AR-B1375/AR-B1376 User s Guide

2.3 KEYBOARD CONTROLLER

The 8042 processor is programmed to support the keyboard serial interface. The keyboard controller receives serial data from the keyboard, checks its parity, translates scan codes, and presents it to the system as a byte data in its output buffer. The controller can interrupt the system when data is placed in its output buffer, or wait for the system to poll its status register to determine when data is available.

Data can be written to the keyboard by writing data to the output buffer of the keyboard controller.

Each byte of data is sent to the keyboard controller in series with an odd parity bit automatically inserted. The keyboard controller is required to acknowledge all data transmissions. Therefore, another byte of data will not be sent to keyboard controller until acknowledgment is received for the previous byte sent. The “output buffer full” interruption may be used for both send and receive routines.

2.4 INTERRUPT CONTROLLER

The equivalent of two 8259 Programmable Interrupt Controllers (PIC) are included on the AR-B1375/AR-B1376 board. They accept requests from peripherals, resolve priorities on pending interrupts in service, issue interrupt requests to the CPU, and provide vectors which are used as acceptance indices by the CPU to determine which interrupt service routine to execute.

Following is the system information of interrupt levels:

Interrupt Level

Description

NMI

Parity check

CTRL1

CTRL2

IRQ 0

System timer interrupt from timer 8254

IRQ 1

Keyboard output buffer full

IRQ 2

 

 

 

 

IRQ8 : Real time clock

 

 

 

 

 

 

IRQ9 : Rerouting to INT 0Ah from hardware IRQ2

 

 

 

IRQ10 : Spare

 

 

 

IRQ11 : Spare

 

 

 

IRQ12 : Spare

 

 

 

IRQ13 : Math. coprocessor

 

 

 

IRQ14 : Hard disk adapter

 

 

 

IRQ15 : Reserved for watchdog

 

 

 

IRQ 3

 

Serial port 2

IRQ 4

 

Serial port 1

IRQ 5

 

Parallel port 2

IRQ 6

 

Floppy disk adapter

IRQ 7

 

Parallel port 1

 

 

 

Figure 2-1 Interrupt Controller

2-2

Page 9 Page 11
Page 10
Image 10
Toshiba AR-B1375, AR-B1376, 386SX manual Keyboard Controller, Interrupt Controller
Page 9 Page 11

386SX, AR-B1376, AR-B1375 specifications

The Toshiba AR-B1375 and AR-B1376 are notable embedded computing solutions that incorporate the 386SX microprocessor architecture. Designed for various applications, these models focus on reliability, performance, and versatility, making them appealing choices for system integrators and developers.

At the core of the AR-B1375 and AR-B1376 is the Intel 386SX microprocessor. This landmark processor marked a significant advancement in computing technology, introducing a 32-bit architecture while maintaining compatibility with 16-bit applications. The 386SX is known for its efficient processing capabilities, offering both multitasking support and enhanced memory management. It operates at clock speeds ranging typically from 16 MHz to 25 MHz, contributing to its effectiveness in running industrial applications.

One of the key features of the AR-B1375 and AR-B1376 systems is their modular architecture, which allows for easy customization and expansion. This modularity means users can tailor the hardware according to specific requirements, making it suitable for a wide range of applications such as automation, telecommunications, and embedded systems.

Both models support various I/O options, ensuring seamless integration with peripherals and external devices. They typically come equipped with serial and parallel ports, as well as support for modern interfaces like USB. The systems also feature onboard expansion slots, enabling the addition of further functionality, such as additional memory or specialized processing units.

In terms of memory, the AR-B1375 and AR-B1376 support a range of RAM configurations, allowing users to scale their systems based on the application demands. The inclusion of EPROM and EEPROM options also facilitates easy updates and programmability, which is crucial for embedded systems that often require firmware adjustments over time.

Moreover, these models are known for their robust thermal management features, which are essential in industrial environments where conditions can be harsh. This capability ensures stable performance and longevity, reducing the risk of system failures due to overheating or environmental factors.

To summarize, the Toshiba AR-B1375 and AR-B1376, coupled with the 386SX microprocessor, offer a blend of performance, flexibility, and reliability. Their modular design, extensive I/O support, and memory scalability make them ideal for a variety of embedded computing applications, placing them as commendable options in the world of industrial computing solutions. These systems not only exemplify Toshiba's commitment to innovation but also contribute significantly to the functionality of embedded technologies in a rapidly evolving industry.
Top Page Image Contents