Programmed I/O Overview - 25.1 | 25. Programmed I/O Overview | Computer Organisation and Architecture - Vol 3
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Polling Mechanism and its Inefficiency

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we'll dive into the concept of programmed I/O, starting with the polling mechanism. Can anyone remind me why we need to check if a device is ready?

Student 1
Student 1

To ensure it’s ready to send or receive data, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The CPU continuously checks the status bit of the device. Now, what do you think is a downside of this approach?

Student 2
Student 2

It wastes CPU time since it can't do anything else while waiting.

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on, Student_2! This inefficiency is a fundamental reason we explore alternatives like interrupt-driven I/O. The CPU just stands idle, leading to wasted cycles. Remember: Polled I/O = Busy Wait.

Student 3
Student 3

Is there any specific command structure that the CPU uses during I/O operations?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! I'll explain the basic commands soon. To summarize, polling can become a bottleneck, which is essential to know as we move forward.

I/O Module Communication

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's transition to how the CPU interacts with the I/O module. What happens after the CPU requests an I/O operation?

Student 4
Student 4

The I/O module performs the operation and sets a status bit?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly, Student_4! The I/O module updates the status but doesn’t directly notify the CPU. It’s all part of the programmed I/O process. Now, why do you think that’s significant?

Student 1
Student 1

Because the CPU still has to keep checking? It could miss important events otherwise.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! The I/O module does not interrupt the CPU, which leads to continuous checking. Hence, understanding this interaction is key to grasping performance improvements. Let’s follow up with addressing schemes vital for identifying devices.

I/O Addressing Schemes

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Teacher
Teacher

We need to talk about how I/O devices are addressed. Can anyone explain why unique addressing is important?

Student 2
Student 2

It helps the CPU distinguish between multiple devices and know where to send commands.

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! A unique address, just like memory addresses, is critical. Can anyone give an example of addressing I/O devices?

Student 3
Student 3

Like when the CPU sends a print command to a printer using its specific address?

Teacher
Teacher

Perfect example! Now we have two addressing schemes to consider: memory-mapped I/O and isolated I/O. Student_4, would you mind explaining memory-mapped I/O?

Student 4
Student 4

Sure! It shares the same address space between memory and I/O devices, so the CPU can use the same commands.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! But what’s a downside of this method?

Student 1
Student 1

It limits the number of addresses available for I/O devices.

Teacher
Teacher

Great observation! Now, Student_2, what can you tell me about isolated I/O?

Student 2
Student 2

It has separate address spaces for memory and I/O, allowing more devices to connect.

Teacher
Teacher

Well said! To sum up, unique addresses are crucial, and the choice of addressing scheme impacts performance.

I/O Commands

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we'll touch on commands essential for I/O operations. Can anyone name a command used for I/O?

Student 3
Student 3

I know 'IN' and 'OUT' commands that transfer data to and from the CPU?

Teacher
Teacher

That's correct! The 'IN' command receives data from a device, while 'OUT' sends data to a device. What other commands can you think of related to control?

Student 4
Student 4

Commands to check status or control the device's behavior?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! We have control commands for initializing devices or checking their status. Summary: We must include three categories of commands: control, test, and read/write.

Programmed I/O Process

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Teacher
Teacher

In our final session, let’s discuss how all these concepts integrate into the programmed I/O process. What characterizes this process?

Student 1
Student 1

The CPU uses commands in a loop to check if the device is ready before transferring data.

Teacher
Teacher

Right! This looping until readiness is the essence of programmed I/O. Now, can you describe a routine that might be in place?

Student 2
Student 2

A device service routine that repeatedly checks the status bit?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! This routine checks the device readiness and acts accordingly. Remember: Polling = Busy Wait. Any final thoughts?

Student 4
Student 4

I see how critical understanding this process is for optimizing system performance!

Teacher
Teacher

Great conclusion! This understanding is invaluable as we explore more efficient I/O techniques.

Introduction & Overview

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

Quick Overview

This section provides an overview of programmed I/O, outlining the steps involved in CPU-I/O device communication, the polling mechanism’s inefficiency, and I/O addressing schemes.

Standard

Programmed I/O involves the CPU requesting I/O operations by polling the status of I/O devices, which leads to CPU time wastage. The section highlights the I/O commands, the process of checking device status, the addressing schemes for I/O, and the distinction between memory-mapped and isolated I/O systems.

Detailed

Programmed I/O Overview

Summary

This section presents a comprehensive overview of programmed I/O, detailing the sequential operations of the CPU in relation to input/output devices.

Key Points

  1. Polling Mechanism: The process begins with the CPU continuously checking the status of an I/O device, which can waste valuable CPU time.
  2. I/O Module Communication: The CPU issues a request for an I/O operation, the I/O module performs the action, and the CPU checks the status bits without direct notification from the I/O module.
  3. Addressing: Unique device addresses are crucial for identifying I/O devices, similar to memory locations.
  4. I/O Commands: Essential commands include control commands to initiate I/O operations, read and write commands, and status checks.
  5. I/O Mapping: The section differentiates between memory-mapped I/O (where the same address space is shared) and isolated I/O (where separate address spaces exist for memory and I/O devices), discussing the implications on device connectivity and command execution.

By understanding these elements, learners will grasp the fundamentals of how CPU and I/O devices interact and how these interactions can be optimized.

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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; this is the way that we are going to do, but here what is the problem that we have first? CPU needs to wait and poll, it is checking it continuously. So, it cannot do any other work. So, there is a wastage of CPU time.

Detailed Explanation

Programmed I/O involves the CPU actively monitoring the status of an input/output device through polling. Polling means that the CPU regularly checks to see if the device is ready for data transfer. However, this is not efficient as the CPU is not doing any productive work while waiting for the device's status to change, leading to wasted processing time and efficiency.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a chef in a restaurant who continuously checks if the oven is ready instead of preparing other dishes. This constant checking not only wastes time but also delays the preparation of several meals, just like the CPU can miss other tasks while it polls the I/O device.

Steps of 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 that in processor we have shown it, I/O module performs operation, then by looking into the state of the devices I/O module sets the status bit, CPU checks status bits periodically.

Detailed Explanation

The steps of programmed I/O start with the CPU initiating an I/O request. The I/O module then performs the requested operation, checking the state of the device and setting a status bit to indicate readiness. Meanwhile, the CPU continuously checks the status bit to see if the operation can proceed. This highlights the cycle of request, action, and confirmation between the CPU and I/O module.

Examples & Analogies

Think of it like a customer ordering coffee at a café. The customer (CPU) places an order (I/O request), the barista (I/O module) prepares the coffee, and the customer continuously checks if the barista is ready to serve it (status checking). Until the barista indicates the coffee is ready, the customer remains idle, just like the CPU awaits the status update.

Command Requirements for I/O

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So, basically here I/O module does not inform CPU directly, this is the way that I/O module is doing it. Now after that to perform work with the I/O module or input output devices what are the basic requirements.

Detailed Explanation

For the CPU to effectively communicate with I/O devices, certain commands are necessary. These include an identification method for the device addresses, control commands to initiate actions, and read/write commands to transfer data. The I/O module does not directly notify the CPU of its readiness, which is why the CPU must regularly check the status.

Examples & Analogies

It’s like calling a friend who is supposed to pick you up. You need to identify your friend's car (address identification), ask them to start driving (control command), and finally get in the car when they arrive (read/write command). Just as the friend doesn’t text you every time they make a turn, the I/O module won’t alert the CPU directly.

Addressing I/O Devices

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we need some commands I/O commands... we have to give the addresses of the I/O devices.

Detailed Explanation

I/O devices require unique addresses so that the CPU can communicate with them correctly. This addressing scheme is crucial as it ensures that commands are sent to the right device. Similar to how each house on a street has a unique number, each I/O device must have an address that can be recognized by the CPU.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a GPS system. Each destination (I/O device) needs a unique address or coordinates for you (the CPU) to reach it without confusion. If multiple locations shared the same coordinates, you would have no idea where you’re headed.

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

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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

There are two primary ways to handle I/O device addressing: memory-mapped I/O, where the same address space is shared between memory and I/O devices, and isolated I/O, where separate address spaces exist for memory and I/O devices. Memory-mapped I/O allows for easy integration using existing memory commands, while isolated I/O relies on specific commands to interact with I/O devices.

Examples & Analogies

Think of memory-mapped I/O as a universal remote that can control multiple devices (TV, DVD player, etc.) — you use the same buttons for all. In contrast, isolated I/O is like having a different remote for each device, requiring specific commands for each, leading to more complexity in managing the controls.

Control Signals in Isolated I/O

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Now in that particular case what will happen we are giving the addresses through this particular address bus...

Detailed Explanation

In isolated I/O systems, an additional control signal is used to distinguish whether the address on the bus is for a memory location or an I/O device. This control signal is known as IO/M, which indicates if the address being accessed is for I/O operations or memory operations, thereby optimizing the addressing scheme and allowing for a larger number of devices and memory locations.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a bus system where there are dedicated stops for passengers (I/O devices) and freight (memory locations). The bus driver (CPU) uses a sign (control signal) to indicate whether they are picking up passengers or unloading freight at every stop, ensuring that the right operations occur at the right time.

Device Service Routine

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In that particular scheme, it is that in out or input and output will be controlled by a program...

Detailed Explanation

The Device Service Routine is a specific program written to manage the input and output operations for a device. It frequently checks the status of the device through loops until it is ready, after which it carries out the necessary transfer of data. This programmatic approach improves efficiency by automating the checking process and executing actions.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a waiter checking a table in a restaurant. The waiter routinely checks on the customers (device) to see if they need anything (are ready) — once they signal they’re ready to order, the waiter takes action, similar to how the CPU waits for the device status before executing input/output operations.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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

Key Concepts

  • Polling: A method where the CPU repeatedly checks the status of an I/O device, which can lead to time wastage.

  • I/O Module: A hardware component that communicates between the CPU and I/O devices, facilitating I/O operations.

  • Addressing Schemes: Systems used to uniquely identify and locate I/O devices, including memory-mapped and isolated I/O.

  • Status Bit: A binary indicator used by the I/O module to communicate the state of a device to the CPU.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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

Examples

  • The CPU uses an IN command to read data from a keyboard (I/O device), thereby using programmed I/O.

  • When a printer is instructed to print through the OUT command, it uses commands and its unique address for communication.

Memory Aids

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

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Polling is quite a bore, checking for the readiness score.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a postman (CPU) who constantly checks each mailbox (I/O device) until a letter arrives. That’s polling!

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember 'PIC' for I/O: 'Polling', 'Input', 'Commands'.

🎯 Super Acronyms

Use 'RAD' for I/O Commands

  • Read
  • Address
  • Device.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Programmed I/O

    Definition:

    A method where the CPU controls I/O operations by directly checking the status of I/O devices.

  • Term: Polling

    Definition:

    The process by which the CPU continuously checks the status of an I/O device.

  • Term: I/O Module

    Definition:

    A hardware component that manages I/O operations and communicates between the CPU and I/O devices.

  • Term: MemoryMapped I/O

    Definition:

    A type of I/O addressing where the same address space is used for both memory and I/O devices.

  • Term: Isolated I/O

    Definition:

    A type of I/O addressing where separate address spaces are assigned for memory and I/O devices.

  • Term: Status Bit

    Definition:

    A binary value that indicates the readiness or state of an I/O device.