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manuals/dx20.mem
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DATE: 25 June, 1976
PROJECT: DX20 Bootstrap Loader
FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION FOR
DX20 User Mode Bootstrap Loader
DX20LD
DX20 USER MODE BOOTSTRAP LOADER Page 2
1.0 PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This specification describes the bootstrap program to be used under
TOPS20 timesharing by the operator to load microcode into the DX20.
This project is part of the original DX20-v100 project which will
provide support for STC tape drives in TOPS20 using the RH20 Massbus
controller. This bootstrap will also be useful for loading micro-code
into the DX20 in any applications beyond the initial tape drive
support.
2.0 PRODUCT GOALS
2.1 Performance
There are no particular performance objectives for this product. It
does not have to be fast, only reliable.
2.2 Support Objectives
Support costs incurred by the field are expected to be nil for this
product. The code is small, and should be close to bug-free before
first ship.
2.3 Environments
This program is intended to be an operator tool, and will run with
some privileges.
2.4 Reliability Goals
This product will be reliable. It should not crash or loop. It will
check for hardware failures when through loading the DX20, and report
them at that time. It should never produce unusual results without
warning the user.
2.5 Non Goals
DX20 USER MODE BOOTSTRAP LOADER Page 3
3.0 FUNCTIONAL DEFINITION
3.1 Operational Description
This program wll have several basic commands, which are differentiated
from each other by switches. The prompting string will be
file:
If a file name is specified, the DX20 will be reset, the file will be
loaded into the DX20, verified, and the DX20 will be started. If /C
is specified as a switch, the DX20 will be cleared before loading. If
/C is specified without a file name, the DX20 will be cleared only.
If a file name is specified with a /L switch, the file will be loaded
into the DX20, but no other action will be performed.
If a file name is specified with a /V switch, the contents of the DX20
will be compared against the contents of the file (verified), but no
other action will be performed.
If a /S:n switch is specified, the DX20 will be started at location n
in the micro-code. If n is not specified, the default starting
address will be used (1).
If a /D:cd switch is specified, DX20 number d on controller number c
will have the actions performed on it specified by the rest of the
command line.
Arbitrary combinations of file name and switches are also allowed. If
either /L or /V are specified, only the actions specified by switches
are performed - no defaults. If /C and/or /S switches are specifed,
and a file name is specified without the /L or /V switches, the file
will be loaded into the DX20 and verified in addition to performing
the functions specified by the switches.
For a description of the DX20 hardware, and the registers used to
cause the DX20 to be loaded or cleared, see the DX20 Programmed Data
Channel Specification.
DX20 USER MODE BOOTSTRAP LOADER Page 4
The operation of the file loading process is:
First the DX20 to be operated upon is determined. If the /D switch
was not specified, all of the RH's will be searched for DX20's. If
one and only one DX20 is located, that is the one that will be
operated upon. If more than one is found, this error condition is
flagged and no further operations are performed.
The CRAM and working memory are then cleared if required by switches.
Then the low order 16 bits of the first words of the file are loaded
sequentially into the CRAM of the DX20, starting at location 0 of the
CRAM. This continues until either the end of the file is encountered,
or a word containing a -1 is encountered. If the end of the file is
encountered, loading is completed, and succeeding words are loaded
into the working memory of the DX20, starting at location 0 of the
memory. Only the low order 8 bits of these words contain valid data.
However, higher order bits will not be checked. Loading will continue
until the end of the input file. If the end of the memory is
encountered before the end of the file, an error will be typed.
Then the file is rewound, and verified against the CRAM and working
memory, if required by switches.
Upon successful completion of the lading process, the version and edit
number of the micro-code will be typed from location 0 of the CRAM.
The high order 6 bits of this word are the version number, and thre
remaining 10 bits are the edit numer.
The micro processor is then started at the specified starting address
in the CRAM. The default starting address is location 1.
3.2 Restrictions
None known yet.
DX20 USER MODE BOOTSTRAP LOADER Page 5
4.0 COMPATIBILITY
No known standards apply
5.0 EXTERNAL INTERACTIONS AND IMPACT
5.1 Users
This program is intended as an operator tool, and will not be usable
by users.
5.2 Software Products
5.2.1 Products That Use This Product
The DX20 will not be a useful product without this program.
5.2.2 Products That This Product Uses
TOPS20
DX20 USER MODE BOOTSTRAP LOADER Page 6
6.0 RELIABILITY/AVAILABILITY/SERVICEABILITY
6.1 Failures Within The Product
This product will run with privileges, and it is conceivable that this
product could crash a TOPS20 system. However, in practice a failure
of this product should only cause the DX20 to fail to be loaded.
6.2 Failures Within The Total Environment
This product will attempt to report failures within the DX20 in a
meaningful manner so that corrective action can be taken.
7.0 PACKAGING AND SYSTEM GENERATION
7.1 Distribution Media
This product will be distributed on a single reel of magnetic tape.
7.2 System Generation
System generation will not be required. There will be only one
variety of this program.
8.0 DOCUMENTATION
A description of this product will be incorporated into an Operator's
guide to be distributed with the DX20-v100 package.
9.0 REFERENCES
10.0 APPENDIX