Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

All exception processing is performed at the supervisor level. All bus cycles generated during exception processing are supervisor references, and all stack accesses use the SSP.

Instructions that have important system effects can only be executed at supervisor level. For instance, user programs are not permitted to execute STOP, LPSTOP, or RESET instructions. To prevent a user program from gaining privileged access, except in a controlled manner, instructions that can alter the S-bit in the SR are privileged. The TRAP #n instruction provides controlled user access to operating system services.

5.4.2.2USER PRIVILEGE LEVEL. If the S-bit in the SR is cleared, the processor executes instructions at the user privilege level. The bus cycles for an instruction executed at the user privilege level are classified as user references, and the values of the function codes on FC2–FC0 specify user address spaces. While the processor is at the user level, implicit references to the system SP and explicit references to address register seven (A7) refer to the USP.

5.4.2.3CHANGING PRIVILEGE LEVEL. To change from user privilege level to supervisor privilege level, a condition that causes exception processing must occur. When exception processing begins, the current values in the SR, including the S-bit, are saved on the supervisor stack, and then the S-bit is set to enable supervisory access. Execution continues at supervisor privilege level until exception processing is complete.

To return to user access level, a system routine must execute one of the following instructions: MOVE to SR, ANDI to SR, EORI to SR, ORI to SR, or RTE. These instructions execute only at supervisor privilege level and can modify the S-bit of the SR. After these instructions execute, the instruction pipeline is flushed, then refilled from the appropriate address space.

The RTE instruction causes a return to a program that was executing when an exception occurred. When RTE is executed, the exception stack frame saved on the supervisor stack can be restored in either of two ways.

If the frame was generated by an interrupt, breakpoint, trap, or instruction exception, the SR and PC are restored to the values saved on the supervisor stack, and execution resumes at the restored PC address, with access level determined by the S-bit of the restored SR.

If the frame was generated by a bus error or an address error exception, the entire processor state is restored from the stack.

5.5 EXCEPTION PROCESSING

An exception is a special condition that preempts normal processing. Exception processing is the transition from normal mode program execution to execution of a routine that deals with an exception. The following paragraphs discuss system resources related to exception handling, exception processing sequence, and specific features of individual exception processing routines.

5- 38MC68340 USER’S MANUALMOTOROLA

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Motorola MC68340 manual Exception Processing

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.