Programmable Communication Interface - 13.14.5 | 13. Microprocessors - Part D | Digital Electronics - Vol 2
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Introduction to Programmable Communication Interfaces

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we are discussing Programmable Communication Interfaces, or PCIs for short. These devices facilitate communication between microprocessors and other peripherals. Can anyone tell me why this communication is essential?

Student 1
Student 1

Because microprocessors need to exchange data with other devices to function properly.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! PCIs convert data formats so that the microprocessor can both send and receive information correctly. Let’s remember this with the acronym PCI, which stands for 'Programmable Communication Interface'.

Student 2
Student 2

What kind of data do they typically handle?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! They handle both serial and parallel data formats, enabling a seamless exchange of information.

Student 3
Student 3

Can you give an example of a specific PCI?

Teacher
Teacher

Certainly! The 8251 USART is one excellent example used with Intel's older microprocessors like the 8085. It converts data between serial and parallel formats.

Teacher
Teacher

In conclusion, PCIs are vital for ensuring the microprocessor can communicate effectively with peripheral devices.

The Functionality of the 8251

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s focus on the specifics of the 8251 USART. Can anyone summarize its basic functions?

Student 4
Student 4

It converts parallel data from the CPU into serial data for transmission and back again.

Teacher
Teacher

Perfect! This allows for communication in a streamlined manner. Do you know how the 8251 signals the CPU?

Student 1
Student 1

It signals the CPU when it's ready to send a new character or when it has received one.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! This capability is crucial for managing data flow effectively. Remember, this is key for any communication interface.

Student 2
Student 2

Why is it called 'Universal'?

Teacher
Teacher

It’s termed 'Universal' because it supports both synchronous and asynchronous communication methods.

Teacher
Teacher

To summarize today’s session, the 8251 USART plays a multifunctional role that is essential for enabling diverse communication protocols.

Applications of Programmable Communication Interfaces

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s discuss the applications of PCIs. How do you think they impact modern computing?

Student 3
Student 3

They help in connecting various devices like printers and modems to computers.

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! By converting data formats, they enable some of the most common communication scenarios in our computers. What devices can you think of that utilize PCIs?

Student 4
Student 4

I think sensors and serial port devices also make use of them.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly right! PCIs are used in a wide range of devices, ensuring smooth communication between hardware components.

Teacher
Teacher

Before we finish, can anyone recap the primary importance of the PCI?

Student 1
Student 1

They enable data communication from the processor to peripherals efficiently.

Teacher
Teacher

Great job! This wraps up our discussion on Programmable Communication Interfaces and their vital roles in technology.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

The Programmable Communication Interface (PCI) enables effective data communication between microprocessors and peripheral devices.

Standard

Programmable Communication Interfaces play a crucial role in facilitating data communication in computer systems by converting data between device formats. The 8251 is a specific example that is widely utilized in serial communication applications.

Detailed

In a microcomputer system, Programmable Communication Interfaces (PCIs) serve a critical function, primarily dealing with data communication. These devices convert data from the format used by the microprocessor into other formats acceptable for transmission, and conversely, they convert incoming data back into a format that the microprocessor can understand. A key example is the 8251 Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (USART) designed for Intel's 8085, 8086, and 8088 microprocessors. The 8251 chip enables efficient serial communication, allowing it to accept data characters in parallel format from the CPU and convert them into a continuous serial data stream for transmission. It also receives serial data and converts it into parallel characters for processing by the CPU. Additionally, the USART can signal the CPU about its capacity to send new characters or inform it when a character has been received, making it an essential component for data communication in microprocessor-based systems.

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Introduction to Programmable Communication Interfaces

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Programmable communication interfaces (PCIs) are interface devices that are used for data communication applications with microprocessors. They basically convert the data from the microprocessor into a format acceptable for communication and also convert the incoming data into a format understood by the microprocessor.

Detailed Explanation

Programmable Communication Interfaces (PCIs) act as a bridge between the microprocessor and external communication systems. They take data from the microprocessor, which may be in a format unsuitable for transmission over a communication medium, and convert it into a suitable format. Similarly, data received from communication sources must be transformed back into a format that the microprocessor can process. This dual conversion is critical for effective data communication.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a PCI like a translator in an international meeting. The translator listens to someone speaking in a foreign language (data from communication systems) and translates it into the desired language of the audience (format the microprocessor can understand), and vice versa.

The 8251 Device Overview

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8251 is a PCI device designed for Intel’s 8085, 8086 and 8088 microprocessors and is used in serial communication applications. It is a 28-pin chip available in DIP and PLCC packages.

Detailed Explanation

The 8251 is a specific type of programmable communication interface that is tailored to work with older Intel microprocessors. The device is designed to handle serial communication, which means it sends and receives data one bit at a time, as opposed to parallel communication, which sends multiple bits simultaneously. Being available in different packaging options (DIP and PLCC) allows flexibility for integration into various systems.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine the 8251 as a specific model of a car designed to travel efficiently on a certain road type. If your phone (microprocessor) needs to send a text message (data) through a narrow single-lane road (serial communication), the 8251 ensures that the message is delivered smoothly and clearly.

Functionality of the 8251

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It is basically a universal synchronous/asynchronous receiver/transmitter (USART) that accepts data characters from the CPU in parallel format and then converts them into a continuous serial data stream for transmission. Simultaneously, it can receive a serial data stream and convert it into parallel data characters for the CPU.

Detailed Explanation

The 8251 acts as a Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (USART), meaning it can handle data communication in both synchronous and asynchronous modes. Concurrently, it receives data in parallel format from the CPU, which is multiple bits transmitted simultaneously, and it transforms this into a serial format, allowing it to send data more effectively over various communication channels. While receiving, it performs the reverse, accepting a serial data stream and formatting it back to parallel form for the CPU to process.

Examples & Analogies

Consider the 8251 as a courier service. When a package is delivered in a box by multiple people (parallel data), the courier repackages it into a single-stream delivery (serial data). When packages come into the courier service (serial data), they are unpacked and sorted back into individual boxes (parallel data) ready for delivery.

Communication Signals

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The USART will signal the CPU whenever it can accept a new character for transmission or whenever it has received a character for the CPU.

Detailed Explanation

The functionality of the 8251 includes managing when new data can be sent or when incoming data has been received. The USART sends signals to the CPU, ensuring that the CPU has adequate time to process the data without being overwhelmed, thus optimizing data flow within the system.

Examples & Analogies

Think of the USART as a traffic director at a busy intersection who manages when cars (data) can enter the intersection (CPU). The director signals when vehicles can go, ensuring that traffic flows smoothly without causing jams or accidents.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Programmable Communication Interface: A device that enhances data communication between microprocessors and peripherals by converting data formats.

  • 8251 USART: A specific PCI that converts parallel data to serial and vice versa, essential for effective data transmission.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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

Examples

  • The 8251 is used in serial communications to connect CPUs to serial ports for effective data exchange.

  • PCIs are found in devices like modems, printers, and various sensor interfaces to facilitate communication.

Memory Aids

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🎡 Rhymes Time

  • If it's data you must relay, PCI's the way!

πŸ“– Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine sending a letter: the postal service is like a PCI, turning your words into something that travels easily and back again.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember PCIs as 'Pretty Critical Interfaces' for communication in devices.

🎯 Super Acronyms

Use 'DATA' - Device Adapter Transferring All formats - to recall what PCIs do.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

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  • Term: Programmable Communication Interface (PCI)

    Definition:

    A device that facilitates data communication between microprocessors and peripheral devices by converting data formats.

  • Term: Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (USART)

    Definition:

    A specific type of PCI used for serial communication that converts parallel data from the CPU into serial data for transmission and vice versa.