Chapter 6. System Compatibility
Chapter 6. System Compatibility
This chapter discusses some of the hardware, software, and BIOS compatibility issues for the computer.
Refer to
PC 300 Systems (6561/6591) Compatibility Report for a list of compatible hardware and software
options.
Hardware Compatibility
This section discusses hardware, software, and BIOS compatibility issues that must be considered when
designing application programs.
Many of the interfaces are the same as those used by the IBM Personal Computer AT. In most cases,
the command and status organization of these interfaces is maintained.
The functional interfaces are compatible with the following interfaces:
Intel 8259 interrupt controllers (edge-triggered mode)
National Semiconductor NS16450 and NS16550A serial communication controllers
Motorola MC146818 Time of Day Clock command and status (CMOS reorganized)
Intel 8254 timer, driven from a 1.193 MHz clock (channels 0, 1, and 2)
Intel 8237 DMA controller, except for the Command and Request registers and the Rotate and Mask
functions; the Mode register is partially supported
Intel 8272 or 82077 diskette drive controllers
Intel 8042 keyboard controller at addresses hex 0060 and hex 0064
All video standards using VGA, EGA, CGA, MDA, and Hercules modes
Parallel printer ports (Parallel 1, Parallel 2, and Parallel 3) in compatibility mode
Use the above information to develop application programs. Whenever possible, use the BIOS as an
interface to hardware to provide maximum compatibility and portability of applications among systems.
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Copyright IBM Corp. February 1998