SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS Z80 DART (Dual-Channel Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter)

Category: Electronics, Microprocessors Microcontrollers Peripheral ICS, STMicroelectronics Inc

Datasheet Overview

SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS presents the Z80 DART (Dual-Channel Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter), which is a significant peripheral component designed for microcomputer systems requiring asynchronous serial data communications. The device incorporates dual full-duplex channels that operate independently and are accompanied by separate modem controls, allowing for versatile communications requirements.

Key Features:

The datasheet highlights the device’s features, including quad-buffered Receiver Data Registers and a double-buffered transmitter to ensure smooth data processing. Noteworthy is the inclusion of programmable interrupt vector features, which facilitate rapid interrupt processing without the need for external logic thanks to the standard 280 peripheral daisy-chain interrupt structure.

Data rates are remarkably flexible, with the Z80 DART offering 0 to 500K bits/second at a clock speed of 2.5MHz, up to 800K bits/second with 4.0MHz, and as high as 1200K bits/second utilizing a 6.0MHz clock. Programmable options also provide a range of customizations including 1 or 2 stop bits, choice of even, odd, or no parity, and multiple clock modes (x1, x16, x32, x64). Additional functionalities include break generation and detection, as well as detection for parity, overrun, and framing errors.

Physical Specification and Logic Functions:

Available in a 40-pin Dual In-line Package (DIP), both in ceramic and plastic, as well as a plastic 44-pin Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC), the Z80 DART offers flexible integration options for hardware designs. In the realm of logic functions, it serves as a bidirectional serial-to-parallel and parallel-to-serial data converter and controller, complete with modem control capabilities for both communication channels. These modem control lines can alternatively be repurposed for general-purpose input/output (I/O) tasks in settings where modem controls are irrelevant.

The mention of Z80 SIO, a more versatile counterpart to the DART, indicates that users with requirements for both synchronous (Bisync, HDLC, and SDLC) and asynchronous operations might consider this alternative device.

The Z80 DART is built using n-channel silicon gate depletion-load technology, ensuring a robust electronic foundation for reliable operation. Those interested in purchasing this device are directed to refer to the ordering information provided at the datasheet’s conclusion.

The document footer indicates a publication date of February 1989, with document numbers 1814 and 225 listed, possibly for internal cataloging or reference purposes.