
Data Device Corporation
62743_pre7_noSA-DB.DOC
www.ddc-web.com
8-07-02
38
BUS CONTROLLER (BC) ARCHITECTURE
The BC functionality for the PCI Enhanced Mini-ACE includes two separate
architectures: (1) the older, non-Enhanced mode, which provides complete
compatibility with the previous ACE and Mini-ACE (Plus) generation products;
and (2) the newer, Enhanced BC mode. The Enhanced BC mode offers several
new powerful architectural features. These include the incorporation of a highly
autonomous BC message sequence control engine, which greatly serves to
offload the operation of the host CPU.
The Enhanced BC’s message sequence control engine provides a high degree
of flexibility for implementing major and minor frame scheduling; capabilities for
inserting asynchronous messages in the middle of a frame; to separate 1553
message data from control/status data for the purpose of implementing double
buffering and performing bulk data transfers; for implementing message retry
schemes, including the capability for automatic bus channel switchover for failed
messages; and for reporting various conditions to the host processor by means
of 4 user-defined interrupts and a general purpose queue.
In both the non-Enhanced and Enhanced BC modes, the PCI Enhanced Mini-
ACE BC implements all MIL-STD-1553B message formats. Message format is
programmable on a message-by-message basis by means the BC Control Word
and the T/R* bit of the Command Word for the respective message. The BC
Control Word allows 1553 message format, 1553A/B type RT, bus channel, self-
test, and Status Word masking to be specified on an individual message basis.
In addition, automatic retries and/or interrupt requests may be enabled or
disabled for individual messages. The BC performs all error checking required
by MIL-STD-1553B. This includes validation of response time, sync type and
sync encoding, Manchester II encoding, parity, bit count, word count, Status
Word RT Address field, and various RT-to-RT transfer errors.
The PCI
Enhanced Mini-ACE BC response timeout value is programmable with choices of
18, 22, 50, and 130
s. The longer response timeout values allow for operation
over long buses and/or use of the repeaters.
In its non-Enhanced mode, the PCI Enhanced Mini-ACE may be programmed to
Enhanced BC mode, there is no explicit limit to the number of messages that
may be processed in a frame. In both modes, it is possible to program for either
single frame or frame auto-repeat operation. In the auto-repeat mode, the frame
repetition rate may be controlled either internally, using a programmable BC
frame timer, or from an external trigger input.
Enhanced BC Mode: Message Sequence Control.
One of the major new
architectural features of the PCI Enhanced Mini-ACE series is its advanced
capability for BC message sequence control. The PCI Enhanced Mini-ACE
supports highly autonomous BC operation, which greatly offloads the operation of
the host processor.