Data Controller - Printronix P7000 Series Maintenance Manual

Chapter 7
Controller Board

Data Controller

The data controller (DC) consists of the following elements:
•
MPC8245 microprocessor
•
A 72-pin flash SIMM socket that holds up to 32MB of program memory
•
A 32MB SDRAM DIMM for data memory
•
8K x 8 Non-Volatile Battery-Backed Static RAM (NVRAM) for storage of
configuration and system statistical data
•
V8 ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)
•
Host I/O Drivers/Termination
MPC8245 Microprocessor
A Motorola MPC8245 microprocessor serves as the processor of the DC unit.
Flash Memory
The DC stores program and emulation code in flash memory. Flash memory
is erasable, non-volatile, and much faster than a disk drive.
The DC uses AMD 5.0V-only flash memory, which does not require higher
programming and erasing voltages on the board (it has an internal charge
pump to make these voltages itself). This memory supports at least 100,000
write/erase cycles. The flash memory is 8 bits wide.
A 72-pin SIMM socket designated J11 is provided for flash memory. (Socket
J10 is not used.) Up to 32MB of flash may be installed on the PSA3 controller
board.
The programs that are stored in flash memory are downloaded through the
parallel, serial, or optional ethernet port.
SDRAM
System SDRAM is used for program variables, image buffers, and input
buffers. The SDRAM supports page mode operation and is addressable by
individual byte. The SDRAM is a DIMM permanently mounted on the PSA3
controller board.
NVRAM
An 8K x 8 bit Non-Volatile battery-backed static RAM (NVRAM) device
provides for the storage of configuration and system statistical data.
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