Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!lll-winken!lll-lcc!well!perry
From: perry@well.UUCP (Perry S. Kivolowitz)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga
Subject: Re: IEE-488 hardware (was Re: Studebakers)
Summary: More Info On Twin-X
Message-ID: <6322@well.UUCP>
Date: 19 Jun 88 02:07:09 GMT
References: <4400@gryphon.CTS.COM> <56089@sun.uucp> <1326@sbcs.sunysb.edu> <5559@utah-cs.UUCP>
Lines: 63

In article <5559@utah-cs.UUCP>, thomson@utah-cs.UUCP (Rich Thomson) writes:
> In article <56647@sun.uucp> cmcmanis@sun.UUCP (Chuck McManis) writes:
> >[ discussion of bare-bones bridgeboard to take advantage of IBM PC hardware ]
> >Advantages are...
> >	e) It allows programmers like those on this net, to get their 
> >	   hands on specialized hardware like IEEE-488 bus adapters
> >	   without having to invest in building the hardware.
> 
> ASDG has just announced their new board, the Twin-X, that allows you to use
> any two existing iSBX modules on a 2000 style slot.  This means that you can
> use A/D and D/A converters, digital I/O, servo controllers, stepper motor
> controllers, HPIB (IEEE-488) controllers, etc., etc.
> 

Twin-X is, in fact, ASDG's newest product for the A2000. It is a host
for any two IEEE-959 modules (also called iSBX modules (Trademark  of
Intel Corporation)). 

The SBX module  specification  the  defines  physical  and electrical 
characteristics  for 8 and 16 bit modules, both ``single'' and ``dou-
ble'' wide. Twin-X supports the SBX standard in all respects. 

Individual modules are identified to the Amiga by passing a unique id
through  to  an EXEC expansion rom field which can be used for such a
purpose. In  this way, any SBX module becomes a completely Amiga com-
patible expansion card. Each module position autoconfigures seperate-
ly in its own expansion space.

Though Twin-X implements all  conversion to  and from the Intel style
interface of the SBX module and the Motorola style interface found on
the Zorro bus, access to Twin-X is quite fast (at 600 nanoseconds).

ASDG recognizes that using Twin-X, an Amiga developer  has nearly in-
stant access to many  specialized  hardware devices  such  as stepper
motor controllers, DES  encryption  modules,  bubble  memory and many
other more esoteric  functions.  Twin-X throws open nearly every con-
ceivable market which until now  required  some  specialized hardware
support. As such, we  expect  our  initial  user  of Twin-X to be the 
Amiga software developer rather than the consumer. 

Towards this end, ASDG is gearing up to provide intensive aftermarket
support for software developers who will base applications around our
product. This includes driver and library development, documentation,
qualification of modules manufactured by the thirty or  so SBX module
makers already in existence, and the design of custom modules to  fit
specific needs.

We have already designed our own dual and quad port serial modules as
well as a high speed IEEE-488 (GPIB) module. These modules are avail-
able to  developers in  prototype form with preliminary software such
as it is. Other modules will follow as time passes.

In essence,  we  are preparing to  build a developer community within
the developer community. We will distribute software support develop-
ed by this  community under  terms to be agreed upon with the indivi-
dual developer. And, we will support our developers on Compuserve and
BIX.

I'd be happy to answer any and all questions about Twin-X and its mo-
dules here on Usenet if there is interest. As always, EMail to me  at
the WELL is haphazard.


Perry Kivolowitz