[comp.sys.dec] 8036 counter/timer chip

anneser@pwa-b.UUCP (Dean Anneser) (02/18/88)

Help !  Has anyone out in netland had experience with the 8036 counter/timer
chip that is used on DEC's KXJ11-CA/KXT11-CA single board computer.  I have
a problem that I cannot resolve.  I've talked with the KXJ11 product group
at DEC, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices), and ZILOG, to as of yet, no avail.

The task I'm attempting is to measure the inter-pulse interval of a 
signal from 10 Hz to 5000 Hz, using the 16 bit counter_timer_2, linked with
the 16 bit counter_timer_1, to create a 32 bit counter_timer (counter_timer_2
is the most significant word, and counter_timer_1 is the least significant). 
The clock is a 2MHz clock.  

At higher, frequencies, the inter-pulse interval at a 2MHz time base can
be represented in one 16 bit word (counter_timer_1).  At lower frequencies,
the count value reguires more than 16 bits to be represented.  The problem
I'm seeing, is that counter_timer_2 is not decremented with the FIRST
transition through zero, of counter_timer_1.  As the input signal's frequency
decreases, and counter_timer_1 makes an additional transition through zero,
counter_timer_2, then will decrement (what appears to be) correctly, but its
value is one greater than it should be.

Is there anyone out there at ZILOG, DEC, SGS, AMD, SHARP, or anywhere else,
who could be of assistance.

Thanks in advance.

Dean W. Anneser
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft
East Hartford, CT  06108
{philabs,utah-gr}!pwa-b!anneser

-- 
Dean W. Anneser
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft
East Hartford, CT  06108
{philabs,utah-gr}!pwa-b!anneser

curry@nsc.nsc.com (Ray Curry) (02/21/88)

In article <157@pwa-b.UUCP> anneser@pwa-b.UUCP (Dean Anneser) writes:
>Help !  Has anyone out in netland had experience with the 8036 counter/timer
>
>The problem
>I'm seeing, is that counter_timer_2 is not decremented with the FIRST
>transition through zero, of counter_timer_1.  As the input signal's frequency
>decreases, and counter_timer_1 makes an additional transition through zero,
>counter_timer_2, then will decrement (what appears to be) correctly, but its
>value is one greater than it should be.
>

If I can remember back that far, there are some programming problems with
the CIO mostly with the manner of programming the link.  This may be related 
to the problem you see and I will have to spend a couple of hours with the
manual to try to remember the exact problem.  As I remember off the top of 
my head, care must be taken in programming the registers and setting the 
link.  As a rule of thumb, only handle one flag at a time and the last two
steps are to link the two and enable the count.  

Like I say, I can't remember all of the recommended proceedures.  If I can
remember more, I will let you know.  I may be able to get a hold of the
original designer of the chip.

gene@cooper.cooper.EDU (Gene (the Spook) ) (02/25/88)

in article <157@pwa-b.UUCP>, anneser@pwa-b.UUCP (Dean Anneser) says:
> Xref: cooper comp.sys.dec:392 comp.arch:2452
> 
> Help !  Has anyone out in netland had experience with the 8036 counter/timer
> chip that is used on DEC's KXJ11-CA/KXT11-CA single board computer.  I have
> a problem that I cannot resolve.  I've talked with the KXJ11 product group
> at DEC, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices), and ZILOG, to as of yet, no avail.
> 
> Is there anyone out there at ZILOG, DEC, SGS, AMD, SHARP, or anywhere else,
> who could be of assistance.

I'm having a b*tch of a time trying to mail anything from here, so I'll
just post my message. Sorry...

Anyway, although I'm not at all familiar with the chip in question, I might
suggest trying either GE/Intersil, Standard Microsystems Corp, or Exar/Exel
for some help. You didn't mention which company put the bugger out (maybe by
the logo on the chip, if there is any), so I can't be sure.

If all else fails, you might try your local "IC Master". You know, that
foot-thick collection of chip listings, companies, and their addresses? That
might very well be your best bet.


					Spookfully yours,
					Gene

					...!ihnp4!philabs!phri!cooper!gene


	"In this world we're living in, we have our share of sorrow.
	 Answer now is don't give in; aim for a new tomorrow!"

			- Robert John Aurthur Halford