The 6850 Datasheet is more than just a technical document; it’s the key to understanding and utilizing a versatile integrated circuit that played a pivotal role in early computer and embedded systems. This article delves into the heart of the 6850 Datasheet, exploring its intricacies and highlighting its significance in the realm of serial communication.
Deciphering the 6850 Datasheet The What, Why, and How
The 6850 Datasheet is the comprehensive documentation for the Motorola 6850 Asynchronous Communications Interface Adapter (ACIA). Think of it as the instruction manual for this specific chip. It contains everything a designer needs to know to successfully integrate the 6850 into a system, including:
- Pinout diagrams: Showing the function of each pin on the chip.
- Electrical characteristics: Detailing voltage and current requirements.
- Timing diagrams: Illustrating the timing relationships between signals.
- Register descriptions: Explaining the function of each internal register.
- Functional descriptions: Outlining how the chip operates in different modes.
The 6850 Datasheet is absolutely essential for anyone working with this chip because it provides the necessary information to configure and control the ACIA for serial communication. Without it, successful implementation is virtually impossible.
So, why was the 6850 (and therefore its datasheet) so important? Before the widespread adoption of USB and other modern communication standards, serial communication was a common way for computers and peripherals to exchange data. The 6850 simplified this process by providing a standardized interface. It handled the complexities of converting parallel data (from a microprocessor) into serial data (for transmission over a wire) and vice versa. Consider its role:
- Interfacing Microprocessors: The 6850 connected microprocessors to serial devices.
- Serial Communication: Enabling communication with modems, terminals, and other devices.
- Standardized Interface: Providing a standardized way to handle asynchronous serial communication.
Think of it like a translator between two different languages of data.
How is the 6850 Datasheet used? Engineers and hobbyists consult the 6850 Datasheet during the design, development, and troubleshooting phases of a project. Need to figure out which pin to connect to the transmit data line? Check the pinout diagram. Wondering how to configure the chip for a specific baud rate? Look up the register descriptions. Encountering unexpected behavior? Analyze the timing diagrams to identify potential issues. Here’s a small example of configurations:
| Register | Bit(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Control Register | 0-1 | Word Select (determines the number of data bits, parity, and number of stop bits) |
| Control Register | 2 | Parity Enable (enables or disables parity checking) |
The 6850 Datasheet acts as the definitive reference guide, ensuring correct and efficient utilization of the ACIA’s capabilities.
To get the most out of the 6850 ACIA, it’s highly recommended to consult the official manufacturer’s documentation. This ensures you have accurate and complete information for your projects.