[comp.unix.internals] device driver

skroeker@gmuvax2.gmu.edu (Steven Kroeker) (06/30/91)

hello device driver gurus,

I'm migrating an old mini-computer machine control application
to sun sparcstations.  This Data General operating system has
what is termed a "real time" os.  Fast response to interupts
is the driving function of this software.  Basic functions of
the application actually run in micros in the "machine" sending
interrupts to my software.  Several rs-232 ports are genned into
the system and subsequently provide a steady stream of interrupts
to tell us what to do next.  The code in effect waits for an interrupt
and the acts and then waits again (multi-user, multitasking).
My question is the terminology/hints for handling these devices.
Do i need a new device driver, or hook to the one on the sun? We
will be using the sun rs-232 ports.
Send mail or post. I'll be looking for hints.

Thanks,

Steve Kroeker
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia