IOCP-74-104 : PC/104 Input/Output Coprocessor

• Highly integrated programmable I/O coprocessing module
• PIC Microcontroller operates independently from host
• Eight Digital I/O channels
• Five Analog input channels
• Two Analog output channels
• One RS-232/RS-485 serial port
• 2k of non-volatile EEPROM
• Prototyping area includes buffered PC/104 signals and SPI bus
• Easily programmed using common PIC languages (Assembler, C or BASIC)

The IOCP-74 is a high performance, user configurable, I/O processing sub-system for PC/104 bus computers. Designed to relieve the host from performing rudimentary I/O operations, it also provides a fast front-end response demanded by many real-time systems. A Microchip RISC processor controls on-board circuitry and executes any application specific computations or Logic operations. Any compatible processor such as PIC16F877 or PIC18F452 can be used. The IOCP-74 consolidates the most requested peripherals into one module. Standard functions include: Analog and Digital I/O, Counter/Timers, EEPROM and Serial Communications. A user can easily connect additional hardware by means of the prototyping area which accommodates both parallel and SPI type devices in through-hole and surface-mount packages. All module data variables and parameters are stored in a RAM array which the host accesses through a simple 8-bit sequential FIFO interface. This circuitry allows the exchange of relatively large blocks of data while occupying only eight host I/O locations. Further efficiencies are gained by using the module's software generated shared interrupt to request host service only when specific events occur.

The IOCP-74 comes with the IOCPbios, a set of assembly language routines and macros which directly control many of the module's core functions. The source code is supplied and fully illustrates the operation of the IOCP-74. Since most routines have already been developed, custom designs can be created quickly and with a higher degree of integrity by means of the proven software. To customize the module, a user simply merges the supplied PIC assembly language source code with any special software routines representing the specific application. The resulting code is then compiled and programmed into the microcontroller, creating the final design. Development effort and costs are greatly reduced by taking advantage of the vast amount of supplemental software, application information and third-party tools available for this very popular family of microcontrollers.