GB2032661A – Computer with added writeable control store
– Google Patents
GB2032661A – Computer with added writeable control store
– Google Patents
Computer with added writeable control store
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Publication number
GB2032661A
GB2032661A
GB7934217A
GB7934217A
GB2032661A
GB 2032661 A
GB2032661 A
GB 2032661A
GB 7934217 A
GB7934217 A
GB 7934217A
GB 7934217 A
GB7934217 A
GB 7934217A
GB 2032661 A
GB2032661 A
GB 2032661A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
wcs
cpu
ram
firmware
address
Prior art date
1978-10-02
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB7934217A
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GB2032661B
(en
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bull HN Information Systems Italia SpA
Bull HN Information Systems Inc
Original Assignee
Honeywell Information Systems Italia SpA
Honeywell Information Systems Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
1978-10-02
Filing date
1979-10-02
Publication date
1980-05-08
1979-10-02
Application filed by Honeywell Information Systems Italia SpA, Honeywell Information Systems Inc
filed
Critical
Honeywell Information Systems Italia SpA
1980-05-08
Publication of GB2032661A
publication
Critical
patent/GB2032661A/en
1983-04-27
Application granted
granted
Critical
1983-04-27
Publication of GB2032661B
publication
Critical
patent/GB2032661B/en
Status
Expired
legal-status
Critical
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Classifications
G—PHYSICS
G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
G06F9/22—Microcontrol or microprogram arrangements
G06F9/26—Address formation of the next micro-instruction ; Microprogram storage or retrieval arrangements
G06F9/262—Arrangements for next microinstruction selection
G06F9/268—Microinstruction selection not based on processing results, e.g. interrupt, patch, first cycle store, diagnostic programs
G—PHYSICS
G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
G06F9/30—Arrangements for executing machine instructions, e.g. instruction decode
G06F9/30181—Instruction operation extension or modification
G06F9/30189—Instruction operation extension or modification according to execution mode, e.g. mode flag
G—PHYSICS
G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
G06F9/30—Arrangements for executing machine instructions, e.g. instruction decode
G06F9/30181—Instruction operation extension or modification
G06F9/30196—Instruction operation extension or modification using decoder, e.g. decoder per instruction set, adaptable or programmable decoders
G—PHYSICS
G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
G06F9/30—Arrangements for executing machine instructions, e.g. instruction decode
G06F9/32—Address formation of the next instruction, e.g. by incrementing the instruction counter
G06F9/322—Address formation of the next instruction, e.g. by incrementing the instruction counter for non-sequential address
G06F9/328—Address formation of the next instruction, e.g. by incrementing the instruction counter for non-sequential address for runtime instruction patching
G—PHYSICS
G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
G06F9/30—Arrangements for executing machine instructions, e.g. instruction decode
G06F9/38—Concurrent instruction execution, e.g. pipeline, look ahead
G06F9/3867—Concurrent instruction execution, e.g. pipeline, look ahead using instruction pipelines
G06F9/3869—Implementation aspects, e.g. pipeline latches; pipeline synchronisation and clocking
Abstract
A control store coupled with a central processing unit to transfer information over a common electrical bus and coupled to transfer information over a private interface between the control store and unit. The control store includes firmware words for providing additional control of the unit, which also has a control memory for controlling the operation of the unit. The private interface is used to transfer addressed firmware words from the control store to the unit for use by the unit including generating the next address to be used by the control store, which next address is also provided from the unit to the control store over the private interface. Such private interface is also used to transfer the results of one or more tests performed by the unit, which results indicate which of at least two alternative addresses are to be used by the control store.
Description
1 GB2032661A 1
SPECIFICATION
Computer with added writeable control store The present invention generally relates to data processing systems and more particularly relates to a system with a central processing unit which has user-accessible control storage.
Today’s continued advancement of computer technology has produced a useraccessible control store extension with a central processor unit (CPU); this extension is sometimes called a writeable control store (WCS). This WCS feature provides a user with extremely powerful hardware instructions that extend as well as enhance the standard CPU software instruction set to achieve optimum CPU performance for software routines critical to a particular user application, and allows them to execute at speeds comparable to the native CPU instructions. They accomplish this by enabling a user to write customized firmware into a CPU to replace repetitive software rou- tines. Much of the speed enhancement derives from the ability of the firmware to perform several simultaneous operations in a single firmware step. The application for the WCS feature varies considerably from one user to another. It enables a microprogrammer to enhance and augment the native CPU firmware to produce the equivalent of a custom built, specialized central processore. Software routines (or programs) designed to run without the WCS feature are unaffected by its presence. With effective firmware instructions, a user can increase the overall performance of the CPU with a minimum conversion of software programs.
It is accordingly a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved writeable control store for use in a data processing system, with the writeable control store being usable in extending the capabilities of the system based on each particular user’s requirements.
Accordingly the present invention provides a data processing system comprising:
a central processing unit (CPU) including a control memory (PROM) for controlling the operation of the CPU; a control store unit (WCS) including a control memory (RAM) for controlling the operation of the CPU; a system bus coupling the CPU and the WCS, over which the CPU can address the WCS and transmit commands thereto and data can pass between the WCS and the CPU; and a private bus between the CPU and the WCS over which the CPU and send RAM addresses and receive control data from the RAM.
(it will of course be appreciated that terms such as PROM, RAM, and system bus are used for convenience and ease of understanding, but are not intended to be limiting to specific forms or contexts.) A computer system embodying the inven- tion will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure I is a block diagram of a computer system; Figure 2 is a general block diagram of the present storage device; Figure 3 is a detailed block diagram of the storage device; Figure 4 illustrates the format for the load storage device (WCS) command used in con- junction with the storage device; Figure 5 illustrates the format for the write RAM word command used in conjuction with the storage device; Figure 6 illustrates the format for the WCS entry (splash branch) command used in conjunction with the storage device; Figure 7 illustrates the format for the return to PROM command used in conjunction with the storage device; Figure 8 illustrates the format of the read RAM word command, and response thereto, used in conjunction with the storage device; Figure 9 illustrates three fields of a firmware word used in conjunction with the storage device; Figure 10 illustrates a typical loading sequence used in conjunction with the storage device; Figures 11 to 16 illustrate flow charts of various commands used in conjunction with the storage device; Figure 17 illustrates the logic used to provide the basic timing for the storage device; Figure 18 illustrates the logic used for ex- tended CPU cycles generated in conjunction with the storage device; Figure 19 illustrates the RAM Read/Write timing logic used in conjunction with the storage device; Figure 20 illustrates the format of the address used to access information in the storage device; Figure 21 illustrates the logic of the multiplexer control logic used in conjunction with the storage device; Figure 22 is a logic diagram illustrating the so-called splash address register used in conjuction with the storage device; Figure 23 illustrates the detailed logic of the increment counter and the return from subroutine register utilized in conjunction with the storage device; Figure 24 is a detailed logic diagram of the bus response logic included in the bus control logic utilized in conjunction with the storage device; Figure 25 illustrates the detailed logic for the bus address counter used in conjunction with the storage device; Figure 26 illustrates the details of the trans- 2 GB2032661A parent mode/sequence mode switch used in conjunction with the storage device; Figure 27 illustrates the details of the PROM/RAM control logic used in conjunction 5 with the storage device; and Figure 28 illustrates details of an alternative embodiment of a portion of the logic shown in Fig. 23.
The Writeable Control Store (WCS) 10 of Fig. 1 enhances associated central processor (CPU) 12 by providing additional storage for firmware that can be altered by program instructions to meet the specific requirements of the user. This feature permits the central processor to execute user-defined instructions that direct hardware operations according to the firmware that is created by the user and loaded into the alterable storage. The WCS does not replace firmware for the standard CPU instruction set but provides a means for the user to add to it. Firmware coded by the user to implement user-defined instructions is loaded into WCS storage via the system bus 14 using 1/0 instructions. A private interface 16 between the CPU and WCS provides a direct path to the CPU for execution of custom firmware when a user-defined instruction is encountered. Fig. 1 shows a typical system incorporating a WCS, and illustrates for exam- ple other elements such as a main memory 18 and a device controller 20.
The Writeable Control Store includes bus interface 22, user coded firmware storage 24, status logic 32, command decode logic 34 and address logic 36. The WCS may also include an optional test device 26 that can be temporarily installed in the system as shown in Fig. 2. The WCS 10 interprets function code commands and processes dialogue over the bus 14 between the CPU and WCS for loading user firmware into storage and for the initiation of firmware that executes the userdefined instructions. The test device 26 can be temporarily installed in the system to assist the user in debugging his coded firmware. It displays the CPU internal bus 28 and firmware address 30 for the current or any of sixteen previous firmware cycles. The test device can also be used to single-cycle firmware execution and for STOP ON ADDRESS operations.
There are two distinct operations that concern the WCS: (1) loading the user coded firmware; (2) execution of user coded firmware routines. The user’s firmware is loaded into the WCS storage by issuing 1/0 instructions that result in standard CPU firmware controlling the transfer of data from the CPU to the WCS via the bus 14. Separate 1/0 instructions are issued for the transfer of each word (e.g., 16 bits per word) to or from the CPU. The user coded firmware must be loaded into WCS storage 24 before it can be executed. User’s firmware is executed by reading firmware words from the WCS storage 2 24 and transferring them to the CPU where they are processed. The contents of each firmware word determine the address of the succeeding firmware word to be executed. To enter this process, a user-defined instruction must be encountered during computer program execution. This results in the CPU standard firmware transferring the instruction code over the data lines of bus 14 to the WCS 10 where it is used to select an entry point in the user firmware. This enables the user firmware to gain control of the CPU hardware and the user firmware processing commences.
When the user-coded firmware routine has completed execution and control is to revert back to the standard CPU firmware, the user generates an 1/0 output command to the WCS at the end of his coded firmware routine. This command switches control from the user firmware to the standard CPU firmware. The standard CPU firmware automatically generates the command that enters user firmware processing, but the user must generate the 1/0 instruction in his firmware to return to standard CPU firmware control.
The user firmware can be sequenced through execution in one of two modes: (1) WCS sequential mode, or (2) transparent mode. In both of these modes the next firmware address is determined by the user’s firmware coding. However, in sequential mode, firmware branch coding is restricted and the WCS logic, via command decode logic 34, interprets the branch code field of the firmware word to determine which of four sources contains the next address. In transparent mode all branch codes are valid and normal CPU next address generator (NAG) logic interprets the full firmware word and generates the next firmware address which is transferred to the WCS.
The two firmware sequencing modes of the WCS, transparent and sequential, are mutually exclusive. The WCS must be set, by a manually operated or other type switch 95 (as shown in Fig. 3), into one mode or the other. The difference between the two modes appears in the assignment of control store addresses to successive steps of a firmware routine. In this respect, for sequential mode, the microprogrammer assigns an initial address (origin), after which there is an automatic incrementing of the address for each new step. Conditional branches represent a choice between continuing in sequence and taking some other action (branch to a specified location, or «call» a subroutine, or «return»). In contrast, the microprogrammer working with transparent code will rarely allow system assignment of the address of the next steo, even when the values are adjacent. Every step in transparent mode explicitly specifies the address of its successor, which may equally reside anywhere in the 2048-location firmware bank. Conditional branches represent 3 GB2032661A 3 a choice between the address thus specified and an alternative address. In either mode, when no branching is required, the necessary code is generated to progress from step to step. Nevertheless, it should be noted that, in transparent object code, the bits responsible for specifying the next address are occupied at almost every step, whereas in sequential object code, these bits are unused except where branching is called for. This distinction is important because some of these same bits are involved in the generation of constants by the firmware. Therefore, when a particular constant needs to be generated, a restriction is imposed on the value of the next address field. In transparent mode, this restriction requires some extra bookkeeping to keep track of address assignments. In sequential mode, the restriction vanishes when no simultaneous branching is involved; otherwise, it usually requires insertion of an extra firmware step. The choice between the two modes is usually based on the expected frequencies of branching and of constant usage, and the conse- quent likelihood of their interfering with each other.
A more detailed illustration of the WCS is shown in Fig. 3. It illustrates the WCS hardware components and data flow between the WCS 10, the CPU 12 and the optional test device 26. All commands issued by the CPU to the WCS are transmitted over the system bus 14. The private interface between the CPU and WCS provides a means for the WCS to directly transmit the user firmware word to the CPU. The test device interface allows manual access to firmware storage. The major components of the hardware located in the WCS will now be described.
The WCS contains system bus control logic 105 63 which may include receivers 62 and drivers 64 and further logic not shown. It provides a means for the CPU and WCS to communicate with each other. The WCS redirectly from the CPU master clock (MCLOCK) and received on line 64. This insures that all WCS and CPU operations are synchronized.
The splash address register 66 is a 5 bit register that provides temporary storage for a task word supplied on some of the bus 14 data lines when an Entry command is issued to the WCS. The contents of this register are used to form the WCS RAM address which causes a branch to the first location of a specific user firmware routine.
The bus address counter 68 is a 14 bit incrementing counter. Its contents are used to address WCS firmware storage 24 when ei ther loading (writing) or reading user firmware via the bus 14. It is initially loaded by a unique WCS command and then incremented as each read or write RAM command is executed. The low order two bits of this register are data word pointer bits. They select the data word (16 bits) within the 64 bit firmware word which is manipulated. This is necessary since the bus 14 can only handle one 16 bit data word per command. Such two low order bits are received for use by the write control logic 89 and data selector 82.
The increment address counter 70 is a 12 bit counter which supplies an incremented firmware address for each CPU clock cycle.
The return from subroutine register 72 is 12 bits wide and stores the return address for the WCS when a firmware branch to a sub routine is executed. When a subroutine return branch is executed, the incremented address loaded in this register is used to return to the main stream of the user firmware.
The WCS firmware storage 24 includes two RAM memories 60. Each memory contains 1024 locations, each 64 bits wide. Each location stores 1 firmware word for a total of 2K (2048) locations of firmware storage.
These RAM memories are loaded with or read one data word (16 bits) per write/read corn mand respectively. However, when executing, ceives command codes along with its channel 110 the full 64 bit firmware word is delivered.
number from the CPU over the bus 14 ad dress lines. With each command issued, a sixteen bit data word can be received by the WCS on the data lines. The WCS generates the CPU’s channel number on its bus address line drivers. Therefore it will transmit data only to the CPU. This data can either be the WCS ID code, WCS status bits, or a selected data word (16 bits) from user firmware stored in the WCS RAM 60 included in firmware storage 24. The WCS does not communicate directly with main memory 18.
The WCS command decoder 34 decodes the command code issued to the WCS over the bus 14 address lines. It stores the command type and generates the necessary control signals to perform the action commanded by the CPU. Such commands are described hereinafter.
Basic timing for the WCS is developed The address selection multiplexer (MUX) 74 is a multiple port, 12 bit wide multiplexer. It selects the WCS RAM address which accesses a stored firmware word. The address can be selected from one of several different sources depending on the command stored in the command decoder 34 and the encoding of the current firmware word. The selected address can be overridden as it is delivered to the RAM memory via the direct address multiplexer 76.
The direct address multiplexer (MUX) (DADD) 76 is a two port, 12 bit wide multiplexer. It selects the final address delivered by the WCS to the RAM memories 60. If the CPU detects a condition that requires a firmware branch to the next address coded in the current firmware word, it informs the address MUX 76 to select the next address (NA) field stored in the jump address register
4 GB2032661A 4 78. Otherwise the multiplexer 76 selects the output of the address selection MUX 74 to address WCS firmware storage 24.
The jump address register 78 stores the NA field of the current firmware word. Its contents are used if a branch to the NA is required.
The data-in register 80 is 16 bits wide and stores the write data word (16 bits) delivered to the WCS when loading firmware into firmware storage 24. It requires four write commands to load one firmware word in RAM memory 60. The 16 bit position of the firmware word written is determined by the write control logic 89 which decodes the pointer bits of the bus address counter 68. The data selector 82 is a four port, 16 bit wide multiplexer. It receives the 64 bit firmware word read from firmware storage 24 and selects one 16 bit data word within the firmware according to the pointer bits stored in the bus address counter 68. The selected data word can be returned to the CPU via the bus 14.
The data out register 84 stores the selected 16 bit data word that is delivered to the CPU via the bus 14. This data path is used when the system wishes to verify the contents of firmware storage 24.
The PROM/RAM control logic 86 determines whether the firmware in the CPU PROM or the user firmware stored in the WCS is active and controls the CPU. It monitors commands stored in the WCS and CPU conditions to determine which firmware is activated.
The status and]D logic 88 delivers, on command, the WCS status bits or the WCS identifying code to the bus data drivers 64.
There are five major interfaces concerned with the WCS as follows: (1) CPU/WCS Control Store Interface, (2) System Bus Interface, (3) WCS/RAM Memory Interface, (4) WCS/Test Device Interface, and (5) Test Device/CPU Interface. Interfaces (1) and (3) will now be discussed in detail. Details relating to the bus interface (2) will be discussed later. Interfaces (4) and (5) are not relevant to present purposes.
The CP11/WCS Control Store interface is a private data/control interface between the WCS and the CPU. It provides a direct path between WCS firmware storage 24 and the CPU 12. Sixty-four control store bits (i.e. 1 firmware word) plus a control signal flow from the WCS to the CPU on lines 90 and 92 respectively. The CPU next address generation signals (11 bits) on line 94 and the CPU master clock (for WCS timing) on fine 64 are transmitted to the WCS from the CPU. The signals that make up the CP1. 1/WCS interface will now be discussed. The master clock (timing) signal on line 64 is the basic CPU timing signal and is used to synchronize the CPU and WCS. Basic WCS timing signals are devel- oped from this signal. The Next Address Generation signals (11 bits) on line 94 are the output of the CPU next address generation logic. Depending on the branch (BR) field of the firmware word and the mode of WCS operation, these interface signals can form the WCS RAM access address. When in WCS sequential mode, the low order bit (NAGO1 1) is driven true whenever the CPU test logic determines a branch to the NA field address is required. The PROM Control Enable signal (PROMCE) on line 92, when true, indicates that the CPU PROM (CPU Firmware) is enabled and the WCS RAM (User’s Firmware) is disabled. The WCS RAM Control Word (64 bits) on line 90 is the firmware control word read from the WCS RAM memory. When in sequential mode, the branch type codes stored in bits 49, 50 and 63 are interpreted by WCS logic and therefore are transmitted to the CPU as zeros. In transparent mode all 64 bits of the firmware control word are transmitted to the CPU unaltered.
The interface between the WCS and RAM memory contains all the data, address, and control signals necessary to store and retrieve firmware control words to and from RAM storage. The interface for each RAM memory 60 is essentially the same. Only the enable and availability signals differ depending on the physical position the RAM memory occupies in the WCS. The data and address signals for each RAM memory are wired together in the WCS. A description of the signals on the WCS/RAM interface is now provided. Two signals are used to select either the first RAM memory 60-1 or the second memory 60-2. Two signals are also provided to determine the type of RAM memory and two further signals are provided to determine if the particular RAM memory is installed. A data input word (16 bits) is sent to both RAM memories 60 as input write data. It is written into the enabled RAM at the location specified by the address input. An address input (10 bits) is sent to both RAM memories 60 and selects the location being read or written. The address is only relevant to the enabled RAM. A write word (four signals) specifies which word position of the addressed RAM location will be writted into with the input data. Each signal controls one word position (16 bits) of the location to be loaded with the input data. These write signals feed both RAM memories, but only cause writes in the enabled RAM. A control word from RAM (64 signals) is the firmware control word read from the enabled RAM at the location specified by the address input. Since only one RAM is enabled at any time, the RAM output signals from the two RAM memories are wire-ORed together.
The system bus 14 is the common interface used by the CPU 12 and other units to communicate with each other. However, all bus operations involving the WCS 10 are only GB2032661A 5 between the CPU and the WCS. The WCS does not communicate directly with any other unit. The CPU issues all WCS commands and associated data to the WCS over this bus, while the WCS only transfers data (in response to a command) to the CPU via the bus. All bus operations are on an asynchronous bus cycle basis. Each bus cycle has a master/slave relationship. The unit which transmits the information is always the master, the receiving unit is the slave. When a unit wishes to transfer information, it becomes the master by requesting a bus cycle. If no other unit with a higher priority is requesting a bus cycle it is granted to the master. When granted the cycle, the master unit places the slave unit channel number and data information on the bus. The slave unit recognizes its channel, receives the bus data and responds with the appropriate response signal. The response signal terminates the bus cycle.
The CPU can issue either input (read from the WCS) or output (write to the WCS) commands to the WCS. It requires two bus cycles to read information from the WCS. In the first cycle, the CPU is the master unit and issues the read command to the WCS requesting specific WCS data. In the second bus cycle, the WCS becomes the master and the re- quested data is transmitted to the CPU. For output type orders, only one bus cycle is required. For these output type commands the CPU is always the master and all required information is transferred to the WCS with the command.
The bus 14 contains 24 address lines. The master unit always supplies the channel number of the slave unit on address lines 8 to 17 and the command code on lines 18 to 23.
Because all operations across the bus involving the WCS are only with the CPU to which the WCS is attached, the address bus will always contain either the CPU or WCS channel number. The channel number assignment for these units are directly related because of their close committed association. The last two bits of the WCS channel number are set to be the complement of the last two bits of the CPU channel. These bits are determined by switches located on the WCS 10.
The commands that the CPU can issue to the WCS are either output or input types. In the output type category are included the following commands: Initialize WCS (Function Code FC-01), Load WCS Address, Write RAM Word, WCS Entry and Return to PROM. In the input category are Read RAM Word, Input WCS Status and Input WCS I.D. A description of some of these commands is provided later.
These commands are issued over the bus 14 by use of CPU firmware as a result of either a user-defined instruction or 1/0 instruction being extracted from main memory. If a WCS user-defined software instruction is extracted from main memory, CPU firmware generates an Entry command to the WCS. The first word (16 bits) of the software instruction is delivered to the WCS on the bus 14 data lines as a task word with the WCS channel number and the function code for the Entry Command on the address lines.
The load WCS address command loads a WCS starting address into the WCS bus counter 68. This address is used to access WCS RAM by a succeeding read or write RAM word command. Each location in the WCS RAM is comprised of four 16 bit data word segments for a total of 64 bits. When an address is transferred to the WCS by this command, it points to the first 16 bit data word segment (i.e., left most 16 bits of 64). Subsequent read or write RAM word commands increment the segment pointer as well as the WCS RAM location address so that only one load WCS Address command is required to load any number of contiguous RAM storage locations. Four read or write RAM word commands transfer one 64 bit location. The bus format for the load WCS command is shown on Fig. 4. Bit 4 on the data bus must be a one to indicate a WCS RAM address.
The write RAM word command writes a 16 bit word segment of the 64 bit firmware word in the current selected WCS RAM location. The selector is incremented after the transfer so a subsequent write RAM word command writes the next 16 bit data word segment of the same RAM location. If four write com- mands occurred to the same location, the entire firmware word is written and the location address is incremented. It is possible to increment the RAM location address beyond RAM capability. If this occurs, an error status bit will set and the WCS issues NAK responses to subsequent Read/Write RAM word commands. The bus format for the Write RAM Word command is indicated in Fig. 5.
The Entry command is generated when a user-defined instruction is extracted from memory. It causes hardware control to switch from standard instruction set firmware control to user coded firmware control. The instruction extracted from memory by the CPU is used to select a specific entry point into the user coded firmware stored in the WCS. The bus format for the Entry Command is indicated in Fig. 6.
User-defined instruction codes in a selected range provide an entry point to one of the first 16 locations of the user firmware stored in the WCS. Upon the execution of the firmware word in WCS storage at the location selected as the entry point, user coded firmware gains control of CPU logic. Hardware control remains with the user coded firmware until a Return to PROM command is executed. The WCS will not accept an Entry command if an error status bit is stored in the WCS.
The Return to PROM command code 6 GB2032661A 6 causes the CPU to revert back from usercoded firmware control to control by normal instruction set firmware stored in the CPU PROM. The destination address is determined by the output of CPU next address generation logic at the time this command is executed by the WCS. Normally this command is generated by the last command in a user firmware routine. The bus format for this command is indicated in Fig. 7.
The read RAM word command causes one 16 bit data word segment of the selected firmware word in WCS storage to be transferred to the CPU. It requires two bus cycles to execute: first a request cycle, then a WCS response cycle. The formats for these cycles are shown in Fig. 8.
The WCS addressing of the firmware word is identical to that used by the Write RAM word command. After each 16 bit data word segment is transferred from the WCS, the segment pointer is incremented to the next 16 bit segment of the same firmware word. After the last (right-most) 16 bit segment is trans- ferred, the address is incremented so as to point at the left-most 16 bit segment of the next firmware word location. It requires four read RAM word commands to transfer one firmware word location to the CPU. The CPU register or memory address to which the data word is transferred is specified by the CPU. The channel number transmitted over the bus 14 address lines during the response cycle is that of the CPU to which the WCS is at- tached. The channel assignment is determined 100 by a switch as indicated hereinbefore. As indicated hereinbefore, there are two modes of WCS operation which
determine how user firmware is interpreted and se- quenced through execution: (1) Sequential Mode; (2) Transparent Mode. In both of these modes, three fields of the firmware word specify the address of the next firmware word to be executed as shown in Fig. 9.
In sequential mode, WCS logic, in conjunction with CPU logic, interpret these fields to determine the next firmware address. In transparent mode, the user firmware word is interpreted entirely by CPU logic and the next firmware address is generated by normal CPU next address generation (NAG) logic. Selection of which mode of operation is active is determined by a switch 95 (Fig. 3) located in the WCS. The mode selected by the switch becomes effective after an Entry to the user firmware is executed.
When sequential mode is selected by the switch 95, three bits 49, 50 and 63 of the user firmware word are driven false as they are delivered to the CPU. WCS logic stores the NA field and interprets branch type code bits 49 and 50 to determine where the next firmware address is selected from. The remaining portion of the user firmware word is delivered to the CPU. If CPU logic determines a branch condition is met, it raises NAG bit 11 to inform the WCS to select the stored NA field in jump address register 78 as the next address.
During sequential mode operation, all sequence changes (i.e., jumps or branches) are permanent in that the WCS Increment Address Counter (MCNT) 70 is loaded with the address of each executed firmware word and succeeding addresses are derived by incrementing this counter 70. Subroutine entry and return are facilitated by an operation which stores the incremented value of MCNT counter 70 in a WCS Return From Subroutine register (RSBA) 72. When a return is made back to the calling routine, the RSBA register 72 is used to access user firmware so that the control resumes at the firmware word following the calling subroutine firmware words.
The RSBA register 72 is not used by firmware stored in the CPU. WCS Sequential Mode of processing is only possible on the user coded firmware stored in the WCS.
In the transparent mode, the branch type codes are not interpreted by the WCS. The entire user firmware word (64 bits) is transferred to the CPU 12 unaltered. All next firmware addresses are generated by CPU next address generation (NAG) logic. The CPU next address generation output is always transmitted back to the WCS 10 and selected to address user coded firmware.
Thus, the WCS 10 enables execution of user coded firmware that tailors hardware operations to the specific needs of the user. This user firmware is stored in the WCS under CPU system control and augments the standard CPU instruction set firmware. Once loaded, software can be used to invoke the specialized firmware via user-defined instructions, causing the hardware control to switch from standard CPU firmware control to user (WCS) firmware control. The user coded firmware is executed either in sequential mode or in transparent mode until such time as the user firmware returns control to the standard CPU firmware or a major error (e.g., memory parity) is detected.
The WCS 10 is loaded with user firmware by system software. Normally at system startup time, a WCS loader program is called and preconditioned to transfer a previously stored user firmware file into WCS storage 24. Then subsequent software or operator actions can recall the loader and cause other firmware files to be loaded in the WCS. In all cases, the loader is supplied with the WCS location address where loading is to start and the size of the firmware block to be loaded. A typical WCS loading sequence is shown in Fig. 10 and described below. Initially the WCS channel number can be determined by issuing an input ID command to each channel. Once the channel is established, the WCS is initialized and the WCS modes of operation are verified 7 GB2032661A 7 by a status read. At this point the number of RAM memories installed is determined by insuring a read RAM word followed by a status read command to each RAM memory.
The results are compared with the size of the firmware block. An error is reported to system software if not enough RAM storage is available to store the firmware block. If sufficient WCS RAM storage is available, the first fleft- most) 16 bit word of the user firmware file is extracted and the start WCS load address is transferred to the WCS bus address counter 68. After the address is loaded in the WCS, the write loop begins. Each write transfers the 16 bit word extracted from the firmware file to the WCS and increments the WCS bus counter (CSAD) 68. The bus counter 68 always points to the 16 bit segment of the RAM location that is to be written. After four writes this counter increments the RAM locator address. Between successive writes, the next succeeding 16 bit data word of the file is extracted. It requires four writes to store one RAM location. After four writes have occur- red, WCS status is read so WCS detected errors can be reported to the CPU. If no errors are reported and loader software determines the full firmware block was loaded, the operation is complete. Otherwise, the write loop is entered again and the next RAM location is loaded.
Execution of system software including loading the WCS with user coded firmware is performed by the CPU executing standard firmware routines permanently stored in the CPU PROMs. Switching to user coded firmware for CPU execution can only be accomplished by executing a user-defined software instruction. When a user-defined soft- ware instruction is extracted from main memo- 105 ry 18, a permanently stored CPU firmware routine is executed which results in an Entry command being issued over the bus 14 to the WCS 10. When the WCS accepts the command, it disables the CPU firmware and enables user coded firmware stored in the WCS. The specific entry point in user coded firmware is determined by the op-code of the instruction. Once enabled, user coded firmware is transmitted via the private WCS/CPU interface 16 for CPU execution. Control of the CPU logic is switched from the permanently stored firmware stored in the CPU to the user coded firmware stored in the WCS. Return to CPU firmware control is determined by user coded firmware.
trol of CPU logic is thus returned to the firmware stored in CPU PROM. The user can code a return to any location in CPU instruc tion processing will be selected as the return point.
When user coded firmware is being exe cuted, access to the permanent firmware in the CPU is inhibited unless a major error is detected. The CPU upon detecting a major error such as a bus parity error or uncorrected memory error will force an address of zero on the next address generation lines (NAG) to the WCS. If this address is detected while the WCS sequential mode is active, WCS logic disables the user coded firmware. The CPU firmware gains control and a branch to loca tion zero of CPU firmware occurs regardless of user firmware coding. If an illegal branch code is detected when executing user coded firmware in the WCS sequence mode, WCS logic inhibits the reading of the user firmware word causing the NA address to appear as all zeros. The CPU next address generation lines are zero resulting in the WCS returning firmware control to the CPU at location zero.
The following description makes reference to various figures which illustrate flow charts that show the sequence of events and major control signals generated for certain com mands that can be issued to the WCS 10.
Each flow chart is divided into a CPU side and WCS side in order to show the interaction between these two units. A process block on the CPU side can designate either a firmware controlled process or a hardware action. The actions indicated in CPU process blocks are general in nature.The process blocks of the WCS side indicate WCS hardware operation.
A detailed description of WCS hardware perti nent to present purposes is provided later.
The flow charts show the formats of the software instruction and resulting bus cycles that execute the command where applicable.
Due to the asynchronous nature of the bus 14, some events in the WCS and CPU occur in parallel. The flow charts show this, but since there is no guarantee when these events occur, the flow charts show only the sequence of events that occur in each unit and process blocks that describe possible simultaneous ac tions are not necessarily aligned.
The self-explanatory flow charts for the WCS commands are shown in Figs. 11 to 16.
The figures and associated command flow are as follows:
Figure 11 WCS Initialize Command Flow, When user coded firmware processing is Figure 12 Load WCS Address Command complete and return to CPU firmware control Flow is desired, a user coded exit firmware routine Figure 13Write RAM Word Command is executed which results in a return to PROM 125 Flow, command being issued to the WCS over the Figure 14 Read RAM Word Command bus 14. When the WCS accepts the com- Flow, mand it disables the transmission of user Figure 15 Entry Command Flow, and coded firmware to the CPU and enables the Figure 16 Return To PROM Command firmware permanently stored in the CPU. Con- 130 Flow.
8 GB2032661A 8 Although such flow charts of Figs. 11 to 16 are self-explanatory, a general description of such figures will now be made. The sequence in both the CPU and the WCS for each of the command codes illustrated in Figs. 11 to 16 are to some extent similar in that initially, after the start box, the instruction is extracted from the main memory 18, following which a bus cycle is issued. Having obtained the bus cycle, the CPU as indicated by the so-called BSDCNN signal transfers the channel number to the WCS. The signals, such as BSDCNN, BSACKR, etc., as shown in these Figures, are explained later. In turn, the channel number is decoded by the WCS, the function code of the command issued by the CPU is decoded by command decoder 34, and a strobe is generated indicating that this was «my» address, in response to which an acknowledge signal is issued by the WCS in the form of an ACK signal thereby terminating the bus cycle by the CPU. In parallel with the above operation, a new run command is generated within the WCS. The above description up to the point of issuing the acknowledge signal to the CPU as indicated hereinbefore is similar for each of the Figures. The remaining portions of the flow indicated in the Figures is generally specific to each command flow.
Basically, the initialize command flow of Fig. 11 is utilized to clear the WCS logic and to initialize the parity bistable elements, following which parity checking is allowed. In Fig. 12, basically, after the acknowledge sig- nal is issued to the CPU thereby terminating the bus cycle, the purpose counter 68. As illustrated in Fig. 13, the write RAM word command flow basically provides that the data be strobed into the input data register and that two wait responses be set up and the first 105 issued and, in parallel, the CPU stalls its clock until there is an acknowledge signal received from the WCS. The purpose of stalling and issuing the wait signals to the CPU is to give the system enough time to accommodate the various transfers and logical operations which are taking place. For example, during the initialize command flow, as seen in Fig. 11, no wait responses or stalling are necessary, since, in fact, this command does not require extra time for its operation. On the other hand, some operations take up to three such stalling operations in order to accommodate the time required for such logical operations.
The entry and exit RAM command flows require one stall operation, and the read RAM operation requires three such stall operations.
As just discussed, the write RAM operation requires two such stall operations. Thus, in reponse to the wait signal, the CPU reissues the bus cycle and in parallel therewith, the WCS provides the operation indicated. More particularly, the various write logiG is set for operation, following which the bus address counter 68 is selected to address the RAM and the RAM is enabled according to the address so provided. In parallel, the WCS receives from the CPU the BSDCNN signal via bus 14, in response to which the channel number is again decoded and another wait signal is issued to the CPU. Again, the same bus cycle is reissued by the CPU. After decoding the channel number for the third time, an ACK response is provided to the CPU by the WCS. In parallel, the data is written into the enabled RAM following which it is disabled and the increment address counter 70 is incremented.
Fig. 14 illustrates the flow diagram for the read RAM word command. As indicated hereinbefore, during such command, three wait responses are issued as shown in the flow diagram and function in a manner similar to those for the write RAM word command ex- cept that there is one extra wait, i.e., there is one extra reissue of the bus cycle by the CPU. During the time that these so-called stall operations are taking place, the WCS selects the bus address counter 68 to address the RAM and the CPU PROM is disabled. Further, the 16 bit data word is selected from the firmware word which is to be read out and the selected data word is strobed into the data output register 84, Following which the incre- ment address counter 70 is incremented. During this time, as indicated hereinbefore, the additional wait responses are provided to the CPU which, as for the write command, requires a shifting of certain information in the so-called shift response logic as will hereinafter be discussed. Following an ACK response, the WCS issues a so-called second half read cycle, during which time the WCS gains access to the bus by issuing its BSDCNN signal on the bus to which the CPU issues an acknowledge response and loads the data word into the register or memory specified in the CPU.
The Entry command flow is shown in Fig.
15. As indicated hereinbefore, only one stall by use of one wait response is required in order to provide sufficient time for the logical operations utilized in conjunction with such Entry command. Initially the data is strobed into the splash address register 66 following which the first and only wait response for this command is issued. The splash address register is then selected to address the RAM and the WCS RAM is then enabled and the CPU PROM is disabled. The first user coded firmware word is then read from the RAM and determines the next RAM address. This 64 bit word is provided to the CPU and is strobed into a local register in the CPU for use by the CPU. In parallel, the same bus cycle is reissued by the CPU and the channel number iF decoded by the WCS, after which the ACK response is generated by the WCS thereby terminating the bus cycle in response to the ACK response from the WCS. The Entry com- 9 GB2032661A 9 mand is stored and remains until the next clock cycle following which it is discarded. This then allows the user firmware to control the RAM addressing function. During the re5 turn to PROM command, as shown in Fig. 16, one wait response is all that is needed, During the time that the CPU reissues the same bus cycle, the CPU PROM is enabled and the WCS RAM is disabled. Upon the decoding of the channel number, the WCS then issues an ACK response and this terminates the bus cycle. Processing then begins in the CPU at the address forced into the next address generation logic of the CPU during the time that the first bus cycle was issued by the CPU. This is accomplished as indicated in the diagram just after the first bus cycle is issued.
We will now discuss the basic WCS clock and the extended CPU cycle timing. Basic WCS timing is developed from the CPU master clock signal (MCLOCK +) on line 64 which is transmitted to the WCS via the WCS/CPU private interface 16. Three basic WCS clock signals are generated: SYSCLK, RS13CAP, DELY90. These clock signals insure WCS and CPU operations are synchronized. Fig. 17 shows the logic for generating these WCS signals.
The SYSCLK signal is the primary WCS timing signal. It is directly generated via buff er 100 and therefore follows exactly the CPU master clock signal MCLOCK +. This primary WCS signal is used to generate the other basic clock signals, to store NA and BR fields 100 of the control word read from RAM, and to increment the increment address counter (MCNT) 70.
The RSBCAP signal is generated 60 nano seconds after primary signal SYSCLK + via a delay line (RS13CAP -) 102. Its primary pur pose is to clock incremented addresses from the Increment Address Counter (MCNT) 70 into the Return From Subroutine Address reg ister (RSBA) 72. RSBCAP also sets cycle control flip-flop (CONTCK) 104 which in turn, via OR gate 110, restarts the delay line 102 and enables a 90 nanosecond delayed signal for loading the MCNT counter 70. If however, an Entry command is stored (SPCONT), the initial input to the delay line (LINEIP), is disabled via logic elements, AND gate 106 and OR gate 108. (it is noted that the various gates shown in the Figures are referenced simply as either AND or OR gates but may be 120 for example NAND or NOR gates respec tively). RSBCAP – will not be generated, therefore preventing loading of the RSBA reg ister 72 and MCNT counter 70.
The DELY90 + signal is generated, via OR gate 112, 90 nanoseconds after primary clock signal SYSCLK + and only if an Entry command is not stored. Its purpose is to clock the address used to access RAM 24 into the INCREMENT Address Counter (MCNT) 70.
When the WCS RAM memory 24 is enabled (user firmware active), each CPU firmware cycle is extended an additional 80 nanoseconds. This is accomplished as shown in Fig. 18 by stalling the CPU clock 80 nanoseconds during each CPU cycle. The CPU clock is inhibited when signal PLUPTB is driven false. When the test device 26 is installed, this signal is generated in the test device and is used to stop and start the CPU clock. When the test device is not installed, a f lip-flop PLU PTB 114 located in the WCS is used to extend the CPU cycle. The extended cycle is developed by clearing PLUPTB flop 114 for 80 nanoseconds of each CPU cycle. When PROMCE at the input of inverter 116 is false (RAM is enabled), CPU timing signal CDHOOO – on line 118 clocks PLUPTB flipflop 114 false. This starts an 80 nsec delay line (KILCDH +) 120 via OR gate 122. PLUPTB flip-flop 114 remains cleared, therefore stalling the CPU clock until the 80 nanoseconds delay has expired. At the end of the delay, ENDCDH via inverter 126 and OR gate 124 becomes true and forces PLUPTB flipflop 114 true, restarting the CPU clock. The CPU cycle is extended each time the CDHOOO signal is generated until the CPU firmware again gains control as signaled by PROMCE true.
When either a Read RAM or Write RAM command is issued to the WCS, a read/write strobe pulse (WRITIM) is generated. This strobe is necessary because of the asynchronous nature of the bus 14 and to insure WCS addressing and output selection logic have settled before strobing data into RAM or onto the bus 14. However, no special timing is generated for a firmware word read from RAM which is directly sent to the CPU 12 via the private WCS/CPU interface 16. In this case, the normal CPU control store strobe (MCLOCK) is used. The Read/Write command timing is developed by two one-shot mulitvi- brators (BUSKIL 128 and WRIDEL 130) and a delay line (WDELOP) 132 as shown in Fig. 19. If either a read or write RAM command is stored in flip- flops 134 or 136 respectively at bus strobe time (MYADD2) at the input of AND gate 138, both one-shots (BUSKIL, WRIDEL) are fired via OR gate 140. The BUSKIL signal and its negation (BSCNCK +) force the bus address counter 68 to be selected (BSCNCK +) force the bus address counter 68 to be selected to address RAM. 195 nanoseconds later, WRIDEL 130 relaxes, causing the WRITIM signal, via flip-flop 142 and inverter 144, at the output of AND gate 146, to pulse true for the duration (40 nsec) of the delay line 132. This 40 nanosecond strobe pulse causes DOCLCK to be generated at the output of AND gate 148 if a read command is stored, or it enables the write pulse decoder 150 via AND gate 152 if a write command is stored. The decoder 150, GB2032661A 10 which is included in write control logic 89, generates one of four possible write word pulses (BTWR 11 -4) as determined by the low order address bits (SADDOO, SADD01) stored in the bus address counter 68. At the end of 270 nanoseconds, one-shot (BUSKW/BSCI\ICK) 128 relaxes, enabling the bus address counter 68 to increment to the next word address.
To access the WCS random access memory the address must be in the format indicated in Fig. 20. Bit 0 of the RAM address must be a one and indicates this is a WCS RAM ad dress. It is the user’s responsibility to insure bit 0 is high in any start address initially 80 loaded in the bus address counter 68 (via a load WCS command) and in all RAM ad dresses coded in the next address (NA) field of any user’s firmware words. WCS logic is utilized to force bit 0 high when user firmware is active or when an Entry command is exe cuted. Bits 0 and 1 are used to enable the RAM 24. If bit 0 is zero, both ram memories are disabled. Bit 1 determines which RAM memory is enabled (i.e., bit 1 low enables memory number 1, bit 1 high enables memo ry number 2). Bits 2 to 11 are the access address sent to the RAM memories. WCS logic selects and delivers the RAM address to the RAM memories. The delivered address is selected by two address MUXs; Direct Ad dress (DADD) 76 and Select Address (SELA) 74 as shown in Fig. 3. This selected address can come from the CPU next address genera tion (NAG) logic, or certain registers and counters located in the WCS as shown in Fig.
3.
The Direct Address MUX (DADD) 76 selects the final address delivered to the RAM memo ries. This address can be selected from either the output of the Jump Address register (JADD) 78 which stores the NA field of the firmware word, or the output of the Select Address MUX (SELA) 74 which selects ad dresses from one of several sources. The Jump Address register 78 is only selected if the WCS is in sequential mode and a branch to the NA field is required. In all other cases the output of the SELA MUX 74 is selected.
DADD MUX 76 selection is determined by the lowest order bit of the next address received on line 94.
The address selected by such low order bit received on line 94 is primarily controlled by CPU firmware test logic. During each firmware cycle, the BR (Branch Code) and the TC (Test Condition) fields of the addressed firmware word are examined by normal CPU firmware test logic. If this CPU logic deter mines a branch to the NA field is required, it informs the WCS by forcing CPU signal NAGO1 1 on line 90 true. Also see Fig. 21.
The Jump Address register is thus selected for the output of DADD MUX 76. However, if a link type branch is decoded from the firmware word or the WCS is in transparent mode, the SELA MUX 74 output is selected to address RAM regardless of the output of CPU test logic.
To insure stability of the DADD MUX 76 inputs and sufficient time for RAM address generation, the NA field of the addressed firmware word is clocked into the WCS Jump Address register (JADD) 78 at the beginning of each firmware cycle (SYSCLK) as shown in Fig. 3. Similarly, the BR bits (1, 2, 3) of the firmware word, which control SELA MUX 74 selection, are stored in WCS flip-flops 160 and 162 with the same timing signal (SYSCLK). Since this timing signal is derived directly from the CPU master clock (MCLOCK), the CPU next address generation logic and the WCS RAM address logic are always synchronized.
The Select Address MUX (SELA) 74 selects the WCS RAM memory access address in all cases except when a branch to the NA field of a firmware word is required. However, if a branch to the NA field is required, the DADD
MUX 76 overrides the SELA MUX 74 selected address by delivering the Jump Address register 78 (NA field) to the RAM memories.
The output of the SELA MUX 74 is deter- mined by the binary code on MUX control functions MUXSL4, MUXSL2, MUXSL1 at the outputs of respectively inverter 164, and OR gates 166 and 168. The input to inverter 164 is coupled from the output of OR gate 170, which output also enables the coupling of flip-flops 160 and 162 to OR gates 168 and 166 by AND gates 172 and 174 respectively. OR gate 170 is coupled to receive the commands noted from decoder 34. This se- lect code is generated according to the type of operation the WCS is performing. For select code generation purposes, WCS operations can either be a firmware controlled operation or a force RAM address operation. In a firmware controlled operation, the select code is generated directly from the BR field of the firmware word and is valid for one firmware cycle. In a force RAM address operation, the BR field is ignored and the select code is forced according to specific WCS commands or mode of operation stored in the WCS. The select code generated by a force RAM address operation causes the firmware cycle to remain valid as long as the forcing condition is pre- sent. Any select code generated by a force RAM address operation has priority over a firmware controlled generated select code.
Any of the conditions listed below indicates a force RAM address operation is in effect.
Each condition generates a unique select cod. and therefore causes a specific input address to be selected by the SELA MUX 74. The force RAM address conditions are:
a WCS read or write RAM command is being executed in the WCS (this condition is 11 GB2032661A 11 in effect when R/W timing one-shot BUSKoperation of MCNT counter 70. At the begin [L/BSCI\ICK is active); ning of each firmware cycle (SYSCLK), the an Entry command is being executed by the contents of the MCNT counter 70 are incre WCS (command decode function (SPONCT) mented by clock pulse CNTR3C by means of indicates this condition); and 70 OR gates 190 and 192 and AND gate 194.
the WCS is in transparent mode, TRANSP This incremented output (1VICNT001 1) is is true. sent to the Select Address MUX (SELA) 74.
A firmware controlled select code is gener- The MCNT 70 address can be selected as the ated if no force RAM address condition exists. RAM address if the proper select code is This can only occur if the WCS is in sequen75 generated. The incremented address is also tial mode, and when in this mode, the ad- sent to return from subroutine register (RSBA) dress selected by the SELA MUX 74 can only 72. It is strobed into register 72 by use of the come from three sources: the increment coun- RSBCAP signal and AND gate 196 60 nsec ter (MCNT) 70, the return from subroutine after the increment into RSBA register, if register (RSBA) 72, and from a register in- 80 firmware is not already in a subroutine. The cluded in the CPU 12, the so-called CPU link delay insures that the MCNT counter 70 is register (the CPU link register output is forced stable before storing a subroutine return ad on NAG lines 94 when CPU logic decodes a dress. A period of 90 nanoseconds after the link type branch in the BR field of the beginning of each firmware cycle, the RAM firmware word). Since only three sources can 85 addressing logic is stable and the RAM ad be selected, only two bits of the BR field dress is valid at the output of the DADD MUX (MEMD50 and MEMD49) are necessary to 76. At this time, load pulse LIVICNTR is generate the select code. generated via AND gates 198 and 200 as The Splash Address register, as shown in well as inverter 202 to cause the new RAM detail in Fig. 22, provides temporary storage 90 address to be loaded into the increment coun for the task word supplied on the bus 14 data ter (MCNT) 70. This address can be either the lines when an Entry command is issued to the incremented address in MCNT 70 or RSBA WCS. This word is used to form the RAM 72 or any other address selected by the RAM address for the entry firmware cycle. It is address MUXs SELA 74 and DADD 76. The necessary to store the task word since bus 95 MCNT counter 70 canasynchronously be data is not valid the entire firmware cycle. At cleared by initialize signal INIVICI-R.
the beginning of the next firmware cycle The Return From Subroutine Register (SYSCLR), the contents of the splash register (RSBA) 72 stores the return address for the is cleared to all zeros. The following describes WCS when a branch to a firmware subroutine the operation of this register. When an Entry 100 is executed. Fig. 23 also illustrates the de command is issued to the WCS, function tailed RSBA logic. The output of this register Splash Clock (SPLCLK) at the output of AND (RSBA) 72 is then selected to address RAM gate 180 is pulsed true at the bus 14 strobe when a return from subroutine micro-instruc time (MYADD2). SPLCILK pulsing causes two tion is executed. The incremented address things to happen: (1) the Splash Command 105 from MCNT 70 is loaded into this register 72 Stored (SPCONT) flip-flop 182 is set. This flip- each firmware cycle except when executing flop forces a select code on the SELA MUX subroutine firmware. This is accomplished by 74 control lines. Thus, the splash register inhibiting the RSBA register 72 load function input is selected to address RAM; and the (RSBRCK) during subroutine execution. Thus, task word on bus lines 13SDT09, BSTD 12 to 110 when a return from subroutine micro-instruc 13SDT1 5 is strobed into splash register 66 bits tion is executed, the next sequential location SADSEL, SPAD03 to SPADOO resepectively. after the location containing the branch to the This output is connected to the SELA MUX subroutine is entered. The RSBA register is where it forms the RAM address. This address loaded 60 nanoseconds (RS13CAP) after the is forced to access RAM because SPCONT is 115 beginning of each non- subroutine firmware set. At the beginning of the next firmware cycle by use of AND gate 196. The delay cycle, (i.e., timing signal SYSCLK transition to insures the MCNT counter 70 is stable before true), flip-flop Splash Clear (SPLCI-R) 184 is storing the return address. Flip-flop RSTBRA set. This causes SPCONT to clear via OR gate 212 prevents the charging of RSBA 72 con- 186 which allows a new SELA select code to 120 tents during subroutine operations. When a be generated, and the contents of the splash branch to a subroutine micro- instruction is register to clear to all zeros. SPLCLR clears detected (MUXBR1. MUXBR2. NAG1 1) at during the following firmware cycle. the inputs of AND gate 216, flop RSTBRA As shown in detail in Fig. 23, the Incre- 212 sets, inhibiting loading function ment Address Counter (MCNT) 70 is a 12 bit 125 RSBRCK. When a return to subroutine branch up-counter which supplies an incremented is detected (M UXBR ‘I. MUXBR2. NAG ’11) at RAM address each firmware cycle. This counthe inputs of AND gates 218 and 220, ter is synchronous, such that it requires a RSTBRA (flip-flop 212) will clear via AND clock pulse (CNTRX) for it to be either incre- gate 222 at the beginning of the next mented or loaded. The following describes the 130 firmware cycle (SYSCLK) and allow a new 12 GB2032661A 12 address to be stored in RSBA.
The system bus 14 is the interface used by the CPU and other units to communicate between each other. All WCS commands is sued by the CPU are transmitted to the WCS over this bus, while the WCS only transfers data to the CPU via this bus. The WCS does not communicate directly with main memory.
All operations on the bus 14 are asynchro nous and communications are on a master/ slave relationship. The master unit requests a bus cycle and transfers the slave channel number and data information to the slave unit. In return, the slave unit recognizes its channel number and responds with the appro priate response signal. The response signal terminates the bus cycle. If no response signal is issued, a time-out terminates the bus cycle.
It requires two bus cycles to read informa tion from the WCS. In the first cycle, the CPU is the master and issues the read command to the WCS to request the data. In the second bus cycle, the WCS becomes the master and transmits the requested data to the CPU. The three commands to the WCS that generate two bus cycle operations (1) input status com mand, (2) input ID command, and (3) Read RAM Command. Only one bus cycle is re quired to issue a write or any other command to the WCS. In this case, the CPU is always the master and all required information is transferred to the WCS in one bus cycle.
There are seven major bus signals that control the bus operations. A description of these signals in relation to the WCS is pro vided below. Each signal is true when its bus line is driven to ground.
BSREQT- (Bus Request)-When this sig nal is true it indicates some master unit is requesting a bus cycle. This signal is only 105 driven true by the WCS when requesting a second half bus cycle.
BSDCNN – (Data Cycle Now)-This signal when true indicates that a master unit has placed information on the bus for use by a specific slave unit. If the WCS is not the master, it must now determine if it is the addressed slave unit and determine the re sponse to the master. The three possible re sponses are: (1) BSACKR, (2) BSWAIT and (3) BSNAKR. During a second half read bus cycle, the WCS is the master and drives BSDCNN true when transmitting valid data to the CPU. These responses are described as follows:
BSACKR – (Acknowledge Response)-The WCS drives this signal true to inform the CPU (master) that it is accepting the present bus transfer.
Bswait (Wait Response)-The WCS drives this signal true to inform the master that the WCS requires more time to complete the command. This causes the master to reissue the bus cycle. The WCS generates BSWAIT responses for the following commands: (1) 130 Entry, (2) Exit RAM, Return to PROM Control, and (3) Read or Write RAM.
BSNAKR – (Negative Response)-The WCS drives this signal true to inform the master it has detected an error and is not accepting the bus transfer. The following WCS conditions will generate a NAK response: (1) Megabus parity error, (2) RAM loading error detected, and (3) Non-existent Resource addressed. The WCS never expects to receive a BSNAKR in response to a second half read cycle. If a BSNAKR is received, the WCS will not request another second half read cycle and the CPU will never receive the data.
BSMREF – (Memory Reference)–This signal, when true, indicates that this is a memory reference cycle. The WCS drives this signal false during a second half read cycle.
BSSHBC – (Second Half Bus Cycle)-This signal indicates that this is a second half read cycle. The WCS drives this signal true when transmitting data to the CPU.
When the CPU issues a WCS command, the WCS must respond with one of the three response signals: (1) BSWAIT (Stall CPU-reissure command), (2) BSACKR (Normal Acknowledge–command accepted), or (3) BSNAKR (Negative Response—command not accepted).
The BSWAIT signal is used to stall the CPU to allow time for accessing RAM or switching between PROM and RAM firmware control. As mentioned before, different stall times are required for different commands. The number of BSWAIT responses generated create the necessary delay.
A shift register 230 as shown in Fig. 24 is used to generate the correct number of responses. All commands issued to the WCS set some bit in the shift register when the WCS bus strobe (MYADD2) is generated via AND gates 236 and 238. The commands are received at the respective inputs of shift register 230 depending on the number of wait stalls required as discussed hereinbefore. Two such commands which require the same number of stalls are received at the same input of shift register 230 via OR gate 240. If the last stage of the shift register (PREACK) is not set, a BSWAIT response is generated via OR gate 242. This causes the bus cycle to terminate and a subsequent new bus cycle to be generated. Each reissued bus cycle generates a new MYADD1 and since some bit was previously set in the shift register a shift pulse (NOSHFT) is generated via AND gate 234. This causes the stored bit to shift towards the last stage (PREACK) of the shift register 230. If PREACK is not set, a BSWAIT response is again issued causing a new bus cycle and another shift. When PREACK does set, a BSACKR response is generated via AND gate 244. This terminates the bus operations and informs the CPU that the WCS has accepted 13 GB2032661A 13 the command.
If an error bit is stored (COOLAK) in the WCS status register, when PREACK becomes true, a negative response (BSNAKR) is issued, 5 via AND gates 246 and 248 with AND gate 244 inhibited by means of gate 246 and inverter 250. A Read Status, Read I.D., Load Address, or Initialize are never NAKed by the WCS. The negative response terminates the bus operation and informs the CPU that the WCS did not accept the command. The WCS status register 88 can be interrogated to determine the nature of the error.
The bus address counter 68 is a 14 bit up- counter as shown lin Figs. 5 and 25. This counter stores the RAM address used to access RAM when either a write or read RAM command is executed. It is initially loaded by a separate WCS command (LDEADD) received at one input of AND gate 260 and then imcremented by means of the BSCNCK signal (see Fig. 19) each time a read or write RAM command is executed. Since the firmware word stored in one RAM location is 64 bits wide and the system bus data lines can only handle one (16 bit) data word, the least significant bits of this counter (SADD01, SADDOO) are used as data word pointer bits. The binary configuration of these bits points to the data word within a firmware word which is to be manipulated. When writing in the RAM, these bits determine which write word pulse is generated for each command. When reading RAM, these bits control the output of the output data selector MUX 82 and therefore select the word to be transferred to the CPU. When an initial address is loaded into this counter 68, these pointer bits are loaded to zeros. This insures that these pointer bits will always be pointing to the first data word (word 0) when the first read or write command is issued after the address load command is executed. The actual address used to access RAM is stored in the upper 12 bits of this register (CSADDOO-CSADD11).
The bus address counter is incremented after each read or write RAM command is executed. Two hundred and seventy nanose- conds after a read or write command is stored, one-shot 128 (BSCNCK +) (see Fig. 19) will clock true indicating the data word was either read from or written into the RAM. This transition causes the bus address counter to increment, causing the pointer bits to point to the next firmware word. Thus, when the next read or write command is issued, the next data word is manipulated. Four reads or writes respectively read or store a complete firmware word. When this occurs the counter automatically increments the counter bits to access RAM at the next sequential RAM location. No new load RAM address command is required.
As discussed hereinbefore, the WCS can generate a firmware address in one of two modes of operation: (1) Normal Transparent Mode, (2) Sequential Mode. A manual switch 95 located in the WCS is used to select the WCS mode of operation. When in sequential mode, 3 bits (63, 50, 49) of the firmware word are interpreted by the WCS to determine the source of the next firmware address. In this sequential mode, the WCS logic drives these bits (CSNA1 1, CS13R01, CSBR02) false as they are delivered to the CPU via the private WCS/CPU interface 16. When in transparent mode, these three bits are read from RAM and delivered unaltered to a regis- ter in the CPU 12. In this mode of operation, normal CPU NAG logic generates the next firmware address. Transparent mode flip-flop (TRANSP) 270 insures the CPU NAG output is selected to address the WCS RAM. The transparent/sequential mode (TP) switch 95 is shown in detail in Fig. 26. This switch may be a hex rotary switch. However, only two switch positions are valid (0 and F). When in position F, the sequential mode is selected and when in position 0, the transparent mode is selected. When the TP switch selects transparent mode (position 0), function STAB09 is connected to ground causing the WCS transparent mode status bit (STAB09) at the output of inverter 272 to be true and sequential mode status bit (STAB04) at the output of inverter 274 to be false. In this position, the switch 95 routes the output of RAM memories (MEIVID63, MEMD50, MEMD49) directly to the local register if the CPU PROM as bits CSNAll,CS13R02,CSI3R01.
When the TP switch selects sequential mode (position F), the open contacts shown in Fig. 26 are made. This causes PLUP1 6 + on one end of resistor element 278 to be grounded, thus the sequential mode status bit (STAB04) is driven true and transparent mode status bit (STAB09) is driven false. When STAB09 is false, it enables drivers (NA1 100, BR0200, BRO 100) 280 via AND gate 282. These drivers 280 are always driven false and are selected by the TP switch 95 as the firmware bits 63, 50, 49 delivered to the CPU for sequential mode. If the CPU PROM is enabled (PROMCE), these drivers are disabled to allow the normal output of the CPU control store to be loaded in the CPU’s local register. The transparent mode flip-flop (TRANSP) 270, which controls WCS RAM addressing, is not directly set by the transparent mode switch. It is clocked (SPLCI-R) via AND gate 284 to the state of the TP switch only after an Entry command has been executed. This allows the WCS to execute an entry to the user’s firmware and then, the very next clock cycle (SPLCI-R), the user’s firmware is executed in the mode selected by the TP switch 95. The TRANSP flip-flop 270 is cleared to sequential mode via OR gate 286 if a Return to PROM command is decoded (EXITRM) or an initialize 14 GB2032661A 14 signal (INMCLR) is sensed. If the flip-flop 270 clears, it requires another Entry command to set TRANSP 270 again.
The output of the CPU firmware PROM memory and the output of the WCS RAM memory are physically connected together at the output of the CPU control store. Therefore, only one of these memories must be enabled at any one time. As shown in Fig.
27, flip-flop PROM Control Enable (PROMCE) 300 located in the WCS determines which memory is enabled. If PROMCE 300 is set, the CPU PROM memory is enabled. The CPU PROM enabling signal (PROMCE-01) is transmitted to the CPU 12 via OR gate 304. This signal is derived directly from the PROMCE flop 300, ORed with R/W RAM timing oneshot BSCNCK 128 (Fig. 19). This gating insures that the CPU PROMs are disabled during the time the actual read or write RAM occurs. When the one-shot 128 relaxes (BUSKIL), PROMCE flip-flop 300 is clocked to the RAM enable state by function PROMDD via inverter 306. However, if a force PROM control (BSERRS) condition exists, as indicated at the output of OR gate 308, PROMCE 300 will set and the CPU firmware will remain in control. The following conditions will force PROMCE 300 to set thereby enabling the CPU PROM: (1) If the CPU detects a major error (e.g., fatal memory error, etc.), it forces all CPU NAG lines to zeros. If the WCS is in sequential mode (TRANSP -) and detects the all-zero NAG condition, it drives PROM enable signal KSKILL true. (2) If the WCS generates a NAK response, the PROM enable is forced. A NAK response can only be generated if a WCS error status bit is set. (3) If an exit RAM control command is decoded (EXITRM), the PROM enable is forced. (4) If an Initialize signal is sensed (INMCLR), PROMCE is set to enable CPU PROM control.
There are two conditions that force PROMCE to clear in response to the RAMLET signal at the output of OR gate 310 thus enabling WCS RAM control, (1) When an Entry command (SPCONT) is stored in the WCS and (2) when the WCS generates a wait response (UNDWAT) at the input of AND gate 312 during the execution of a READ or Write 115 RAM command (RAMSEL) received at the output of inverter 314.
Flip-flop 320 is used during the initializa tion of the storage device of the present system. The clear input is coupled via OR gate 322 to clear, write, and error condition input signals, any of which causes a lockout condition. When any one of these lockout conditions is active, then there is a return to PROM operation. When flip-flop 320 is cleared the WCSRDY signal will no longer indicate an active condition to the CPU, in which event an Entry command will not be accepted until such lockout condition(s) are cleared. The set input of flip-flop 320 is coupled to receive a function code which is basically a load command received via the bus 14. If there is an incorrect or unsuccessful load, then the clear action on flip-flop 320 will override the setting function and there will be in indication (WCSRDY -) back to the CPU that the WCS is not ready. Furthermore, for the later use of the CPU, the state of a status bit (number 7) is altered in the status logic 88, thereby allowing such status to be visible to the CPU. Such status bit can indicate at a later time that the WCS is not ready, if, in fact, an error condition has resulted, even though, in fact, the system initially indi- cated that the WCS was ready. An Entry command is not issued to the WCS if the WCSRDY flip-flop 320 is cleared. This flipflop 320 is cleared when the WCS RAM is written, an initialize (clear) signal is sensed, an error condition is sensed or if a NAK response is received by the WCS. The WCSRDY flipflop 320 is only set by issuance of an approprate output command from the CPU to the WCS. In this way, the CPU can insure that the user’s firmware in the WCS is only executed with permission of the CPU, i.e., a lockout condition exists otherwise.
The logic of Fig. 23 illustrated the manner in which increment address counter 70 was loaded and clocked. Logic elements 190, 192, 194, 198, 200 and 202 described the manner in which such loading and clocking operation was accomplished. Fig. 28 illustrates an alternative embodiment for such logic elements. The logic of Fig. 28 is especially useful because of its extremely fast operation. For example, when an address is received at the output of direct address multiplexer 76 and, accordingly, at the input of counter 70, as well as the address input of WCS firmware storage 24, such address must be loaded and then incremented in counter 70 within the same cycle. To compound the problem, a period of time must pass during the cycle to insure that the address at the output of multiplexer 76 is stable and, accordingly, error free. Since storage 24 does not need the time needed by counter 70 to perform their respective operations, this timing problem does not present any dilemma to the storage 24. Thus, the counter 70 must wait for a portion of the cycle to insure that the address is stable following which it must, before the start of the next cycle, load such address and then increment such address, which incrementing must be accomplished well before the beginning of the next cycle.
Referring to the logic of Fig. 28, this fast operation of loading and then incrementing is accomplished by use of a delay 350 such as a delay line with a single tap 360 coupled about half-way down the delay 350 and with the output of the delay line coupled as twin inputs to an exclusive-OR gate 354 to pro- duce a clock pulse. A load enable signal is.
GB2032661A 15 generated by use of a NAND gate 352 coupled to receive three inputs, one from the output of the delay 350, and another, the initiate cycle signal, which is received near the end of the cycle indicating the impending start of the next cygle. The third input is received from the Q output of the flip-flop 356 which is used to ensure that only one cycle of the logic of Fig. 28 is produced in response to the initiate cycle signal.
In operation, following receipt of the initiate cycle signal (a binary 1), and since the other two inputs to gate 352 are initially binary 1’s, the load enable signal goes to a binary 0. This change in state from a binary 1 to a binary 0 is propagated down the delay 350. When a binary 0 is received at tap 360, the clock signal at the output of gate 354 goes to a binary 1, following which, when the binary 0 is received at the output of the delay 350, the output of gate 354 goes to a binary 0 thus completing the generation of the clock signal. Feedback from the output of delay 350 to gate 352 of the binary 0 then causes the output of gate 352 to go to a binary 1, thereby terminating the load enable signal and causing a binary 1 to be propagated down delay 350. One more clock signal is generated when the binary 1 is received at tap 360. Such second signal is terminated when the binary 1 signal continues down the line 350, and reaches the end of line 350.
Thus, the load enable signal is generated prior to and during the generation of the first clock signal, and the simultaneous presence of such signals clocks the address into the counter 70. When the second clock signal is received, and with the load enable signal no longer present, the counter is incremented.
Flip-flop 356 is used to insure that only one 105 such operation or cycle of operation of the logic of Fig. 28 is generated. The restore clock signal, received just before the initiate cycle signal, is used to clear flip-flop 356.
Initially therefore, the Cl output is a binary 1. When a binary 0 is received at the set input, flip-flop 356 will be set and the Q output will change to a binary 0 thereby maintaining a binary 1 at the output of gate 352 and disabling any further binary state transitions until such time as the restore clock signal followed by the initiate cycle signal are again received.
Claims (9)
CLAIMS 1. A data processing system comprising: a central processing unit
(CPU) including a control memory (PROM) for controlling the operation of the CPU; 60 a control store unit (WCS) including a con- 125 trol memory (RAM) for controlling the operation of the CPU; a system bus coupling the CPU and the WCS, over which the CPU can address the
WCS and transmit commands thereto and data can pass between the WCS and the CPU; and a private bus between the CPU and the WCS over which the CPU can send RAM addresses and receive control data from the RAM.
2. A system according to Claim 1 wherein the system bus has a plurality of further system units coupled to it.
3. A system according to either previous claim wherein the WCS is responsive to a read command from the CPU over the system bus to read data from the RAM onto the system bus, whereby the CPU can check the contents of the RAM..
4. A system according to any previous claim wherein the WCS includes RAM write means responsive to writing commands received over the system bus to write data received from the system bus into the RAM.
5. A system according to any previous claim wherein the WCS includes RAM addressing means having incrementing means whereby successive locations in the RAM may be addressed automatically.
6. A system according to any previous claim wherein the WCS includes a register (jump register) to which part of the data read from the RAM is fed, and which can be used, in response to a signal from the CPU, to address the RAM to obtain the next word of control data therefrom.
7. A system according to Claim 6 wherein said signal is generated by the CPU in re- sponse to one or more tests carried out by the CPU under the control of the control data received from the WCS.
8. A system according to any previous claim wherein the WCS is responsive to a certain command (entry) from the CPU to control the CPU and inhibit control of the CPU by the PROM, and the CPU and inhibit control of the CPU by the PROM, and the CPU is then reponsive to a certain signal (transfer signal) in the control data to send a further command (return) to the WCS, and the WCS responds thereto by returning control to the PROM.
9. A system according to any previous claim wherein the WCS includes timing means including a shift register, means for storing a marker bit in the shift register in response to the commands received from the CPU, means operative if the marker bit is not at the end of the shift register for signalling to the CPU that the CPU should make a request to execute the command, and means responsive to such request to shift the marker bit in the shift register if the bit is not at the end of the shift register and to execute the command if the bit is at the end of the shift register.
10, A data processing system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
16 GB2032661A 16 Printed for Her Majesty’s Stationery Office by Burgess & Son (Abingdon) Ltd-1 980. Published at The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 1AY, from which copies may be obtained.
GB7934217A
1978-10-02
1979-10-02
Computer with added writeable control store
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Architecture for a control store included in a data processing system
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Computer with added writeable control store
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