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Communications microprocessor couples with 68040

April 1, 1993 RM Motorola QUICC

Communications microprocessor couples with 68040

Processor extends performance and capabilities of the 68302 with 32-bit
core and seven communications channels

The monolithic 68360 quad integrated communications processor (QUICC)
actually has seven serial channels, but was named for the four serial
channels to arrive at the desired acronym. Built around a 68020-compatible
core, a version of the CPU32 core called CPU32+ with a 32-bit external
data bus, the QUICC runs at 25 MHz and directly controls memory, including
up to eight banks of DRAM. The QUICC has a 32-bit data bus, capable of
dynamically sizing to accommodate 8- and 16-bit devices. It has 28
dedicated address lines and enough other dual-purpose lines to allow
32-bit addresses, depending on configuration. The chip can operate
standalone with ROM and DRAM, with its own CPU32+ as the only
microprocessor. In slave mode, the internal CPU32+ is disabled and the
other facilities are available to the master. The master can be another
68360 or any 68030 or 68040 bus master. When the master is a 68040,
special support features come into play, and slave mode becomes companion
mode (see diagram). The chip has four serial communications controllers
(SCC). Each handles eight different protocols, up to four at a time. Each
SCC passes 2 Mbit/s. Some run from on-chip microcode, others by loading
microcode in RAM. The microcode runs in a specialized processor that
functions whether or not the CPU32+ is enabled. A version of the chip for
Ethernet, the 68EN360, supports 10-Mbit/s Ethernet on SCC 1. This will
work with the company's promised transceiver in 10Base-T networks. Two
serial management controllers (SMC) can act as UARTs, transparent serial
ports, or general circuit interfaces. They can be connected to either of
two time-division multiplex channels. Each channel can be user defined, or
can be configured for T1, CEPT, PCM Highway, ISDN basic rate, or ISDN
primary rate. The 68360 has 240 pins, up from 132 on the 68302. All 68000
code will run, but code accessing 68302 peripherals will require
modification. New code options may allow programs to run better if redone.
Development support is promised or available from several suppliers (see
box). (68360 QUICC in QFP, $49.90 ea/10,000–available now; 68EN360, $59.
50 ea/10,000–samples in Sept.; QUADS development hardware $1,
995–available now.) Motorola, Inc., Phoenix, AZ Trey Oprendek
512-891-3434

CAPTION:

The 68360 QUICC is a full 32-bit outgrowth of the 68302 communications
processor with greatly increased capacity, both standalone or, as shown
here, as a slave processor in a 68040-based system.

BOX:

Development support for the 68360 is available or promised from the
following companies:

Applied Microsystems Corp. Redmond, WA Teri Vander Boegh 206-882-2000

Emulation Technology, Inc. Santa Clara, CA Joseph Bagliere
408-982-0660

EST Corp. Canton, MA Sales 617-828-5588

Hewlett-Packard Palo Alto, CA Information 800-447-3282

Metasphere, Inc. Los Altos, CA Information 415-948-8755

Microtec Research, Inc. Santa Clara, CA William Weinberg 408-980-1300

Microtek International, Inc. Hillsboro, OR Information 800-886-7333

Pacific Softworks, Inc. Camarillo, CA Glenn Russell 805-484-2128

Ready Systems Sunnyvale, CA Deborah Chalmers 408-736-2600

Software Development Systems, Inc. Oak Brook, IL Howard Axlerod
508-879-1050

Wind River Systems Alameda, CA Mary Stewart 510-748-4100

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