Control Commands - 25.2.2 | 25. Programmed I/O Overview | Computer Organisation and Architecture - Vol 3
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Interactive Audio Lesson

Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.

Introduction to Programmed I/O

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we're going to learn about programmed I/O, which is a method where the CPU polls devices to check if they're ready for data transfer. Can anyone tell me what they think polling means?

Student 1
Student 1

Isn't polling when the CPU keeps checking the device status repeatedly?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! That's right, Student_1. Polling means the CPU actively checks the status of an I/O device continuously. This can lead to inefficiency because while it's checking, it can't do other work. Do you see how that could waste CPU time?

Student 2
Student 2

So, why don't we just have the device tell the CPU when it's ready?

Teacher
Teacher

That's a great question, Student_2! It is possible with interrupt-driven I/O, where the device informs the CPU. However, in programmed I/O, the CPU relies on its checks. Let's remember this inefficiency by using the acronym CPU—Constantly Polling Units.

Student 3
Student 3

So, what happens if a device isn’t ready?

Teacher
Teacher

Good point, Student_3! If a device isn’t ready, the CPU may abandon the operation or wait. We’d have to manage this carefully to avoid wasted resources.

Teacher
Teacher

To summarize this session, programmed I/O is a method where the CPU polls devices to check if they are ready for data transfer, which can consume a lot of CPU time.

Addressing I/O Devices

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s discuss how we identify and address I/O devices. Student_4, what do you think is essential for addressing these devices?

Student 4
Student 4

Maybe unique addresses for each device?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly, Student_4! Each I/O device must have a unique identifier. Addressing I/O devices is similar to how we identify memory addresses. Why do you think it’s important to have unique addresses?

Student 1
Student 1

So the CPU knows where to send or receive data?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Unique addresses ensure that the CPU knows exactly where to read from or write to. Can anyone suggest a way to remember the types of commands we need to use for these operations?

Student 2
Student 2

What about CONTROL, STATUS, and DATA for the commands?

Teacher
Teacher

Fantastic mnemonic, Student_2! 'CSD' can remind us of Control, Status, and Data commands that we'll be using for managing devices. To recap, addressing allows the CPU to uniquely identify devices, and we use commands categorized as Control, Status, and Data for operations.

Mapping I/O Devices

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Teacher
Teacher

Next, we are talking about how I/O devices are mapped to a system’s architecture. Can anyone remember the two types of mapping we discussed?

Student 3
Student 3

Isolation I/O and memory-mapped I/O?

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on, Student_3! Memory-mapped I/O and isolated I/O! Can someone explain how memory-mapped I/O works?

Student 2
Student 2

In memory-mapped I/O, the same address space is shared by memory and I/O devices?

Teacher
Teacher

That’s right! This means I/O devices are identified using regular memory commands. What about isolated I/O, Student_4?

Student 4
Student 4

In isolated I/O, memory and I/O have separate address spaces.

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent! In isolated I/O, we have different address spaces for memory and I/O operations, which can allow more devices to be connected without conflicts. Let's use the acronym 'ISO' to remember isolated I/O. Summarizing today, we learned about two I/O mapping techniques: memory-mapped I/O shares the address space with memory, while isolated I/O has separate spaces.

Control Commands Recap

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Teacher
Teacher

As we wrap up, let’s summarize the control commands and their significance within our discussions. Student_1, what are the three types of control commands we’ve talked about?

Student 1
Student 1

Control, Status, and Data commands!

Teacher
Teacher

Great recall! Control commands initiate operations, Status commands check device readiness, and Data commands perform the transfer. Who remembers why we need the unique addressing scheme for I/O devices?

Student 3
Student 3

So the CPU can communicate with each device accurately and efficiently.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Proper addressing helps in smooth communication. As a final recap today, we learned about programmed I/O and two mapping techniques for I/O devices, along with control commands functionalities and importance.

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section covers the significance and mechanics of control commands in I/O operations, including programmed I/O and the addressing schemes for devices.

Standard

The section explains programmed I/O, highlighting that the CPU must poll devices for readiness, leading to inefficient CPU usage. It delves into I/O command requirements, addressing schemes, and distinct methods for mapping I/O devices, including memory-mapped I/O and isolated I/O.

Detailed

Control Commands

This section outlines the essential mechanisms and commands utilized in Input/Output (I/O) operations within computer systems. The discussion begins with programmed I/O, where the CPU continuously polls the status of I/O modules to determine if they are ready, leading to a significant waste of CPU time as it cannot perform other tasks simultaneously.

Key Processes in Programmed I/O:
1. The CPU initiates a request for I/O operations.
2. The I/O module performs the requested operation and updates the status bit.
3. The CPU checks the status bits periodically (since it doesn't receive direct interrupts from I/O modules).
4. If the device is not ready, the CPU may abandon the operation and attempt it later.

I/O Commands and Addressing

To perform effective I/O operations, a comprehensive set of commands and a precise addressing scheme are necessary. The addressing scheme ensures that every device has a unique identifier, akin to memory locations. Communication with devices involves issuing control commands that fall into three categories:
- Control Commands: Initiate and manage communication with devices (e.g., printer control signals).
- Status Commands: Check device readiness.
- Data Transfer Commands: Read from or write to devices (e.g., using instructions like IN for input and OUT for output).

Mapping I/O Devices

There are two primary methods to map I/O devices to the processor: memory-mapped I/O and isolated I/O.
- Memory-mapped I/O: Shares the same address space between memory and I/O devices, allowing I/O operations to use the same commands as memory operations.
- Isolated I/O: Uses separate address spaces for memory and I/O devices, where an additional control signal indicates whether the address refers to a memory location or an I/O device.

The significance of these operations and commands lies in their optimization of I/O device management and facilitating efficient CPU performance.

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Audio Book

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Understanding Programmed I/O

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So, basically it is a sensing of status, then using the read write command, then transferring of data...

Detailed Explanation

Programmed I/O is a method where the CPU continuously checks the status of a device to determine if it is ready for data transfer. This polling means the CPU is tied up waiting and cannot perform other tasks during this time, leading to inefficient use of its resources.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a waiter at a restaurant who keeps checking on a specific table to see if they need anything, but in doing that, they are neglecting other customers. Just like the CPU, the waiter’s attention is limited, and by not serving others, he is wasting time that could be better used.

Steps in Programmed I/O

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So, basically this is now programmed I/O details now you just see these are the simple steps; first one CPU requests to I/O operation...

Detailed Explanation

The basic steps of programmed I/O involve several key actions: the CPU requests an I/O operation, the I/O module performs the operation, and it sets a status bit that the CPU checks. Unlike interrupt-driven devices, the I/O module does not notify the CPU directly, requiring the CPU to regularly check the device status.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a home automation system where you have to manually check if your lights are on or off by going to each room, rather than being alerted when the lights turn on. The CPU in this scenario is like the homeowner needing to check the status repeatedly.

I/O Command Types

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So, basically, so spin the disk we have to rotate the disk. So, those command we have to give like that check the status...

Detailed Explanation

Control commands for I/O processes can be categorized into three types: controlling commands which manage the device operations, test commands that check device status, and read/write commands that facilitate data transfer. Each command plays a crucial role in managing how the CPU interacts with input and output devices.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a remote control for your TV. It has buttons to turn it on/off (controlling), check the channel (testing), and change the volume (reading/writing data). Each of these actions corresponds to the types of commands sent to I/O devices.

Addressing I/O Devices

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Already I have mentioned that we need some commands I/O commands. So, first the issues for that I/O command is like that how to identify the module...

Detailed Explanation

To successfully execute I/O operations, an addressing scheme is necessary to uniquely identify each device connected to the CPU. This is similar to providing unique addresses to residents in a neighborhood so that mail can be accurately delivered.

Examples & Analogies

Just like every house on your street has a unique number that identifies it, every I/O device connected to the system needs a distinct address. This ensures that when a command is sent, it goes to the right device, just like sending a letter to the correct house.

Memory-Mapped I/O vs. Isolated I/O

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Now in that particular case we are having two different ways of doing it. One is your memory mapped I/O and second one is your isolated I/O...

Detailed Explanation

Memory-mapped I/O shares the same address space between memory and I/O devices, allowing the same commands used in memory operations to interact with I/O devices. In contrast, isolated I/O has separate address spaces for memory and I/O, which can increase the number of devices connected but requires additional identification controls.

Examples & Analogies

Think about using your smartphone. A shared memory system is like using the same app to manage both your contacts and your calendar. In isolated I/O, it would be like having different apps for contacts and calendar, each needing separate login details.

Commands for Data Transfer

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So, these are the I/O commands that what we are having in most of the cases we can get like that; one command is your in, another command is your out...

Detailed Explanation

I/O commands such as 'in' and 'out' are essential for data transfer processes between the CPU and I/O devices. The 'in' command retrieves data from an I/O device, while the 'out' command sends data to an output device.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine sending and receiving messages in a conversation. When you say something (out), you’re sending information to someone, and when they respond (in), you’re receiving information. This back-and-forth flow mirrors how data is transferred between CPUs and I/O devices.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Programmed I/O: The method of active CPU polling for I/O device readiness.

  • Control Commands: Commands used to control I/O operations, including initiating transfers.

  • Addressing Scheme: The unique identification process for I/O devices necessary for communication.

  • Memory-mapped I/O: I/O devices and memory share the same address space allowing unified command usage.

  • Isolated I/O: A method where memory and I/O devices have separate address spaces.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • An example of programmed I/O is a keyboard where the CPU polls its status to determine if a key has been pressed.

  • For memory-mapped I/O, a printer and a hard drive can be controlled using memory commands since they share the memory address space.

  • In isolated I/O, when accessing a scanner, the CPU must access a separate address space specifically designated for I/O communication.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Polling can make CPU drear, waiting for I/O to appear.

🎯 Super Acronyms

CSD for Control, Status, Data when addressing devices, it’s not just a matter of fate!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once a CPU traveled a road called Polling Lane, where it continually asked every device, 'Are you ready yet?' Sometimes the devices would respond with a 'yes,' but many times, they wouldn’t. This road was long and tiring, and the CPU couldn't stop for snacks (other tasks).

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember ISO for Isolated I/O, as it keeps devices in their own unique zones.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: I/O Module

    Definition:

    A component that manages communication between the CPU and I/O devices.

  • Term: Programmed I/O

    Definition:

    A technique where the CPU actively polls devices to check their status and readiness for data transfer.

  • Term: Polling

    Definition:

    The continuous checking of a device's status by the CPU.

  • Term: Memorymapped I/O

    Definition:

    A method of using the same address space for both memory and I/O devices.

  • Term: Isolated I/O

    Definition:

    A method where memory and I/O devices operate in separate address spaces.

  • Term: Control Commands

    Definition:

    Instructions that manage operations and states of I/O devices.

  • Term: Data Transfer Commands

    Definition:

    Commands responsible for the read and write operations between CPU and I/O devices.