Data Transfer

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Computer organization and microprocessor

Unit -5 24/4/2020

Data transfer techniques


Why is Data Transfer needed?

We can connect several I/O devices and memory peripherals to a microprocessor.


However, since different technologies are involved, there will be differences in the
speed of operation and of data transfer.
Usually, when memory is connected with the microprocessor, there isn’t a stark
difference in the processing speed since semiconductor memories are generally easily
compatible with microprocessors. However, this might not always be the case.
But the problem often arises when external peripherals are connected as I/O devices.
A slow I/O device won’t be able to transfer data at a satisfactory rate whenever the
microprocessor requests for data transfer. And usually, the peripheral devices do have
slower transfer rates than the processor. Maybe the processor might send two units of
information per second, but the external device might only accept 1 unit of
information per second. Or conversely, perhaps the external device expects quicker
transfers, but our microprocessor might be sending information a bit slower.
This might lead to severe data losses, or the devices might get damaged, or there
might even be chances for the system to slow down all over, thus affecting the overall
efficiency of the system.
To avoid this problem, a number of data transfer techniques have been devised.
Since constant communication is required between the external device and the
processor, these data transfer techniques play a crucial role in the efficient functioning
of the system with the externally connected devices.

Classification of Data Transfer Schemes


We can broadly classify the data transfer schemes into two modes – Serial Data
Transfer and Parallel Data Transfer.

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Data Transfer
As discussed earlier, we can broadly classify data transfer schemes into parallel data
transfer techniques and serial data transfer techniques. Let us understand the
differences between them.
SERIAL DATA TRANSFER TECHNIQUES PARALLEL DATA TRANSFER TECHNIQUES
Under this scheme, the data is transferred one bit at a Under this scheme, the data is transferred several bits
time. the same time.
It is a slower mode of data transfer. Data is transferred much quicker.
Serial data transfer is preferred when data is to be sent
Parallel data transfer is the preferred technique for sho
over a long distance and the cost of cables would be too
distance communication.
expensive.
For this mode, the transmitter first performs parallel – to
No such conversions are required at both the
– serial conversion and the serial – to – parallel
transmission and reception endpoints.
conversion at the receiver.
This mode requires a single line to transfer information. This mode requires multiple lines for data transfer.
As multiple bits are transmitted at the same time, there
Noise and errors are much lesser.
scope for more error and noise.
Cables used for serial communication are much thinner, Here, the cables are much shorter, and thicker compar
longer, and very economical. to the Serial communication cables.
This is a very reliable, inexpensive, and straightforward It is considered a little unreliable, expensive, and

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process. complicated process.

Parallel Data Transfer Techniques


We know that under the parallel data transfer scheme, multiple data bits can be
transmitted at the same time. Thus, for the Intel 8085, 8 bits of data are sent all
together using eight parallel lines. Let us go through the different types of parallel
data transfer schemes. We have:

 Programmed I/O Data Transfer


 Interrupt Driven I/O Data Transfer
 Device or Direct Memory Access (DMA) Data Transfer

Let us study each of these transfer schemes in detail.

Programmed I/O Data Transfer


 This is a straightforward scheme under parallel data transfer mechanisms. This
mode is generally preferred for simple, small microprocessor systems where
speed is critical.
 This method can work under the synchronous and asynchronous mode,
depending on the speed and architecture of the I/O devices.
 We also prefer this method when there is a small amount of information to be
exchanged between the microprocessor and other devices that are placed near
to the microprocessor. Example: Computer, printer, etc.

 Using the IN andand OUT instructions, data transfer is carried out between the
microprocessor and I/O devices.
 The processor reads the data from an input port or input device using the IN
command. The processor sends data out from the CPU to the output port or the
output device using the OUT instruction.
 Thus, as the speeds of the processor and external device match, the data
transferring process is carried out using the IN and OUT instructions.

Synchronous Data Transfer Method


 The word ‘Synchronous‘ means ‘taking place at the same time.’
 Thus, to establish communication between our processor and the device, we
need to set a common clock pulse. This common pulse synchronizes the
peripheral device with the 8085 microprocessor.

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 This method is used when the speed of the microprocessor, Intel 8085, in this
case, and the external peripheral device match with each other.
 If the device is ready to send data, it can indicate via the READY pin of
8085. Once the speeds match, the data transfer immediately begins, once a
signal is issued by the microprocessor to begin transferring. The
microprocessor need not wait for an extended period because of the matching
speeds.
 This technique of data transfer is seldom used to communicate with I/O devices
though. Because I/O devices compatible with the microprocessor’s speed are
usually not found.
 Hence, this method of data transfer is most commonly employed for
communicating with compatible memory devices.

Asynchronous Data Transfer Method


 When the speed of the I/O device is slower than that of the microprocessor, we
prefer the Asynchronous Data Transfer Method. As the speeds of both the
devices differ, the I/O device’s internal timing is entirely independent of the
microprocessor.
 Thus, they are termed to be ‘asynchronous‘ from each other. The term
asynchronous means ‘at irregular intervals.’

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