functional description
The TMS279X-02 is software compatible with the FD179X-02 series of floppy disk controllers. Commands,
status, and data transfers are performed in the same way. Software generated for the 179X can be
transferred to a 279X system without modification.
In addition to the 179X, the 279X contains an internal data separator and write precompensation circuit. The
TEST# (pin 22) line is used to adjust both data separator and precompensation. When TEST# = 0, the WD
(pin 31) line is internally connected to the output of the write precomp one-shot. Adjustment of the WPW (pin
33) line can then be accomplished. A second one-shot tracks the precomp setting at approximately 3:1 to
ensure adequate write data pulse durations to meet drive specifications.
Similarly, data separation is also adjusted with TEST# = 0. The TG43 (pin 2 9) line is internally connected to
the output of the read data one-shot, which is adjusted via the R PW (pin 1811ine. The DIRC (pin 1611ine
contains the read clock output (.5 MHz for 8" drives). The VCO trimming capacitor (pin 26) is adjusted for
center frequency.
Internal timing signals are used to generate pulses during the adjustment mode so that these adjustments
can be made while the device is in-circuit. The TEST# line also contains a pull-up resistor, so adjustments
can b e performed simply by grounding the TEST# on, overriding the pull-up. The TEST# pin cannot be used
to disable stepping rates during operation as its function is quite different from the 179X.
Other pins on the device also include pull-up resistors and may be left open to satisfy a logic 1 condition.
These are: ENP, 5#/8, ENMF#, WPRT#, DDEN#, HLT, TEST#, and MR#.
general disk read operations
Sector lengths of 128, 256, 512 or 1024 are obtainable in either FM or MFM formats. For FM, DDEN# should
be placed to logical "1." For MFM formats, DDEN# should be placed to a logical " 0." Sector lengths are
determined at form at time by the fourth byte in the "ID" field.
SECTOR LENGTH TABLE*
SECTOR LENGTH
FIELD (HEX)
NUMBER OF BYTES
IN SECTOR (DECIMAL)
00 128
01 256
02 512
03 1024
*2795/97 may vary - see command summary.
The TMS279X recognizes tracks and sectors numbered 00-FFX.However, due to programming restrictions,
only tracks and sectors 00 thru F4 can be formatted.
general disk write operation
When writing is to take place on the diskette, the write gate (WG) output is activated, allowing current to flow
into the read/write head. As a precaution to erroneous writing, the first data byte must be loaded into the data
register in response to a data request from the 279X before the write gate signal can be activated.
Writing is inhibited when the WRITE PROTECT# input is a logic low, in which case any Write command is
immediately terminated, an interrupt is generated and the write protect status bit is set.
For write operations, the 279X provides write gate (pin 30) and write data (pin 31) outputs. Write data
consists of a series of pulses set to a width approximately three times greater than the precomp adjustment.
Write data provides the unique address marks in both formats.