A standard microcomputer system with diagnostic facilities

Abstract

A standardized and modular microcomputer system is functionally described. Besides and independent of its operation, the system has the pecularity that it can be completely slaved, through a built-in diagnostic slot that accepts a diagnostic interface module, driven by a second unit with the same, standard configuration. Besides the diagnostic module, the diagnostic microcomputer interacts with the operator through a status display register, a small keyboard and a small numeric display unit. The set-up allows one to perform extensive diagnostic investigations and actions on the slaved system and results in a most flexible and efficient testing and debugging of microprocessor based systems. A description is given of the main functional features of the system and the software organisation is presented. Using the system for hardware and software debugging is discussed by documenting the main diagnostic operations. Possible hardware and software extensions are indicated.