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EK-RQDX3-UG-001

November 1985

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Document:	RQDX3 Controller Module Users Guide
Order Number:	EK-RQDX3-UG
Revision:	001
Pages:	61
Original Filename:	EK-RQDX3_RQDX3_Controller_Module_Users_Guide_Nov85.pdf

OCR Text

EK-RQOX3-UG-001

=~~X

•.•••••••.
............

XX:::::::.:::
3I
............
•••
3I=~~X·······
XX:::::::.::

RQDX3
Controller Module
User's Guide

,
1

1st Edition, November 1985

© Digital Equipment Corporation 1985
All Rights Reserved
The material in this manual is for informational purposes and is subject to change
without notice.
Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may
appear in this manual.
FCC Notice: This equipment generates, uses, and may emit radio frequency
energy. The equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A computing device pursuant to SUbpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules,
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause interference, in which case the user, at his own expense, may be required to take measures to correct the interference.
Printed in U.S.A.
The manuscript for this book was created on a VAX-11/780 system and, via a
translation program, was automatically typeset by Digital's DECset Integrated Publishing System. The book w~s produced by Educational Services Development and
Publishing in Marlboro, MA.

The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:

mamaDmo™

DEC
DECmate
DECUS
DECwriter
DIBOL
MASSBUS

MicroPDP-ll
MicroVAX
PDP
PIOS
Professional
Rainbow
RSTS

RSX
RT
UNIBUS
VAX
VMS
VT
Work Processor

Contents
Preface
Chapter 1

RQDX3 Controller

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 1-1
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION .............................................................................. 1-2
RQDX3 Features .......................................................................................... 1-2
Performance Enhancements..................... .................................................... 1-4
Drives and Capacities Supported .................................................................. 1-4
Software Interface ........................................................................................ 1-4
M7555 Controller Specifications .................................................................. 1-5
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION ............................................................... ......... 1-6
Multi-Port Memory Subsystem..................... .................... ........................... 1-8
Microprocessor Subsystem ........................................................................... 1-9
T-l1 Address Space ................................................................................. 1-11
T -11 Interrupt Functions.. ......................................... .................. ............ 1-11
Q-Bus Interface Subsystem .......................................................................... 1-12
Programmed I/O Section.............. .................... ........ ................ ............... 1-12
Q-Bus DMA Controller Section................................................................ 1-13
Q-Bus Interrupt Section ........................................................................... 1-14
Disk Interface Subsystem ............................................................................. 1-14
Control of Communications ...................................................................... 1-15
Disk Drive Control and Status ................................................................. 1-15
Data Recovery and Separation................................................................. 1-16
Write Precompensation ............................................................................ 1-16

iii

Contents

Chapter 2

Controller Configuration and Installation

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 2-1
CONFIGURATION OF JUMPERS ................................................................... 2-1
Module Base Address............................................................ ....................... 2-2
Starting LUN ............................................................................................... 2-2
Jumper W23 ................................................................................................. 2-3
BA23 INSTALLATION .................................................................................... 2-4
Installing Three Drives........ ..... ... ............................................ ............ ........ 2-5
Installing Four Drives. .............. ... ................................................................ 2-6
BA123 INSTALLATION .................................................................................. 2-8
INTERRUPT VECTORS AND PRIORITY LEVELS ....................................... 2-9
DISK DRIVE CONFIGURATION .................................................................... 2-9

Chapter 3

Testing and Formatting

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 3-1
DIAGNOSITCS SOFTWARE ............................................................................ 3-1
MicroPDP-11 User Diagnostics ................................................................... 3-1
MicroPDP-11 Field Service Diagnostics .................................................. 3-1
XXDP+ Formatting with an RQDX3 Controller ...................................... 3-2
Formatting Help ...................................................................................... 3-4
RD/RX Exerciser Procedure .................................................................... 3-5
MicroVAX II System Diagnostics... .... ........ .... ................ .......... ....... ............. 3-8
Customer Version......... ............. .... .............. ............. ........... ....... ............. 3-8
Service Version ........................................................................................ 3-8

Chapter 4

Glossary of MSCP and DUP Commands

MSCP COMMANDS ......................................................................................... 4-1
DUP COMMANDS ........................................................................................... 4-2

Contents

Appendices

Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C

RQDX3 Backplane Pin Assignments
RQDX3 Controller Module Cable Signals
Supported Drive Geometries

FIGURES
1-1
1-2
1-3
1-4
1-5
1-6
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-7
A-I

RQDX3 Controller - Functional Partition ............................................ 1-7
Multi-Port Memory Subsystem Block Diagram .................................... 1-8
Microprocessor Subsystem Block Diagram .......................................... 1-10
T-ll Memory Map ............................................................................... 1-11
Q-Bus Interface Subsystem Block Diagram .......................................... 1-13
Disk Interface Subsystem Block Diagram ............................................ 1-15
Base Address Jumper Assignments ...................................................... 2-2
RQDX3 Jumper Installation Diagram ................................................... 2-3
BA23 Backplane Slots.......... ................................................................. 2-4
RQDX3 - BA23 Cabling Diagram ........................................................ 2-5
RQDX3/RQDXE - BA23-A/BA23-C Cabling Diagram ......................... 2-7
BA123 Backplane Slots......................................................................... 2-8
RQDX3 - BA123 Cabling Diagram ...................................................... 2-9
Dual Module Contact Finger Identification Diagram ............................ A-I

TABLES
1-1
1-2
2-1
2-2
2-3
3-1
A-I
B-1
B-2
C-l

Product Difference Matrix .... ............................. .................................. 1-3
Environmental Specifications ................................................................ 1-5
Typical Examples of Starting LUNs ..................................................... 2-2
W23 Installation .................................................................................... 2-3
Drive Assignment ............. .................................. .................................. 2-10
XXDP+ Diagnostic Programs ............................................................... 3-1
RQDX3 Module Finger Connections .................................................... A-2
Jl Connector Pinouts ............................................................................ B-1
Description of Connector Signals ......................................................... B-2
Supported Drive Matrix ....................................................................... C-l

Preface
The RQDX3 (M7555) controller module is a dual-height module designed for both
MicroPDP-ll and MicroVAX II systems. The module interfaces up to four logical
drive units to the system's Q22-Bus.
This manual defines the RQDX3 controller module and tells how to install it in both
BA23 and BA123 enclosures. This manual is designed for the following types of
users.
1.

Ones who may require an additional RQDXn disk controller

People who need advance knowledge about the RQDX3 controller module

Field Service personnel responsible for installing and maintaining RQDX3
controllers

Chapter 1 gives physical and functional descriptions of the RQDX3 controller. It
explains what the controller is and what it does.
Chapter 2 provides installation instructions for the BA23 and BA123 enclosures. It
also discusses how to configure RQDX3 jumpers for the following purposes.
1.

Standard base address

Starting ILogical Unit Numbers (LUNs)

Drive cable compatibility with RQDXl/RQDX2 controllers

Chapter 3 explains how to verify the operation of installed RQDX3 controller modules in the following manner.

vii

Preface

Chapter 4 contains a glossary of MSCP and DUP commands supported by the
RQDX3 controller module.
1.

What the RQDX3 controller self-test indications mean

What diagnostics are made available to the user and field engineer

How RD drive(s) are formatted and tested in a system that is using the
RQDX3 controller.
NOTE

This. document shows console displays for XXDP+ Diagnostics
and MicroVAX Maintenance System - Diagnostic Release Version 1.06.
Backup data is given in Appendices A and B. Appendix C provides the geometry
information of the drives supported at time of printing.
The following documents provide additional information and may be of interest to
RQDX3 controller module users.

Title

Document
Number

Microcomputer Interface Handbook
Microcomputer Memory Handbook
MicroPDP-ll Illustrated Parts Breakdown*
MicroPDP-ll Illustrated Parts Breakdownt
MicroPDP-ll Systems Maintenance Guide
MicroPDP-ll Systems Technical Manual*
MicroPDP-ll Systems Technical Manualt
MicroVAX II Systems Owner's Manual*
MicroVAX II Systems Owner's Manualt
MicroVAX II 630QY, 630QZ Technical Manual*
MicroVAX II 630QB Technical Manualt
RD51 Disk Drive Technical Description
RD52 Disk Drive Technical Description
RD53 Disk Drive Technical Description
RQDXE Expander Module User's Guide
RX50 Diskette Drive Technical Description

EB-20175-20
EB-18451-20
EK-OLCP5-IP
EK-BA123-IP
EK-MICII-SG
EK-MICII-TM
AZ-GLHAA-MC
AZ-FE05A-TN
AZ-FE08A-TN
AZ-GLOAA-MN
AZ-GLBAA-MN
EK-RD51A-TD
EK-RD52A-TD
EK-RD53A-TD
EK-RQDXE-UG
EK-RK50-TD

* BA23 Enclosure
t BA123 Enclosure

viii

RQDX3 Controller
INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides both physical and functional descriptions of the RQDX3 controller module. The physical description describes the attributes of the RQDX3
module by discussing the following.
1.

Features

Comparison with the RQDXl and RQDX2 controller modules

Performance enhancements

Supported drives

Physical and environmental specifications

The functional description explains the RQDX3 module's functions in terms of four
subsystems.
1.

Multi-port memory subsystem

Microprocessor subsystem

Q-Bus interface subsystem

Disk interface subsystem

1-1

RQOX3 Controller

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The RQDX3 controller is a dual-height module that interfaces up to four logical
drive units to the Q22-Bus. It uses a multi-port memory architecture that permits
the following operations in parallel.
•

Host data transfers

•

Disk data transfers

•

Microprocessor access to local data structures

Most of the data path functions are contained in two CMOS gate array devices,
which contain the hardware functions required to:
•

Implement the 3-port memory system

•

Provide the host processor interface

•

Provide support logic for the on-board microprocessor

•

Provide digital logic for the disk data separator

RQDX3 Features

The RQDX3 controller module offers these features.
1.

A dual-size module

Self-test capability

Q-Bus blockmode DMA data transfers in 16-, 18-, or 22-bit addressing modes

No sector interleave on hard disk drives for maximum data transfer rate

Various disk access performance optimizations

Hard disk geometry information stored on the disk surface, not in the
controller (this allows the support of future hard disk drives without
microcode changes).

1-2

RQDX3 Controller

Table 1-1 compares features common to the RQDXl, RQDX2, and RQDX3
controller modules.

Table 1-1

Product Difference Matrix

Feature

RQDXl

Controllers
RQDX2

RQDX3

Elevator seek algorithm

Yes

Buffered seeks

Yes

Overlapped seeks

Yes

Error Correction Code (ECC)

Yes

RX50 floppy support

Yes

Supports greater than 33 Mbyte
fixed disks

Yes

Number of logical units supported

Number of hard disks supported

Sector interleave

3:1

1:1

Q-Bus slot independent

Yes

Module size

Quad

Dual

LBNs/Track for hard disks

Location of disk geometry information

Controller's
microcode

Disk
surface

1-3

RQOX3 Controller

Performance Enhancements

The 3-port architecture optimizes RQDX3 controller operation, allowing these performance enhancements.
1.

Elimination of hard disk sector interleave

Overlapped seeks

Error correction

For RD52 and RD53 hard disks, the RQDX3 controller allows a 1:1 sector interleave on disk surfaces, reducing the average transfer time from 3.5 to 1.5 revolutions per track. For RD51 hard disks, the RQDX3 controller allows a 2:1 sector
interleave.
When multiple hard disks are attached to the controller, the seek pulses for each
drive are sent without waiting for a seek complete indication from the drive. The
drives are then polled for the first seek completion, at which time that data transfer operation is performed. This allows a percentage of the seek time to be overlapped with data transfers on another drive.
The controller performs retries to eliminate soft data errors. If a reasonable number of command specific retries cannot correct the data, then it is considered a
hard data error. For hard disk drives, an attempt will be made to correct this error
with an ECC algorithm. The algorithm is capable of detecting up to an II-bit burst
within a sector, but limits corrections to single bit errors.
On hard disk drives, sectors with hard errors indicating that the sector is defective
are automatically replaced with available replacement blocks. The total number of
replacement blocks on a drive is specified at format time and depends upon the
drive capacity.
Drives and Capacities Supported

The RQDX3 controller is capable of supporting four logical disk units with up to 16
surfaces per unit and 2048 tracks per surface. The module contains enough logic to
support a system front panel for four hard disk drives. For floppy disks there is no
front panel support.
Software Interface

The RQDX3 controller identification number returned to the host processor upon
interrogation is decimal 19.

1-4

RQOX3 Controller

M7555 Controller Specifications

This listing presents physical and operational specifications regarding the RQDX3
module while Table 1-2 describes the environmental specifications.

Overall dimensions
Height:
Width:
Length:

26.56 cm (10.46 in)
1.27 cm (0.5 in)
22.70 cm (8.94 in)

Power requirements
+5 Vdc ±5% at 2.48 A (typ.) 2.9 A (max.)
+12 Vdc ±5% at 0.06 A (typ.) 0.1 A (max.)

Bus Loads

1.9
0.5

Drives per controller

Up to four logical units

LSI-II bus-addressable
registers
2
Base drive address
(standard)

17772150 (octal) for 22-bit addressing
Set by operating system software

Vector

Table 1-2

Environmental Specifications

Specifications

Operating

Non-Operating

Temperature
Relative humidity
(noncondensing)
Maximum altitude

5°C-60°C (41°F-140°F)
10% to 95%

-40°C-66°C (-40°F-151°F)
10% to 95%

2.4 km (8,000 feet)

9.1 km (30,000 feet)

1-5

RQOX3 Controller

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

The RQDX3 module is a microprocessor-based peripheral controller operating
subordinate to a host processor. It responds to commands originated by its host
and executes a number of functions including the following.
•

Self-initializing

•

Performing internal diagnostics

•

Decoding of host command packets

•

Encoding of controller response packets

•

Controlling all disk operations

•

Transferring data on the Q-Bus via DMA cycles

Digital's proprietary Mass Storage Control Protocol (MSCP) defines communications between the host processor and the RQDX3 controller. The host originates
the communications handshake by sending command packets to the RQDX3 module. It completes the communications handshake by returning response packets to
the host.
The RQDX3 controller uses two sequential locations to form a communications port
with the host.
1.

Initialization and Poll (lP) register - the RQDX3 controller's standard base
address (17772150)

Status and Address (SA) register - the next sequential address (17772152)

RQDX3 controller functions are described in terms of multi-port memory,
microprocessor, Q-Bus interface, and disk interface subsystems. Refer to Figure
1-1 for a functional partition of the RQDX3 controller module.

1-6

RQDX3 Controller

CONTROL
INFORMATION

DATA

+
..

MSCP
PACKETS
AND
WORKSPACE

CONTROL
INFORMATION

FRONT PANEL BUS

___________ ..J

MR-16580

Figure 1-1

RQDX3 Controller - Functional Partition

1-7

RQDX3 Controller

Multi-Port Memory Subsystem

The multi-port memory subsystem is a 3-port RAM structure providing buffers for
data communicated between the various RQDX3 controller subsystems. It consists
of an 8 K X 16 static RAM, a memory controller, three ports, and various other
logic as shown in Figure 1-2. The RAM provides the following.
•

Data buffers

•

Command and response buffers

•

Microprocessor workspace
TO/FROM Q-BUS INTERFACE

T-11 DATA/ADDRESS BUS

TO/FROM
MICROPROCESSOR
SUBSYSTEM

T-11
ADDR

DISK
DMA
ADDRESS
POINTER

15 MHz

TO/FROM
DISK CONTROLLER
SUBSYSTEM

MR-16581

Figure 1-2 Multi-Port Memory Subsystem Block Diagram

1-8

RQOX3 Controller

The memory controller receives requests from the three ports and performs the
memory cycle for the highest priority requesting port. During a memory cycle, the
highest priority port is allowed to write or read the 8 K static RAM. The memory
controller sends port select signals (SEL) that grant priority to ports in accordance
with the following protocol.
•

Disk port - first priority

•

Q-Bus port - second priority

•

T -11 port - third priority

Each port receives addresses and data from its corresponding RQDX3 subsystem.
These addresses and data are held temporarily in port registers until the memory
controller grants that port access to the static RAM. The three ports interconnect
with the other RQDX3 subsystems as shown in Figure 1-2.
Microprocessor Subsystem

The microprocessor subsystem (Figure 1-3) is the central point of control. It supervises control of the following functions.
•

Self-Test diagnostics

•

MSCP command decode and response encode

•

Supervision of Q-Bus and disk subsystems

•

Performance optimization

•

Interface to the host's front panel which provides switches and status
indicators

1-9

RQOX3 Controller

As shown in Figure 1-3, the microprocessor subsystem is made up of aT-II
microprocessor chip, address latches, an EPROM memory, a fn>fit panel interface,
and priority granting interrupt logic.
TO/FROM
Q-BUS
INTERFACE
SUBSYSTEM

TO/FROM
T-11 PORT'

T-11 DATA/ADDRESS BUS

------.

TO/FROM
DISK
CONTROLLER
SUBSYSTEM

7.5 MHz

SELRX
TO PLL LOGIC

'PART OF MULTI-PORT
MEMORY SUBSYSTEM.

Figure 1-3

1-10

SELHDEN

FRONT
PANEL
INTERFACE 1 + - - - -

TO/FROM
CONNECTOR
J1

Microprocessor Subsystem Block Diagram

RQOX3 Controller

T -11 Address Space - T -11 address space consists of 32 K words that are
mapped as follows and as shown in Figure 1-4.
1.

16 K words dedicated to EPROM memory for the microcode

8 K words set aside for RAM space

8 K words set aside for the I/O page
177777

I/o PAGE REGISTERS
140000
8K X 16 RAM

100000
16K X 16 EPROM
FIRMWARE

000000
MR-16766

Figure 1-4 T -11 Memory Map
The T -11 front panel interface connects the RQDX3 controller module to switches
and status indicators in the host's manual control panel. (See connector 11 and the
50-wire flat cable shown in Figure 1-3.) Manual control panels of push-button
switches, status LEDs, and associated circuitry are provided with host systems.
Signals output from the T -11 front panel interface are buffered with open collector
inverters. Signals returned from the host's manual control panel are routed to the
T -11 microprocessor via front panel status logic which are also part of the T -11
front-panel interface.
T -11 Interrupt Functions - The T -11' s interrupt logic handles one non-maskable

power fail interrupt and seven maskable interrupts. Power fail interrupts have highest priority. Maskable interrupts have lower priorities (descending from 7 to 1).

1-11

RQDX3 Controller

Q-Bus Interface Subsystem

The Q-Bus interface subsystem is made up of three sections.
1.

The programmed I/O section, made up of the IP and SA logic

The Q-Bus DMA controller section

The Q-Bus interrupt section

Programmed 1/0 Section - The programmed I/O section of the RQDX3 controller includes IP and SA logic. The IP logic allows the host processor to create two
independent control strobes on the RQDX3 controller module: the IP WRITE and
the IP READ strobes. An IP WRITE to the base address (17772150) initializes the
RQDX3 controller module and interrupts the T -11 microprocessor. An IP READ
signals the module, allowing the DMA controller to begin a polling sequence of host
memory for command packets.
NOTE
Instructions for selecting the standard base address (17772150)
are included in Chapter 2.

The SA logic passes status and address information between the T -11 microprocessor and the host processor during the port initialization sequence. As shown in
Figure 1-5, the SA logic consists of SA READ and SA WRITE registers.
The SA READ register is written into by the T -11 microprocessor and read from
by the host processor. The SA WRITE register is written into by the host processor and read from by the T -11 microprocessor. This register passes MSCP command buffer addresses and the interrupt vector to the T -11 during initialization.
The programmed I/O section also provides PIO control logic, Q-Bus transceivers
(XCVRs), and internal buses that allow two-way communication with the host
processor via the Q-Bus.

1-12

RQDX3 Controller

a-BUS

rn-;;,s ;E~P;--"1
I SECTION
I
I
I
I
I

I
I

PIO ADDR
DETECT

PIO
ADDR
JUMPERS

0-22
15 MHz

ADDRESS
POINTER

T-11 DATA/ADDRESS BUS

TO/FROM
ADDR
REGISTERS

TO/FROM
a-BUS PORT

TO/FROM
T-11
MR-16583

Figure 1-5 Q-Bus Interface Subsystem Block Diagram
Q-Bus DMA Controller Section - The Q-Bus DMA controller section incorporates a DMA controller state machine and data path logic to perform the following
functions.

•

22-bit Q-Bus DMA addressing

•

16-bit DMA word counting

•

Q-Bus memory parity detection

•

Implementation of blockmode transfers

•

Timing to regulate Q-Bus activities

1-13

RQDX3 Controller

Q-Bus DMA transfers are started under program control by the T -11 microprocessor. The data path logic which supports Q-Bus DMA controller operations consists
of the following.
•

A DMA CTRL/Status register

•

A DMA word counter

•

A Q-22 address pointer

The following conditions cause the DMA controller to stop performing DMA data
transfers.
•

Word counter reaches zero

•

Non-existent memory errors reported

•

Q-Bus memory parity errors occur

•

IP WRITE

•

Q-Bus initialization sequence

•

Transfer halted by microprocessor

Q-Bus Interrupt Section - The Q-Bus interrupt logic consists of the vector regis-

ter and interrupt control logic shown in Figure 1-5.
During the interrupt sequence, the contents of the interrupt vector register are
gated to the Q-Bus as a vector. The MSCP initialization function supplies the T-ll
microprocessor with the vector number and the microprocessor loads this number
into the vector register.
Disk Interface Subsystem

The disk controller subsystem provides control and data path functions for both
floppy and hard disk drives. It is made up of the following functional elements
which are also shown in Figure 1-6.
1.

Disk controller chip

Drive control and status logic

Data recovery circuit

Write pre compensation logic

1-14

RQOX3 Controller
TO/FROM
T-ll PORT

TO/FROM
DISK
DMA
ADDRESS
POINTER

TO/FROM
T-l1
MICROPROCESSOR

DISK CONTROLLER
CHIP

14---,--- 10 MHz

WRT GATE
STATUS

CONr

ROL

CONNECTOR Jl

Figure 1-6 Disk Interface Subsystem Block Diagram
Control of Communications - The disk controller chip permits the T -11
microprocessor to supervise control of communications between attached disk
drives and the RQDX3 controller module. The disk controller chip sequentially
executes a number of RQDX3 functions.

To implement the following operations and functions, the disk controller chip executes sequences that are queued by the T -11 microprocessor.
•

DMA data transfers between the on-board sector buffers and attached disk
drives

•

Error detection

•

Interruption of the T -11 microprocessor upon completion of current operation,
or when errors are detected

Disk Drive Control and Status - As shown in Figure 1-6, the disk controller
chip interconnects with the drive control and status logic via the AUX bus. The
drive control logic passes control signals which are routed to the disk drives. The
drive status logic returns drive status signals to the disk controller chip via the
AUX bus.
1-15

RQDX3 Controller

Data Recovery and Separation - The RQDX3 data separator has been designed
to receive and convert the MFM encoded data stream into an NRZ data stream
and a READ CLK. Received data comes from the disk and converted data and the
READ CLK go to the disk controller chip. The RQDX3 data separator is designed
to operate at the following data frequencies.

5 MHz MFM ENCODED DATA from ST412 Winchester disks, type RDxx

500 kHz MFM ENCODED DATA from high-speed, high-density floppy disks

250 kHz MFM ENCODED DATA from standard, double-density floppy disks

Write Precompensation - The precomp block (see Figure 1-6) represents a
delay line and a multiplexer used by the disk controller chip to provide write
pre compensation for hard disks.

Write pre compensation for floppy disk drives is provided internally by the disk
controller chip.

1-16

Controller Configuration and Installation
INTRODUCTION

This chapter discusses how to configure RQDX3 jumpers and provides installation
instructions for the BA23 and BA123 enclosures. It also includes information
regarding interrupt vectors, priority levels, and disk drive configurations.
CONFIGURATION OF JUMPERS

RQDX3 controller jumpers are installed as required to assign the following.
•

The module base address

•

Starting LUN

•

Drive cable compatiblity with RQDXl/RQDX2 Oumper W23)
NOTE
All MSCP devices (including the RQDX3 controller) have the
same standard base address (17772150). If a conflict exists
between the RQDX3 and a second MSCP device, the base
address of either one of them, the RQDX3 or the other MSCP
device, must be changed to a system-specific value in the
floating address space.

2-1

Controller Configuration and Installation

Module Base Address

The module base address is configured by installing jumpers W02, W04, W05,
W09, and W11 and removing jumpers W01, W03, W06, W07, W08, and W10 as
shown in Figure 2-1. Address bits 13-15 are always asserted high because they
are jumpered permanently by hard wire connections.

I I I
1

JUMPERS

13
1

~
W11

IoI
W10

I oIo I

~
W09

W08

W07

07
0

W06

W05

W04

~
W03

W02

W01

Ix IxI

1 :;::: JUMPER INSTALLED
0:;::: JUMPER REMOVED
X:;::: DON'T CARE CONDITION
MR·16767

Figure 2-1

Base Address Jumper Assignments

Starting LUN

The starting LUN equals the binary number represented by jumpers W12 (LSB)
through W17 (MSB) multiplied by 4. When jumpers W12 through W17 are removed as shown in Figure 2-2, a starting LUN of 0 is selected. Refer to Table
2-1 for typical examples.

Table 2-1

Typical Examples of Starting L UN s

Starting

Jumpers
Installed

Jumper Representations
Binary
Decimal

None*
W12 (LSB)
W13
W13 and W12
W14

000000
000001
000010
000011
000100

LUN
o
4
8
12
16

* Factory configuration

2-2

o
1

2
3
4

Controller Configuration and Installation

(COMPONENT SIDE)

RQDX3 CONTROLLER
(M7555)

W02

.....
o
o 0

W01

......
......

W03

.....

W07

W04
WOO
W23

LED

10 0

W12

...... 1

10' 01

432 1

W13

[]O

W14
W15 0 0
o 0 W16
W17 0 0

W08
W10

o 0
o 0
o 0

.....
o 0

W05

WOg
W11

MR·16713

Figure 2-2

RQDX3 Jumper Installation Diagram

Jumper W23
Jumper W23 is installed as specified in Table 2-2.

Table 2-2

W23 Installation

Points
1

Remarks

The factory configuration; it allows the
HEADSEL 3 (L) and REDUCWRTI (L) signals to
be tied to the saine connector pin (pin 22 of J1).

W23 connected between points 2 and 3 ties the
HEADSEL 3(L) signal to pin 9 of J1, and the
REDUCWRTI (L) signal to pin 22 of J1.

W23
0

2-3

Controller Configuration and Installation

BA23 INSTALLATION

The RQDX3 controller module plugs into any available slot on the BA23 backplane
except the CD positions of slots 1-3 as shown in Figure 2-3. Slots 1-3 are
reserved for CPU and memory modules. For backplane pin assignments (mating
pins AAI-AVI and BAI-BVl), refer to Appendix A.

BACKPLANE
SLOT

BACKPLANE ROWS
b

O-BUS

CD INTERCONNECT

O-~US

CD INTERCONNECT

O-BUS

CD INTERCONNECT

O-s'US

O-BUS

O-~US

O-B~S

o-lus

O-BUS

O-~US

o-BLs

o-Jus

O-BUS

NOTES:
PRIORITY INTERRUPTS AND DMA BUS GRANT D.l\ISY CHAIN
SHOWN BY ARROWS.
THE RODX3 CAN PLUG INTO ANY UNUSED O-BUS SLOT AS LONG
AS THE DAISY CHAIN REMAINS INTACT.
MR·16768

Figure 2-3

2-4

BA23 Backplane Slots

Controller Configuration and Installation

Installing Three Drives

Figure 2-4 shows typical cabling for one disk and two diskette drives. As shown,
connector J1 on the RQDX3 controller interconnects with connector J3 on the
BA23-A distribution panel via a ribbon cable. The BA23-A distribution panel is part
of the interface allowing the RQDX3 module to run one disk and two diskette
drives, which are installed in ports 0 and 1 of the BA23 enclosure. For BA23
installation details, refer to the appropriate MicroPDP-11 manual.

BC02D-1O
(RIBBON
CABLE)

RQDX3

(M7555)

Figure 2-4

RQDX3 - BA23 Cabling Diagram

2-5

Controller Configuration and Installation

Installing Four Drives

Figure 2-5 shows typical cabling for two disk and two diskette drives. The RQDX3
module is interconnected with the RQDXE expander module, and the RQDXE module is interconnected with both the BA23 and the BA23-C distribution panels via
separate cables. Point-to-point interconnections are as follows.
•

RQDX3 J1 to RQDXE J2 via cable BC02D-01

•

RQDXE J1 to BA23-A distribution panel connector J3 via cable BC02D-1D
The BA23-A distribution panel is part of the interface allowing the RQDX3
module to run one disk and two diskette drives, which are installed in ports 0
and 1 of the BA23-A.

•

RQDXE J3 to BA23-C distribution panel connector J3 via cable BC02D-04

Connector J3 on the RQDXE interconnects with the BA23-C distribution panel via
cable BC02D-04. This allows the RQDX3 to drive a second disk which is installed
in port 0 of the BA23-C expansion box.
For a pinout of connector J1 on the RQDX3 controller, refer to Appendix B.

2-6

Controller Configuration and Installation

RQDX3

BC02D-1D

t
FRONT PANEL

PORT 1 (BLANK)

RD5 n

Figure 2-5

RQDX3/RQDXE - BA23-A/BA23-C Cabling Diagram

2-7

Controller Configuration and Installation

BA123 INSTALLATION

The RQDX3 controller module plugs into any available Q-Bus slots on the BA123
backplane except the CD positions of slots 1-4 and slot 13 as shown in Figure 2-6.

BACKPLANE
SLOTS

BACKPLANE ROWS
c
b

Q-BUS

CD INTERCONNECT

Q-BUS

CD INTERCONNECT

Q-BUS

CD INTERCONNECT

Q-BUS

CD INTERCONNECT

5-12

Q-BUS

RESERVED
FOR
FUTURE USE

SIGNAL
DISTRIBUTION
BOARD

MR-16769

Figure 2-6 BA123 Backplane Slots
Refer to the appropriate MicroVAX II Technical Manual for BA123 backplane configuration rules. These rules specify plug-in priorities for BA123 backplane modules. Connector J1 on the RQDX3 controller interconnects with a connector on the
BA123 signal distribution board via a ribbon cable as shown in Figure 2-7. Refer to
Appendix B for the J1 pinout.
The BA123 system box is designed such that separate drive slots are permanently
connected to a specific DRVSELn signal. This is done to eliminate the need to
configure the disk drives to respond to different DRVSELn signals. Please refer to
the MicroPDP-11 or the MicroVAX II 630QB technical manuals for full descriptions of the BA23 and the BA123 system boxes.
Therefore, drives installed in the BA123 enclosure and connected via the signal
distribution board are configured automatically, and it is not necessary to configure
the drive select jumpers on these drives.

2-8

Controller Configuration and Installation

* PLUGS INTO SLOT 13, ROWS C-D, OF BA 123 BACKPLANE.

Figure 2-7

RQDX3 - BA123 Cabling Diagram

INTERRUPT VECTORS AND PRIORITY LEVELS

Interrupt vectors for MSCP controllers are set under program control. When the
RQDX3 controller is the first MSCP device installed in the system, it is assigned a
fixed interrupt vector of 154. If more MSCP devices are installed, they will be
assigned floating interrupt vectors.
The RQDX3 controller's interrupt priority level is 4.
DISK DRIVE CONFIGURATION

The disk drives connected to the RQDX3 controller must be configured so each
drive responds to a different DRVSELn output signal from the controller.
The RQDX3 assigns LUNs to the physical drives based upon the drive select
jumper in the disk drive and the number of drives in the system. The controller
looks for disk drives in the following order of drive select settings.
1.

DRVSEL3

DRVSEL4

DRVSEL1

DRVSEL2
2-9

Controller Configuration and Installation

Starting with the LUN base address set with the jumpers, responding drives are
assigned the next available LUN. Because of this action, there will be no gaps in
the LUN numbering of drives connected to the controller.
As an example, consider a system with an RD52 disk drive set to respond to drive
select 3 and a dual floppy RX50 diskette drive set to respond to drive selects 1 and
2. The drives on this system would be assigned as specified in Table 2-3.

Table 2-3

Drive Assignment

Disk

Assignment

RD52
RX50
RX50

(Binary LUN jumper setting) * 4 + 0
(Binary LUN jumper setting) * 4 + 1
(Binary LUN jumper setting) * 4 + 2

For hard disk drives, configuration is usually performed via a set of four push-on
jumpers or breakable metallic strips. One jumper is installed, or a metallic strip is
not broken, to connect the drive to a specific DRVSELn signal. Refer to the appropriate drive manual for a description of how to configure the specific drive in
question.
The RX50 floppy disk drive is factory configured to respond to the DRVSELI and
DRVSEL2 signals. This leaves the DRVSEL3 and DRVSEL4 signals available for
hard disk drive selection.
CAUTION

Systems incorrectly configured to allow multiple drives to
respond to the same DRVSELn signal will cause unpredictable
results and possible loss of data and format information from
the disk surface.

2-10

Testing and Formatting
INTRODUCTION

The RQDX3 controller module tests itself when it is powered up and when initialized by the host system. This testing capability verifies operation of the RQDX3
module's internal functional elements. A successful test takes 7-10 s. During host
initialization, test time is shorter (less than 1 s).
At the beginning of testing, the RQDX3 module's LED is lit. If the test is
successful, the LED goes OFF.
DIAGNOSTICS SOFTWARE

User diagnostics and Field Service diskettes are used to verify system operation.
These diskettes usually isolate faults to Field Replaceable Units (FRUs). FRUs
include the RQDX3 (M7555) controller and any connected disk or diskette drives.
MicroPDP-11 User Diagnostics

User diagnostics detect system errors and isolate errors to FRUs. They do not
isolate errors below the FRU level. The user diagnostics are visible to the user as
two diskettes. Use of these diskettes does not require familarity with XXDP+
diagnostic supervisor software.
1.

User Test 1 - Detect System Errors

User Test 2 - Isolate Error to FRUs

MicroPDP-11 Field Service Diagnostics - A set of five Field Service diskettes
provide the XXDP+ diagnostic programs (Table 4-1) required to test the RQDX3
controller module as well as format disks using the RQDX3 module.

Table 3-1

XXDP+ Diagnostic Programs

Program

Title

ZRQC??
ZRQA??

RQDX3 formatter
RD /RX exerciser

3-1

Testing and Formatting

XXDP+ Formatting with an RQDX3 Controller - The following formatting procedure is an example of formatting a MicroPDP-ll system with an RQDX3 controller module. Procedures for other systems may differ.
NOTE
New drives or drives originally formatted with an RQDX1 or
RQDX2 controller must be re-formatted using the RQDX3
controller.
CAUTION
Formatting an RD5n fixed disk destroys any files that are present on the disk. If you think that files exist, make a backup
copy before you proceed. Write-protect any other fixed disk
drives that are present. Refer to your software documentation
for instructions.

To format a RD disk drive with the RQDX3 formatter program and the RQDX3
controller, perform the following procedural steps. This procedure assumes that the
RQDX3 module is the first installed MSCP device.
NOTE
Please be advised that your console displays may differ from
those shown herein because you may be using updated
diagnostics.
1. Install the Field Service diskette 4 (CZXD4DO) into the appropriate RX50 slot.

2. When the console displays or prints the XXDP+ prompt (.)
type R ZRQC?? and press the Return key.
3. When the console displays or prints
DR>

type START and press the Return key.
4. When the console displays or prints
CHANGE HW (L) ?

type Y and press the Return key.
5. When the console displays or prints
# UNITS (D)?

type the digit 1 (for one unit) and press the Return key.
3-2

Testing and Formatting

6. When the console displays or prints
IP ADDRESS (0) 172150 ?

press the Return key if the RQDX3 module is the first MSCP device.
7. When the console displays or prints
VECTOR ADDRESS (0) 154

press the Return key if the RQDX3 controller is the first MSCP device.
8. When the console displays or prints
AUTO FORMAT MODE (L) Y ?

type Y (yes) and press the Return key.
9. When the console displays or prints
LOGICAL DRIVE (0-255) (D) 0 ?

press the Return key if the RQDX3 controller is the first MSCP device.
10. When the console displays or prints
DRIVE SERIAL NUMBER (1-32000) (D) ?

type your serial number (XXXXx.) and press the Return key.
11. When the the console displays or prints
WARNING ALL DATA ON THIS DRIVE WILL BE DESTROYED

followed by
PROCEED TO FORMAT THE DRIVE (L) N ?

type Y and then press the Return key to begin the drive format if all user
data is backed up.
12. When the console displays or prints
MSCP CONTROLLER MODEL# :19
MICROCODE VERSION #
FORMAT BEGUN

wait about 35 min to allow the formatting to be completed.
13. When the console displays or prints
FORMAT COMPLETED

remove the diskette.

3-3

Testing and Formatting

Formatting Help - For formatting help and information, refer to the following list
of the most commonly reported error messages generated by the formatter
program.
(1)

DUP PROTOCOL ERROR, UNEXPECTED MESSAGE

This is a hardware error indicating a problem with the disk drive or its
configuration. Insure the proper configuration.
(2)

CONTROLLER DOES NOT EXECUTE LOCAL PROGRAMS OR NON STD
DUP DIALOG PROGRAM

This can be either a hardware or software error. Check for proper controller
configuration or for a defective controller.
(3)

CONTROLLER IN AN UNEXPECTED ACTIVE STATE

This can be a wrong microcode version or a defective disk drive being used.
Re-run the formatting procedure and if the same error message is displayed, check
the new controller for ECOs or microcode.
(4)

CONTROLLER NEVER ADVANCED TO NEXT STEP

This is a controller initialization error. Check the controller IP address and insure
that no other device has the same address.
(5)

CONTROLLER INITIALIZED TIMEOUT

The controller is defective or the Q-Bus is not operating. Re-run the formatter.
(6)

WRONG MODEL NUMBER ON CONTROLLER

The wrong formatter is being used. Check the title of the diskette inserted in the
RX50 diskette drive.
(7)

NXM TRAP AT THE CONTOLLER IP ADDRESS

Wrong configuration controller IP address. Check the jumpers on the controller.
(8)

UNEXPECTED OR DELAYED CONTROLLER INTERRUPT

Controller being interrupted by a system device. Re-run the formatter program.

3-4

Testing and Formatting

(9)

FATAL SA ERROR CTLR OFFLINE

Controller error. Check controller configuration and re-run the formatter. If this
error occurs during re-run, then the controller is defective.
(10) BAD RESPONSE PACKET RETURN

A software controller error. Re-run the formatter.
(11) NO PROGRESS SHOWN AFTER A CMD HAD TIMED OUT

This can be either a hardware disk drive error or a drive with many revector
blocks. Let the formatter program run a few more minutes to see if the error
condition occurs again. If error condition does not reoccur, the disk drive is probably defective. If error condition reoccurs, the drive contains many revector blocks.
(12) GET DUST CMD TIME-OUT AFTER ANOTHER CMD TIME-OUT

Controller and host are out of sync. Check the controller for electrical interconnections (cables and backplane) and reboot the system.
RD/RX Exerciser Procedure - This sample of the RD/RX procedure assumes a
configuration that comprises four logical units, one RX50 disk drive and two RD
disk drives.
NOTE
This procedure assumes all user data has been backed up. If
only one drive needs to be tested, make sure all other drives
are write-protected and off-line.

After successfully formatting the RD disk(s), select the exerciser program by typing R ZRQA?? after the XXDP+ prompt (.) and press the Return key. The
console displays or prints the following.
DRSXM-AO
ZROA-G-O
RD/RX EXERCISER
UNIT IS RODX or RUX50
RESTART ADDRESS 141656
DR>

3-5

Testing and Formatting

Remove the diagnostic diskette from the RXSO unit and replace it with the scratch
diskettes. Run the exerciser program as follows.
1. When the console displays or prints the DRS prompt, type START and press
the Return key.
2. When the console displays or prints
Change HW (L) ?

type Y and press the Return key.
3. When the console displays or prints

# UNITS (D) ?
type 4 and press the Return key.
4. When the console displays or prints
unit 0
IP address (0) 172150 ?

press the Return key if the RQDX3 module is the first MSCP device.
5. When the console displays or prints
Vector (0) 154 ?

press the Return key if the RQDX3 module is the first MSCP device.
6. When the console displays or prints
BR level [usually 4-RQDX 5-RUX50] (0) 4 ?

press the Return key.
7. When the console displays or prints
Drive number (D) 0 ?

type 0 and press the Return key.

3-6

Testing and Formatting

8. When the console displays or prints
Also run DUP exerciser (L) N ?

press the Return key.
9. When the console displays or prints
Test entire customer area of the disk (L) Y ?

press the Return key.
10. When the console displays or prints
Write on customer data area of this disk unit (L) ?

type Y and press the Return key.
11. When the console displays or prints
WARNING - CUSTOMER DATA AREA MAY BE
OVERWRITTEN ! ... CONFIRM (L) ?

type Y and press the Return key.
The diagnostic will repeat the above procedure for units 1 to 3. Type in the same
responses except for the drive number prompts which will be 1-3 respectively.
12. When the console displays or prints
Change SW (L) ?

type N and press the Return key to select defaults. (Refer to diagnostic
listings to change parameters if desired.)
13. When the console displays or prints
FUNCTIONAL TEST STARTED
EXERCISER STARTED

the RQDX exerciser procedure is completed.

3-7

Testing and Formatting

MicroVAX II System Diagnostics

MicroVAX Maintenance System (MMS) diagnostics provide the programs necessary
to verify operation of all MicroVAX system components, including the RQDX3
module. Two MMS versions are available.
1.

Customer Version (MMS Menu 1)

Service Version (MMS Menu 2)

The main difference between the two versions is that the customer version
supports system test, LIST, and EXIT commands only, while the service version
supports all system commands.
Customer Version - The customer version is loaded from diskettes which are
supplied with the system. This version implements the MAIN MENU which checks
out installation configurations. Incorrect installations are evident to system users
when devices known to be physically installed are not found by the MAIN MENU.
Service Version - The service version implements all menus and is loaded from

diskettes purchased separately by the user. RQDX3 formatting programs and exerciser tests are run using the SERVICE MENU.
The SERVICE MENU permits the user to select both the RD/RX utility exerciser
and the RQDX3 formatting programs. The following formatting procedure is an
example of formatting a MicroVAX II system with an RQDX3 controller module.
Procedures for other systems may differ.
NOTE
New drives or drives originally formatted with an RQDX1 or
RQDX2 controller must be re-formatted using the RQDX3
controller.
CAUTION
Formatting an RD disk drive destroys any files that are present
on the disk. If you think that files exist, make a backup copy
before you proceed. Write-protect any other fixed disk drives
that are present. Refer to your software documentation for
instructions.

3-8

Testing and Formatting

To run the MDM formatting and utility testing programs for diagnostic release
version 1.06 follow these steps.
NOTE
The console displays shown herein are typical examples only.
They may differ from your displays because you may be using
updated MicroVAX maintenance diagnostics.

1. Install service version diskette number 1 into the appropriate RX50 slot and

boot the system.
2. The console displays or prints the following line.
MICROVAX MAINTENANCE SYSTEM - DIAGNOSTIC RELEASE 1.06

NOTE
After diskette 1 has been loaded, MOM will prompt you to load
the remaining diskettes. Follow the instructions displayed or
printed on the console until MOM says your system is ready for
testing.

3. The MAIN MENU is displayed or printed.

,..

MAIN MENU
1 - Test the system
2 - Display System Configuration and Devices
3 - Display the Utilities Menu
4 - Display the Service Menu
5 - Exit MicroVAX Maintenance System
Type the number; then press the RETURN key. >

MR· 17040

NOTE
System configuration won't show RD disk drives configured with
an RQOX3 controller if the formatter has not been run
successfully.

3-9

Testing and Formatting

4. When the MAIN MENU is displayed or printed, type 4 and press the Return
key, enabling the user to enter the SERVICE MENU.

,..

SE:RVICE MENU
CAUTION: This menu is intended for use by qualified service
personnel only. Misuse of the commands could destroy
data.
1 - Set test and message parameters
2 - Exercise system continuously
3 - Display the device menu
4 - Enter system commands
Type the number; then press the RETURN keyortypeOand press the RETURN
key to return to the main menu. >

MR -17041

5. Set the test and message parameters by typing 1 and press the Return key,
allowing· the following console display or printout.

SERVICE MENU
TEST AND MESSAGE PARAMETERS
PARAMETER

SETTING

1. - Display test progress messages ......................................... DISABLED
2. - Display detailed error messages ......................................... DISABLED
3. - Stop testing on error ............................................................. DISABLED
4. - Ring bell on error ............•...................................................... DISABLED
Type the number of the parameter and press the RETURN key to
reverse the setting or type 0 and press the RETURN key to
return to the previous menu. >

MA -17042

NOTES
a. To enable parameter 1, type "1" and return.
b. To enable parameter 2, type "2" and return. The settings will now
be displayed as enabled for parameters 1 and 2.
c. Return to service menu by typing "0" and return.

3-10

Testing and Formatting

6. To select the DEVICE MENU, type 3 and press the Return key, allowing the
following console display or printout.

,..
SERVICE MENU
DEVICES
This menu lets you enable or disable testing for
devices and perform functional and exerciser tests
on a selected device
1 - CPUA - MicroVAX CPU
2 - MEMA - MicroVAX memory system
3 - RQDXA - Winchester/diskette controller
4 - TK50A - Cartridge tape controller
5 - DEQNAA - Ethernet controller
6 - DHVll A - 8 line asynchronous multiplexer
Type the number; then press the RETURN key or type 0
and press the RETURN key to return to the previous menu.>

...
17043

7. To select RQDXA functions, type 3 and press the Return key, allowing the
following console display or printout.

,..
SERVICE MENU
DEVICES
RQDXA - Winchester/diskette controller
Testing is ENABLED
1 - Enable/disable testing for device
2 - Perform all functional tests
3 - Perform the exerciser test
4 - Display the device utilities menu
Type the number; then press the RETURN key or type 0
and press the RETURN key to return to the previous menu.>

3-11

Testing and Formatting

8. To select the device utilities menu, type 4 and press the Return key, allowing
the following console display or printout.

SERVICE MENU
DEVICES
RODXA - Winchester/diskette controller
UTILITY PROGRAMS AND TESTS
Utility selections are:
1 - Formatter for RD53, RD52 and RD51 Winchester.
2 - Utility MSCP Exerciser
Type the number; then press the RETURN key or type 0
and press the RETURN key to return to the previous menu. >

MA-17045

9. To select the formatter for Winchester drives, type 1 and press the Return
key, allowing the following display or printout.

,..

RUNNING A UTILITY SERVICE TEST
To halt the test at anytime and return to the previous menu, type" C by holding
down the CTRL key and pressing the C key.
RODXA Started
RODXA pass 1 test number 1 started.
WARNING, this utility will destroy any user data on the
selected drive.

MR-17046

3-12

Testing and Formatting

10. When the console displays or prints
Do you want to continue [YES=1, (NO=O)] ?

type 1 and press the Return key, assuming user data is backed up.
11. When the console displays or prints
Do you want to use the "AUTOFORMAT" mode [(Yes=1), No=O]:=

type 1 and press the Return key.
12. When the console displays or prints
What unit do you want to format (0-3) ?

type 0, 1, 2 or 3, depending on whatever unit you wish to select and press
the Return key.
13. When the console displays or prints
Is this the correct unit number? [(Yes=1), No=O] :=

type 1 and press the Return key.
14. When the console displays or prints
Please enter the date [MM-DD-YYYY] :=

type today's date and press the Return key.
15. When the console screen displays or prints
Please type in a six digit serial number :=

type in the serial number located on the disk drive and press the Return key.
16. When the console displays or prints
FORMAT BEGUN

allow about 35 min for the formatting to be implemented successfully.
17. When the console displays or prints
The controller reported a successful termination of the format command

3-13

Testing and Formatting

If a failure occurs during the time allowed for formatting, the following console
display or printout is obtained.

- THE WINCHESTER DRIVE IS OFFLINE.
- THE WINCHESTER DRIVE IS WRITE PROTECTED.
- THE DRIVE IS DEAD.
- BAD BLOCK INFORMATION SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SPECIFIED.
- THE CABLES GOING TO THE DRIVE ARE NOT MAKING CONTACT.
- A NON-EXISTENT DRIVE HAS BEEN SPECIFIED.
- THE DRIVE SELECT SWITCHES ARE SET WRONG.

MA·17047

18. Mter formatting has been completed successfully on the RD drive(s), go back
to the menu shown in Step 7, type .2 and press the Return key as required to
select the functional tests. Allow the functional tests to run one pass with no
errors.
19. Go back to the menu shown in Step 7, type 3 and press the Return key as
required to select the exerciser tests. Allow the exerciser tests to run three
passes with no errors.
20. Go back to the menu shown in Step 4, type 2 and press the Return key as
required to exercise the system. Allow the system to complete system tests
successfully.
Mter successful completion of the system tests, the customer can restore data and .
bring up system software. However, if a drive problem is experienced while running the functional and exerciser tests, run the RQDX device utility to help isolate
the fault. Perform Step 21 to do this.
21. Go back to the menu shown in Step 8, type 2 and press the Return key as
required to select the utility MSCP exerciser. Answer the prompts as required
to select the testing options you want. '
3-14

Glossary of MSCP and DUP Commands
MSCP COMMANDS

The RQDX3 module supports the following MSCP commands.
ABORT COMMAND

Aborts a command which is currently in progress.
ACCESS

Reads data from a unit starting at a given logical block number and discards
the data obtained.
AVAILABLE

Returns a unit to the Unit-Available state.
COMPARE

Reads data from a unit starting at a given logical block number and compares
it with data read from the host.
ERASE

Fills a buffer with Os and writes it to a unit starting at a given logical block
number.
.
GET COMMAND STATUS
Obtains information about the progress of a command.
GET UNIT STATUS
Obtains unit geometry and status information.
ONLINE
Brings a unit from the Unit-Available state to the Unit-Online state, so that it
is ready to accept further commands.

4-1

Glossary of MSCP and DUP Commands

READ
Reads data from a unit, starting at a given logical block number, and copies it
to the host.
SET CONTROLLER CHARACTERISTICS
Sets some controller operating characteristics.
SET UNIT CHARACTERISTICS
Sets some unit operating characteristics.
WRITE
Copies data from the host and writes it to a unit starting at a given logical
block number.
DUP COMMANDS

The RQDX3 module supports the following DUP commands.
ABORT PROGRAM
Aborts a program which is currently in progress.
EXECUTE LOCAL PROGRAM
Begins running a program stored in ROM.
EXECUTE SUPPLIED PROGRAM
Loads a program into RAM and begins running it.
GET DUP STATUS
Obtains information about local DUP state.
RECEIVE DATA
Transfers data from the RQDX3 to the host.
SEND DATA
Transfers data from the host to the RQDX3.

These local programs can be invoked by the EXECUTE LOCAL PROGRAM
command.
DIRECT
Transmits an ASCII directory of all available local programs to the host.
FORMAT
Formats a unit.

4-2

Appendix A
RQDX3 Backplane Pin Assignments
RQDX3 CONTROLLER

Digital's plug-in modules, including the RQDX3 controller all use the same contact
(pin) identification system (Table A-I). See Figure A-I for controller contact
fingers.

M7555
FRONT SIDE

M7555
REAR SIDE

AAl

ROW A

BAl

BA2

ROW B

BV~
MR-1"6585

Figure A-I

Dual Module Contact Finger Identification Diagram

A-1

RQOX3 Backplane Pin Assignments

Table A-I

RQDX3 Module Finger Connections

Signal Name

AAI
ABI
ACI
ADI
AEI
AFI
AHI
AJI
AKI
ALl
AMI
ANI
API
ARI
ASI
ATI
AUI
AVI

(BIRQ5 L)*
(BIRQ6 L)
BDAL16 L
BDAL17 L
(SSPAREI or +5 B)
(SSPARE2)
(SSPARE3)
GND
(MSPAREA)
(MSPAREB)
GND
BDMRL
(BHALT L)
BREF L
(+12 B or +5 B)
GND
(PSPAREl)
(+5 B)

AA2
AB2
AC2
AD2
AE2
AF2
AH2
AJ2
AK2
AL2
AM2
AN2
AP2
AR2
AS2
AT2
AU2
AV2

+5 Vdc
(-12 Vdc)
GND
+12 Vdc
BDOUT L
BRPLY L
BDIN L
BSYNC L
BWTBT L
BIRQ4 L
BIAKI L
BIAKO L
BBS7 L
BDMGI L
BDMGO L
BINITL
BDALO L
BDALI L

BAI
BBI
BCl
BDI
BEl
BFl
BHl
BJI
BKI
BLI
BMI
BNl
BPI
BRI
BSI
BTl
BUI
BVI

(BDCOK H)
BPOKH
BDAL18 L
BDAL19 L
BDAL20 L
BDAL2l L
(SSPARE8)
GND
(MSPAREB)
(MSPAREB)
GND
BSACK L
(BIRQ7 L)
(BEVNT L)
(+12 B)
GND
(PSPARE2)
+5 Vdc

BA2
BB2
BC2
BD2
BE2
BF2
BH2
BJ2
BK2
BL2
BM2
BN2
BP2
BR2
BS2
BT2
BU2
BVI

+5 Vdc
(-12 Vdc)
GND
+12 Vdc
BDAL2 L
BDAL3 L
BDAL4 L
BDAL5 L
BDAL6 L
BDAL7 L
BDAL8 L
BDAL9 L
BDALIO L
BDALll L
BDAL12 L
BDAL13 L
BDAL14 L
BDAL151

* Names in parentheses represent Q-Bus signals not used
A-2

Appendix B
RQDX3 Controller Module Cable Signals
CONNECTOR PINOUTS

Table B-1 lists the RQDX3 controller module signals on connector J1 (part number
12-13506-13).

Table B-1

Jl Connector Pinouts

Jl Pin

Signal Name

Jl Pin

Signal Name

-1
-2

MFMWRTDTI (H)
MFMWRTDTI (L)
GROUND
HEADSEL2 (L)
GROUND
SEEKCPLT (L)
DRVIRDY (H)
WRTFAULT (L)
HEADSEL3 (L)*
HEADSELI (L)
DRVIRDY (H)
DRV3RDY (H)
DRVIWPT (L)
DRVSLOACK (L)
MFMRDDATO (H)
MFMRDDATO (L)
MFMWRTDTO (H)
MFMWRTDTO (L)
MFMRDDATI (H)
MFMRDDATI (L)
GROUND
REDUCWRTI (L)t
DRV3WPT (L)
DRVSEL4 (L)
GROUND

-26

INDEX (L)
DRV4WPT (L)
DRVSELI (L)
DRVSEL2 (L)
DRVSEL3 (L),
DRV2RDY (H)
RXMOTORON (L)
GROUND
DIRECTION (L)
GROUND
STEP (L)
GROUND
RXWRTDATA (L)
GROUND
WRTGATE (L)
GROUND
TRACKOO (L)
DRV2WPT (L)
DRVSLIACK (L)
GROUND
RXRDATA (L)
GROUND
HEADSELO (L)
GROUND
READY (L)

-3
-4

-5
-6

-7
-8
-9

-10
-11
-12
-13
-14
-15
-16
-17
-18
-19
-20
-21
-22

-23
-24
-25

-27
-28
-29
-30

-31

-32
-33

-34
-35
-36

-37

-38
-39
-40

-41

-42
-43
-44

-45
-46

-47
-48
-49
-50

* Connected to HEADSEL3 signal, left open or grounded via a jumper on module.
t The HEADSEL3 signal may be ORed with the REDUCWRTI signal via a jumper on the
module.

8-1

RQDX3 Controller Module Cable Signals

CONNECTOR SIGNALS DESCRIPTION

It is recommended that the output signals from this module be terminated at the
far end of a 130 ohm impedance cable with a single 220/330 resistor divider
network. The maximum allowable cable length when proper termination is used is
8 ft. It is the responsiblity of the system design engineer to insure the integrity of
those output signals through proper cabling techniques.
The following is a description of the signals available on the drive interface connector 11. The timing and electrical characteristics of these signals are compatible
with signals specified in the RD51, RD52, RD53, and RX50 drive specifications.

Table B-2

Description of Connector Signals

Signal

Input I
Output

DIRECTION (L)

Output

This signal controls the direction of head
movement. When asserted, the direction
of movement is toward the spindle (in).

DRV<4:1>RDY (H)

Input/Output

When one or more of these signals is
asserted by the front panel (READY
switch open), the controller will assume
that the hard disk drive on the
corresponding DRVSEL<4:1> line is
ready for data transfers. When the
controller performs a seek function on a
hard disk drive, it will force this signal to
an unasserted condition to turn off the
READY light on the front panel for the
corresponding drive.

Description

The controller will ignore the state of the
appropriate DRV <4: 1>RDY when there
is a floppy disk drive attached to a
DRVSEL<4:1> line.

B-2

RQDX3 Controller Module Cable Signals

Table B-2

Description of Connector Signals (Cont.)

Signal

Input/
Output

DRV<4:1>WPT (L)

Input/Output

Description
These signals, when asserted from the
front panel (Write Protect switch closed),
are used to indicate to the controller that
hard disk drives connected to the
corresponding DRVSEL<4:1> line are to
be protected against write operations.
The controller will assert a
DRV<4:1>WPT signal to indicate that
the system software has write protected
the hard disk on the corresponding
DRVSEL<4:1> line.

DRVSEL<4: 1> (L)

Output

The controller will assert one of these
signals to select one of four drives for
operation.

DRVSL<1:0>ACK (L)

Input

These input signals are asserted by a
hard disk drive to indicate that it has
been selected. When either or both of
these signals are asserted, the controller
will assume that there is a hard disk
drive connected to the currently active
DRVSEL<4:1> line.
The signal return path.

GROUND
HEADSEL<3:0> (L)

Output

These signals are used to select one of
up to sixteen surfaces on the currently
selected drive.

INDEX (L)

Input

This input signal informs the controller
that the currently selected drive is at the
beginning of a track.

8-3

RQDX3 Controller Module Cable Signals

Table B-2

Description of Connector Signals (Cont.)

Signal
MFMRDDAT<1:0> (H)
MFMRDDAT <1:0> (L)

Input!
Output

Description

Input

Data from the hard disk drive surface
will be transmitted to the controller on
these differential pairs. The controller
will assume that hard disk drives on
DRVSEL1 and DRVSEL3 will transmit
their data on the MFMRDDATO
differential pair and that hard disk drives
on DRVSEL2 and DRVSEL4 will
transmit their data on the MFMRDDAT1
pair.

MFMWRTDT <1:0> (H) Output
MFMWRTDT<1:0> (L)

These differential signal pairs will be
used to transmit data to be written to the
disk surface when the Write Gate signal
is asserted. There are two sets of these
differential pairs to allow two hard disk
drives to be connected without external
logic. Both pairs will be active at the
same time.

READY (L)

This input signal from the drive will
indicate the following.

Input

• For hard disk drives, it will indicate
that when SEEKCPLT is also asserted
the drive is ready to read, write or
seek.
• It will indicate that the drive is
selected, the media door is closed and
media is present for floppy disk drives.

8-4

RQDX3 Controller Module Cable Signals

Table B-2

Description of Connector Signals (Cont.)

Signal

Input I
Output

REDUCWRTI (L)

Output

This controller output can be asserted to
force a disk drive to use a low value of
write current if appropriate.

RXMOTORON (L)

Output

This signal is asserted by the controller
to turn on the floppy disk drive motor(s).

RXRDATA (L)

Input

This input is the read data channel from
floppy disk drives.

RXWDATA (L)

Output

This output is the write data channel to
floppy disk drives.

SEEKCPLT (L)

Input

This input should be asserted when the
currently selected hard disk drive has
completed a seek function.

STEP (L)

Output

This output signal is used to step the
head(s) of the currently selected floppy
disk drive or hard disk drive.

TRACKOO (L)

Input

This input signal from the currently
selected hard disk drive or floppy disk
drive will indicate that the drive's head(s)
are positioned at track zero.

Description

8-5

RQOX3 Controller Module Cable Signals

Table B-2

Description of Connector Signals (Cont.)

Signal

Input/
Output

WRTFAULT (L)

Input

Description
For hard disk drives, this signal should be
asserted when a condition exists in a
selected drive which should cause writing
to be inhibited. The signal should remain
asserted until the error condition is
corrected and/or the drive is de-selected.
Some of these error conditions include:
• Write current and no write gate, or
write gate with no write current
• Multiple heads, no head, or improperly
selected head
• DC voltages out of tolerance
• Write gate asserted and seek complete
de asserted
For floppy disk drives, this signal is
asserted when a write protected diskette
is present.

WRTGATE (L)

8-6

Output

When asserted, this controller output
signal will turn on the write drivers of
the currently selected drive.

Appendix C
Supported Drive Geometries
Table C-l

Supported Drive Matrix

Description

RD51

RD52

RD53

RX50

Sector interleave
Bytes/Sector
Sectors/LBN
LBNs/Track
Tracks/Group
Groups/Cylinder
Cylinders/Unit
Total LBNs/Unit
RBNs/Unit
RCT size (blocks)
RCT copies
DBNs/Unit
XBNs/Unit
User LBNs/Unit
User capacity (bytes)
Step pulsewidth VLsec)
Step rate (~sec)
Write precomp (nsec)

2:1
512
1
18
1
4
306
22,032
144
36
4
87
57
21,600
11.06 M
11.2
17.6
10

1:1
512
1
17
8
1
512
69,632
168
4
8
82
54
60,480
30.96 M
11.2
17.6
10

1:1
512
1
17
7
1
645
76,755
168
4
8
65
54
60,480
30.96 M
11.2
17.6
10

1:1
512
1
17
8
1
1024
139,264
280
5
8
82
54
138,672
71.00 M
11.2
17.6

2:1
512
1
10
80
1
1
800
Track

Precomp cylinders

110-305

256-511

320-644 0

800
4096 K
224
8*
0-55t
56-77+

. * msec
t ±110 nsec cylinders
:j: ±210 nsec cylinders

C-1