7526 DCT Reference


Functional Modes

The 7526 DCT operates in the 7525 Compatibility or Enhanced mode.

7525 Compatibility Mode

The 7525 Compatibility Mode is the default mode and the operation is like that of the 7525 DCT, models 1 through 4; it allows optional use of the additional extended features and Custom Function Routines (CFR's). This mode also allows access to all features not specifically served by the Enhanced mode.

In 7525 Compatibility Mode, the 7526 DCT will not generate DI&mdash.initiated transactions, or show that there is more than 32Kb of RAM installed. It will, however, use all of the RAM that is installed for files and transaction storage if so configured.

Enhanced Mode

The enhanced mode is entered by downloading extended File 0 and setting File 0, Byte 203 = 1 (Enhanced Mode), or executing the command CMD(3) P&mdash.Set Mode.

In the enhanced mode, data sent or the response from the DCT is changed for the following commands:

The enhanced mode also supports DI (digital input) initiated transactions, but does not require loading of the extended File 0 parameters if the default values are acceptable.

The primary differences between Enhanced Mode and 7525 Compatibility Mode are that the format of the transactions generated by the 7526 DCT, and the format of the responses to the commands listed above are changed. The 7526 DCT will understand commands sent in either format, regardless of the mode specified. It will also allow all functions (except DI&mdash.initiated transactions) in 7525 Compatibility Mode.

The asynchronous serial protocol and command set used by the 7526 DCT is compatible with the 7527 DCT, allowing both types of terminals to be used on a common communications line. The 7526 DCT uses lowercase a-y, 0-6 addressing, while the 7527 DCT uses uppercase A-Y, 0-6 addressing, to preclude conflicts except in the 0-6 range. There can be only one of 0-6 addresses on the same line. The 7525 terminals can also be on this line, however, addresses a-p will conflict with the 7526 DCT.

The following table depicts the addressing overlap among the DCTs.

Table 1. Addressing Overlap

+------------------+------------------+------------------+------------------+
|      A-Y         |      0-6         |      a-p         |      q-y         |
+------------------+------------------+------------------+------------------+
|      7527        |      7527        |      7525        |                  |
+------------------+------------------+------------------+------------------+
|                  |      7526        |      7526        |      7526        |
+------------------+------------------+------------------+------------------+
Refer to Appendix E. "Comparisons Between IBM 7525 and 7526 DCT Operations" for operational differences. 

Chapter 3. ROM Microcode Functions

The 7526 DCT's 128Kb ROM includes microcode for power-on self test (POST), diagnostics, setup and a control program for executing user-transaction programs and monitoring the assigned host port for commands and application downloads. Approximately 12Kb of the RAM is used by the microcode for tables, flags, structures, and work space.

The 7526 DCT microcode provides a set of functions and device drivers including real-time clock, timers, display, keypad, communications port, DI/DO (Digital Input/Digital Output) port; and bar code and magnetic decoding.

The 7526 DCT is software compatible with the 7525 DCT and provides additional features made possible through additional ROM space, new hardware design and RAM expandability up to 256Kb.

The 7526 DCT keypads are shown in Figure 1. and Figure 2.


Footnotes:

(3) Throughout this document, CMD represents command. For example, CMD A means Command A. The meanings of CMD P and all other communications commands are explained in Chapter 6. "Communications Control Commands".