KMV11 Programmable Communications Controller User Guide

This document is a User Guide for the KMV11 Programmable Communications Controller (EK-KMV11-UG-001), published by Digital Equipment Corporation in March 1983.

The guide provides comprehensive information on the KMV11, a microprocessor-based (DCT11 with PDP-11 instruction set) communication controller designed for Q-bus systems. It details how to use and program the controller, covering its functional elements and user-developed firmware control.

Key aspects covered in the document include:

1. General Description and Features: The KMV11 is capable of handling various bit-oriented (HDLC), byte-oriented (BSC), and asynchronous communication protocols. Its features include Direct Memory Access (DMA), a 7201 PUSART (Programmable Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) line controller chip, 4K bytes of EPROM for root firmware and self-test diagnostics, and 32K bytes of RAM for application firmware. It also supports on-board RS-422-A, RS-423-A, and RS-232-C electrical interfaces, and extensive modem signal support.
2. System Operation: It explains the communication between the host system and the KMV11 via Control and Status Registers (CSRs), outlining how root firmware manages diagnostic, application, and maintenance modes, and facilitates loading and starting user application firmware.
3. Installation: A step-by-step installation process is provided, covering pre-installation checks (mounting space, power requirements), M7500 module configuration (including detailed switch and jumper settings for addressing, vectors, and modem interfaces), modem cable assembly installation, and system testing using various functional diagnostics and system exercisers.
4. Application Firmware Development: This extensive section details the KMV11's I/O programming, including its memory map, I/O register assignments for the PUSART, Clock IC, Peripheral Port, and Q-bus control. It provides in-depth information on programming the line controller for different protocols, configuring line and real-time clocks, and managing peripheral ports and host interrupts at a bit-level.
5. Service and Diagnostics: The document outlines the maintenance philosophy (focusing on Field Replaceable Unit replacement), built-in diagnostic features (LED indicators, PROM-resident self-tests with loopback options), and external diagnostic software (VKMA, VKMB, VKMC, XKMD) designed to isolate faults.

In essence, the document serves as a complete technical guide for the deployment, configuration, programming, and troubleshooting of the KMV11 communications controller in a Q-bus environment.