Introduction

In the previous Unit, we have discussed the memory system for n compute1 >~stern that contains primary memory, secondary memory, high speed Inelnol y and their technologies; the memory system of micro-computers 1.e.. their chips and types of memory. Another important component in addition to discussing the memory system will be the input/output system. In this unit we will discuss input /Output controllers, device drivers, the structure of 110 interface, the 110 techniques. We will also discuss about the input / Output processors which were quite common in mainframe computers.

Objectives

At the end of this unit you should be able to:

• identify the structure of input/output interface;
• identify the concepts of device drivers and device controllers;
• describe the input/output techniques, i.e., programmed 110, interrupt-driven 110 and direct memory access;
• define an input/output processor
• describe external communication interfaces such as serial and parallel interfaces; and
• define interrupt processing
  
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