Instruction manual

6–13
Principles of Operation
Data Controller
The data controller (DC) consists of the following elements:
♦ 68EC030 microprocessor
♦ 1MB base flash memory, organized as 256K x 32 bits
♦ One flash SIMM socket, for up to 16MB of additional program memory
♦ 2MB base DRAM data memory, organized as 256K x 32 bits
♦ One DRAM SIMM socket, for 2, 3, 8, or 16MB of additional data
memory
♦ 8K x 8 Non–Volatile Battery–Backed SRAM (NVRAM) for storage of
configuration and system statistical data
♦ VX ASIC
♦ Host I/O Drivers/Termination
68EC030 Microprocessor
A Motorola 68EC030 microprocessor serves as the processor of the DC unit.
This processor runs at 25 MHz.
Flash Memory
The DC stores program and emulation code in flash memory. Flash memory
is erasable, non–volatile, and significantly faster than a disk drive.
The DC uses AMD 5.0V–only flash memory, which does not require higher
programming and erasing voltages on the board (it has an internal charge
pump to make these voltages itself). This memory supports at least 100,000
write/erase cycles. The flash memory is read byte by byte, but is written to as
double words.
Two 80–pin flash SIMM sockets are provided for memory. Memory can be
expanded up to 16MB (4MB x 32). (The maximum addressable range on the
SIMM is 256MB, but the practical limit at current levels of flash technology
is 16MB.)
Programs stored in flash memory are changed through the parallel port or
serial port.