AR-B1375/AR-B1376 User s Guide

2.5 REAL-TIME CLOCK AND NON-VOLATILE RAM

The AR-B1375/AR-B1376 contains a real-time clock compartment that maintains the date and time in addition to storing configuration information about the computer system. It contains 14 bytes of clock and control registers and 114 bytes of general purpose RAM. Because of the use of CMOS technology, it consumes very little power and can be maintained for long period of time using an internal Lithium battery. The contents of each byte in the CMOS RAM are listed as follows:

Address

Description

00

Seconds

01

Second alarm

02

Minutes

03

Minute alarm

04

Hours

05

Hour alarm

06

Day of week

07

Date of month

08

Month

09

Year

0A

Status register A

0B

Status register B

0C

Status register C

0D

Status register D

0E

Diagnostic status byte

0F

Shutdown status byte

10

Diskette drive type byte, drive A and B

11

Fixed disk type byte, drive C

12

Fixed disk type byte, drive D

13

Reserved

14

Equipment byte

15

Low base memory byte

16

High base memory byte

17

Low expansion memory byte

18

High expansion memory byte

19-2D

Reserved

2E-2F

2-byte CMOS checksum

30

Low actual expansion memory byte

31

High actual expansion memory byte

32

Date century byte

33

Information flags (set during power on)

34-7F

Reserved for system BIOS

Table 2-5 Real-Time Clock & Non-Volatile RAM

2.6 TIMER

The AR-B1375/AR-B1376 provides three programmable timers, each with a timing frequency of 1.19 MHz.

Timer 0 The output of this timer is tied to interrupt request 0. (IRQ 0)

Timer 1 This timer is used to trigger memory refresh cycles.

Timer 2 This timer provides the speaker tone.

Application programs can load different counts into this timer to generate various sound frequencies.

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Toshiba AR-B1375 REAL-TIME Clock and NON-VOLATILE RAM, Timer, Address Description, Real-Time Clock & Non-Volatile RAM

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.