Questions tagged [dma]
Use this tag for questions regarding the use DMA (direct memory access) in historical computers or the history of DMA itself. DMA allows peripherals to access memory directly without using the main processor.
7
questions
2
votes
1answer
133 views
Does C64 /DMA assertion immediately disconnect the CPU from the address bus?
I have heard several claims (in the comments on this question and
answers) that asserting the D̅M̅A̅ signal on the Commodore C64
cartridge port will immediately take the CPU off the bus by deasserting ...
2
votes
0answers
114 views
Apple II DMA daisy chain also used to arbitrate /INH?
On the Apple II series of computers, peripheral cards contend for bus mastership through a priority daisy-chain system. A peripheral card is only allowed to perform DMA if its DMA_IN line is at logic ...
5
votes
1answer
363 views
How does DMACON/R registers on Commodore Amiga platform work?
I have a specific question about the DMACON/R registers found in Commodore Amiga range of computers.
As you may know they are the DMA control registers that controls all the DMA channels used by the ...
13
votes
3answers
1k views
PC/AT two DMA controllers - what is the purpose of cascade channel and how did it work?
Why did the design need to reserve one channel for cascade, how did it work and what exactly was going on there?
16
votes
3answers
1k views
For how long can you safely stop the clock on an NMOS 6502?
As with most NMOS processors, the NMOS versions of the 6502 (and even
earlier CMOS versions) do not have a static core. Thus, if you run the
clock too slowly or stop the clock for too long while doing ...
10
votes
1answer
848 views
What is the exact bus protocol used by the C64/C128 REU?
The Commodore 64/128 RAM Expansion Units used a DMA controller
to move data between the REU's RAM and system RAM (or I/O space). One
would set the addreses, length and direction for the transfer (or
...
9
votes
3answers
595 views
what is DMA and how does it work?
I've heard the term 'DMA' being used a lot in reference to older consoles. My very basic understanding is that it's a way for the console to access memory directly. But directly as apposed to what? ...
