MPE/iX Intrinsics Reference Manual (32650-90875)

Chapter 2 21
Intrinsic Use
Parameters
Parameter Bit Settings
In some intrinsic calls, a process passes input parameters to the intrinsic as words whose
individual bits or fields of bits signify functions or options. In cases where bits within a
word are described as reserved for the operating system, set those bits to zero. This
ensures the compatibility of your current program with future releases of the operating
system.
In some intrinsic calls, an intrinsic passes output parameters to words referenced by a
calling program. In cases where bits within a word are described as reserved for the
operating system, the system sets them to zero unless otherwise noted.
Syntax Statement Mnemonics
An intrinsic's syntax statement contains the calling sequence, or order, of the parameters,
indicates whether a parameter is required or optional, and specifies the parameter type.
Syntax statements have the following format:
I16V U16V
ACTIVATE(
pin , allow );
Required parameters, such as
pin in the example above, appear in boldface italics .
Optional parameters, such as
allow , are shown in italics . The mnemonics that appear
over the parameters indicate their type and whether they are passed by reference, which is
the default, and is not marked, or by value. (In the example, the mnemonics for both
parameters have a V, which indicates that they are passed by value.)
The next table lists the mnemonics used in intrinsic syntax statements and their
meanings.
Table 2-1. Mnemonic Descriptions
Mnemonic Meaning
A Array
B Boolean
C Character
CA Character Array
I16 16-bit signed integer
I32 32-bit signed integer
I64 64-bit signed integer
I* 32-bit signed integer (NM) or 16-bit signed integer (CM)
LA Logical array
O-P Option privileged (privileged mode (PM) capability)
REC Record
R32 32-bit real number