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From: fnh@coyote.philips.com (Fletcher Holmquist;6483;4.85;$0351)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.m68k
Subject: Re: Signetics 68070
Message-ID: <FNH.90Mar21121803@coyote.philips.com>
Date: 21 Mar 90 17:18:03 GMT
References: <11857@etana.tut.fi> <1990Mar20.171614.12694@chaos.cs.brandeis.edu>
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In-reply-to: topgun@chaos.cs.brandeis.edu's message of 20 Mar 90 17:16:14 GMT

In article <1990Mar20.171614.12694@chaos.cs.brandeis.edu> topgun@chaos.cs.brandeis.edu (Chandra Bajpai) writes:

   Path: philabs!linus!think!mintaka!chaos.cs.brandeis.edu!topgun
   From: topgun@chaos.cs.brandeis.edu (Chandra Bajpai)
   Newsgroups: comp.sys.m68k
   Date: 20 Mar 90 17:16:14 GMT
   References: <11857@etana.tut.fi>
   Organization: Brandeis University Computer Science Dept
   Lines: 16


   Does anybody have any information on the New 68070 Signetics microprocessor?

   It seems to have:
     - 68000 CMOS Core running at 16 Mhz
     - Dual DMA Channels
     - Serial Port
     - Timer
     - Built in MMU for Virtual Memory (128K Page Frames)

   Is this chip available?  What is Signetics asking for '070 in volumes?

   Thanks,

   Chandra Bajpai
   topgun@brandeis.cs.edu
=====
The 68070 has been out for a year in a 10MHz version, and the 15Mhz part
should be available from distributers now.  I do not know the price, but it
should be inexpensive.

Yes, it has:
  - 68000 CMOS Core running at 10 or 15Mhz
  - Dual DMA Channels (68450 compatible)
  - UART (2691 compatible)
  - Timer: 16-bit 
  - MMU (128 128Kb segments or 8 2Mb segments)
  - I2C Serial Bus (See below)
  - 68010-style exception handling
  - 16Mb address range
  - Interrupt decoding
  - 84-pin PLCC package

There is a matching Video and System Controller (VSC) which provides a DRAM
controller, video controller (768x560), byte-blitter and sundry system glue.
I have not used it, but it should be a good choice if you want a bit-mapped
display.  It is part number SCC66470B.

There is a hardware manual for the 68070, mine is dated 1988 (Philips).
The full title is "SCC68070 User Manual Part 1 - Hardware."  The manual for
the VSC should also be out now.  Ask a distributer.

One of the things I like about the 68070 is the I2C (Inter IC) bus.  It is a
100Kbit serial bus (data, clock and ground) with multiple masters and
arbitration.  It makes adding I2C parts easy, just connect three wires.  My
TV at home uses I2C parts for tuning, volume, tint, color, TOD clock and
EEPROM'd parameters.  I can tap in and read the status of or control these
ICs via an external 68070 system.  Get the I2C Data Handbooks (IC12a and 12b)
for data on available parts.

I do not speak for Philips.
---
fletch holmquist			robotics and flexible automation
fnh@philabs.philips.com			philips laboratories
(914) 945-6483				345 scarborough road
					briarcliff manor, ny, 10510
--
fletch holmquist			robotics and flexible automation
fnh@philabs.philips.com			philips laboratories
(914) 945-6483				345 scarborough road
					briarcliff manor, ny, 10510