literature review Hardware Bentley, A 'Single-chip controller increases microprocessor throughput' Computer Des. Vol 19 No 9 (September 1980) pp 125-131 This article describes a DMA controller which uses a state sequencer and semicustom logic to meet its design objectives. Logic comprises partially dedicated gating and register arrays. After selection of the most suitable array configuration, the interconnections, expressed by Boolean statements, are completed to implement the design. Variations can be accommodated by restructuring the gating arrays with minimal hardware reconfiguration.
Comerford, R W 'Development system networks: the last link in automated manufacturing' Electronics Vol 53 No 15 (3 July 1980) pp 134-142
devices, a calculator chip and a numbercrunching unit and their architectural differences are discussed. It is shown how the processors improve system performance by relieving the computer of complex mathematical calculations and reducing software requirements. They also make possible parallel execution of concurrent tasks.
Sami, M 'Reliability and self-diagnosis aspects of microprocessor-controlled instrumentation systems' Euromicro ]. Vol 6 No 5 (September 1980) pp 343-345 This article discusses approaches to i'nstrumentation system reliability and availability. Self-diagnosis in distributed systems is considered at several abstract levels (gate, module, system etc.) and a multilevel procedure is outlined.
Santoni, A 'Microcomputer development systems' EDN Vol 25 No 16 (5 September 1980) pp 140-151
This special report looks at how development system networks will pull together the various elements in a production life cycle. The design approaches of various system manufacturers are discussed and suitable languages are considered.
This special report discusses choice of development system for various design requirements. 16-bit systems are included and there is a table of equipment manufacturers.
Grappel, R and Hemenway, J
Stiefel, M L 'A guide to tool selection' Mini-Micro Sys. Vol 13 No 8 (August 1980) pp 6 8 - 7 6
'Compare the newest 16-bit #Ps to evaluate their potential' EDN Vol 25 No 16 (5 September 1980) pp 197-201 The 8086, Z8000 and 68000 microprocessors are reviewed. Comparisons are made in five key performance areas: system calls, byte manipulations, number crunching, architectural features and extended memory addressing.
Gupta, B K 'Arithmetic processor chips enhance microprocessor system performance' Computer Des. Vol 19 No 7 (July 1980) pp 8 5 - 9 4 Interfacing techniques are described for two different arithmetic processor
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A survey of development tools. Included is a table of manufacturers and product specifications, plus details of selected development systems.
Software Cushman, R H 'One-chip yCs, high level languages combine for fast prototyping' EDN Vol 25 No 14 (5 August 1980) pp 8 9 - 9 6 The article focusses on 'bare-bones' (Tiny) versions of high level languages and how they are accomodated on one-chip microcomputers. Their uses are discussed, particularly in low
cost prototyping and short-run production in conjunction with an interpreter.
Cushmann, R H 'Bare-bones languages serve small systems with ease' EDN Vol 25 No 16 (5 September 1980) pp 171-177 This article describes experiences in implementing a version of Tiny BASIC in a small system that simulates a one-chip microcomputer. Problems encountered in mixing high level language with assembly code are considered and the additional driver code required for a ROM-based turnkey end product is discussed.
Ogdin, C A 'The many choices in development Languages' Mini-Micro Sys. Vol 13 No 8 (August 1980) pp 81-84 Languages being offered for development systems are considered. A method of classifying languages is described, and their positions in the market and uses are discussed.
Applications Cooke, E F et al 'Supervisory programmable and setpoint control for automating a batch plant' InTech. Vol 27 No 7 (July 1980) pp 5 1 - 5 4 A batch compounding plant is described. A supervisory digital control system based on a 64k microcomputer automates sequencing, profiling and documenting functions. The computer adjusts setpoints on 10 analogue controllers and provides input commands to a programmable controller.
Deming, P L 'Process chromatographs with integral microprocessors upgrade compositionbased control' InTech Vol 27 No 7 (July 1980) pp 41 45 Gas-liquid chromatographs are described which use microprocessors to improve their measurement performances.
microprocessors and microsystems