Interfacing with 8257 (DMA Controller) Aryan Pandey Scholar No.: 23U02037
Introduction The Intel 8257 is a Direct Memory Access (DMA) controller that transfers data directly between I/O devices and memory without CPU involvement. This improves speed and efficiency in data transfer operations.
Need for DMA • CPU is slow compared to high-speed I/O devices. • DMA allows direct data transfer between I/O and memory. • Frees CPU for other tasks. • Ideal for real-time and high-volume data transfer.
Features of 8257 • 4 independent DMA channels. • Each channel handles up to 16 KB of data. • Supports fixed and rotating priority. • Compatible with Intel 8085. • Can operate in memory-to-I/O or I/O-to-memory mode.
Block Diagram of 8257 The 8257 consists of Data Bus Buffer, Read/Write Logic, Control Logic, DMA Channels, and Priority Resolver. Data Bus Buffer Read/Write Logic Control Logic Priority Resolver DMA Channels
Pin Configuration Key Pins: • D0–D7: Data bus lines • A0–A3: Address lines • HRQ & HLDA: DMA request and hold acknowledge • MEMR, MEMW, IOR, IOW: Control signals • READY & TC: Synchronization and terminal count signals
Working Principle Step 1: Peripheral sends DMA request (DRQ). Step 2: 8257 sends HOLD to CPU. Step 3: CPU acknowledges with HLDA. Step 4: 8257 handles data transfer. Step 5: Control returns to CPU after transfer.
DMA Operation Flowchart A simple representation of DMA operation steps. DMA Request Bus Grant Address Generation Data Transfer Terminal Count Bus Release
Interfacing 8257 with 8085 • 8257 connects to 8085 via data and address bus. • HRQ and HLDA manage bus control. • Control signals coordinate read/write operations. • Ensures smooth data transfer during DMA cycles. 8085 CPU 8257 DMA
Timing Diagram (Overview) Shows how signals HRQ, HLDA, MEMR, MEMW, IOR, and IOW interact during a DMA transfer. Ensures proper coordination between CPU and peripherals.
Applications of 8257 • High-speed data acquisition systems. • Disk and tape drive controllers. • Real-time graphics and display systems. • Embedded systems requiring fast data movement.
Conclusion The 8257 DMA controller offloads data transfer tasks from the CPU, increasing system efficiency and speed. It plays a vital role in microprocessor-based systems.