IO Controller

Introduction
This lecture introduces us to an overview of IO controller. It will help us to differentiate between I/O
processor, I/O controller and I/O module.

Objectives
Upon completion of this lecture, we will be able to:
Define IO controller
Compare between I/O processor, I/O controller and I/O module

What is an IO Controller?
I/O controller is a device that directly interfaces a particular device with the CPU. It is also referred
as I/O interface or peripheral I/O controller. I/O devices are connected to the system bus through
system controller, via this unit. It in turn connects to the system. Multiple devices can be controlled
by a single I/O controller. The CPU commands and controls all I/O controllers and their actions.

Monitor

System bus
CPU communicates with the I/O controller over the bus. Each I/O controller has unique address, at
times multiple addresses also. These addresses can be independent of memory addresses or may
be mapped to main memory addresses without any overlapping though.

Comparisons between I/O processor, I/O controller and

I/O module
I/O Processor
Has simple processor

May control one or more input

/ output device
No software can be embedded
( since no large memory)
Software dependent

I/O Controller
Processor with controlling
devices for an input / output
device
Can control an input / output
device
Software can be embedded in
a separate memory
Software independent

I/O Module
Processor with interface
devices for several input
output devices
Can control many input /
output device
Software can be embedded
in separate memory
Software independent

Summary
Here are the key takeaways:
I/O controller is a device that directly interfaces a particular device with the CPU.