PRIVILEGE LEVEL. If the S-bit in the SR is set, supervisor privilege level applies, and all instructions are executable. The bus cycles generated for instructions executed in supervisor level are normally classified as supervisor references, and the values of the function codes on FC2–FC0 refer to supervisor address spaces.

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Motorola MC68340 manual Freescale Semiconductor, Inc State Transitions, Privilege Levels

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.