Introduction

We know that a microprocessor is the CPU of a computer. A microprocessor can perform some operation on a data and give the output. But to perform the operation we need an input to enter the data and an output to display the results of the operation. So we are using a keyboard and monitor as Input and output along with the processor. Microprocessors engineering involves a lot of other concepts and we also interface memory elements like ROM, EPROM to access the memory

Interfacing Types

There are two types of interfacing in context of the 8085 Processor:

1. Memory Interfacing 2. I/O Interfacing.

Memory Interfacing
While executing an instruction, there is a necessity for the microprocessor to access memory frequently for reading various instruction codes and data stored in the memory. The interfacing circuit aids in accessing the memory. Memory requires some signals to read from and write to registers. Similarly the microprocessor transmits some signals for reading or writing a data. But what is the purpose of interfacing circuit here?

Memory Interfacing cont..

The interfacing process involves matching the memory requirements with the microprocessor signals. The interfacing circuit therefore should be designed in such a way that it matches the memory signal requirements with the signals of the microprocessor. For example for carrying out a READ process, the microprocessor should initiate a read signal which the memory requires to read a data. In simple words, the primary function of a memory interfacing circuit is to aid the microprocessor in reading and writing a data to the given register of a memory chip.

I/O Interfacing
We know that keyboard and Displays are used as communication channel with outside world. So it is necessary that we interface keyboard and displays with the microprocessor. This is called I/O interfacing. In this type of interfacing we use latches and buffers for interfacing the keyboards and displays with the microprocessor. But the main disadvantage with this interfacing is that the microprocessor can perform only one function. It functions as an input device if it is connected to buffer and as an output device if it is connected to latch. Thus the capability is very limited in this type of interfacing.

Input/Output Problems
Wide variety of peripherals
Delivering different amounts of data At different speeds In different formats

All slower than CPU and RAM Need I/O modules

Input/Output Module
Interface to CPU and Memory Interface to one or more peripherals GENERIC MODEL OF I/O DIAGRAM 6.1

Single bus system

C O N T R O L B U S A D D R E S S B U S

Memory

CPU and bus control logic

D A T A B U S

Interface I/O Ports Peripheral or mass storage device

...

Generic Model of an I/O Module

Programmable Interfacing Devices

I/O Module Function

Control & Timing CPU Communication Device Communication Data Buffering Error Detection Status Registers

 All peripherals and mass storage device is connected to the system bus through interfaces. Each interface contains ,I/O ports through which CPU and Memory communicate with the external devices Some ports are used for 1. Buffering data from or to CPU and Memory 2.Some for holding status information about the device and interface All the communication with the external world is channeled through I/O ports in the interface

Programmable Peripheral Devices

Programmable peripheral devices were introduced by Intel to increase the overall performance of the system. These devices along with I/O functions, they perform various other functions such as time delays, counters and interrupt handling. These devices are nothing but a combination of many devices on a single chip. A programmable device can be set up to perform specific function by writing a code in the internal register. As this code controls the function of the device its called control word and internal register in which it is stored is called Control Register.

Some Intel Peripheral Devices

INTEL developed some peripheral devices for processors like 8085/8086/8088. These peripheral devices includes
i. 8255 Parallel Communication Interface (Programmable Peripheral Interface)

8251 Serial communication Interface-programmable communication interface (USART- Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) iii. 8257 DMA Controller iv. 8279 programmable Keyboard/Display Controller v. 8259 Programmable Interrupt controller vi. 8254/8253 Programmable interval Timer ii.