User`s guide

1.1 System Components and Features

1.1.8 Design Support

The full database, including schematics and source ﬁles, is supplied. User

documentation is also included. The database allows designers with no

previous Alpha architecture experience to successfully develop a working Alpha

system with minimal assistance.

1.2 Evaluation Board Uses

The EB164 has a remote debugging capability and a software debug monitor

for loading code into the system and for performing other software debugging

functions such as memory read, memory write, and instruction breakpoint.

When combined with a hardware interface, the debug monitor can be used to

write and debug software (for example, device drivers) for workstation and

PC-type products.

The EB164 provides users with the ﬂexibility to conﬁgure Bcache size and

SRAM access time. Performance benchmarks can be run to determine the

effects of these characteristics on actual programs.

Different coding techniques can be tested and combined with the hardware

trade-offs available to optimize system performance.

The EB164 provides a basis for a high-performance, low-cost deskside PC or

workstation.

1–6 Introduction to the EB164