DMA20 Memory Bus Adapter

From Computer History Wiki
(Redirected from DMA20 Memory Bus Controller)
Jump to: navigation, search

The DMA20 Memory Bus Adapter is an optional controller on KL10 CPUs which converts from the KL10's native SBus main memory bus to up to 4 old-style PDP-10 Memory Busses (termed 'KBus' here), to allow existing PDP-10 core main memory to be used on one. (In a multi-processor system, each CPU has a separate DMA20, if configured to have one; the multi-port memory banks of PDP-10 memories will allow banks to be shared between CPUs.)

Implementation

Memory bus Quick Latch connector (in latched position)

The DMA20 is connected to the MBox of the KL10 via the SBus. As mentioned, it provides four separate KBuses per CPU, to increase memory bandwidth, as well allow maximum interleaving; the DMA20 can operate in 1-, 2- or 4-bus mode.

It consists of ten hex boards (an M8560, M8563, and eight M8558 modules) plugged into an I/O backplane (one shared with the DIA20 IBus Adapter‎) of the KL10; these are connected to memory bus connectors mounted lower down in that rack.

External links