
1-4
P3 — Interrupt and Interrupt Channels (Factory Setting: G Connected; Interrupt Channels Disabled)
This header connector, shown in Figure 1-2, lets you connect an interrupt source selected on P4 to an interrupt
channel, IRQ2 through IRQ7. To connect the interrupt source to an interrupt channel, you must install a jumper
across the desired IRQ channel.
2
3
4
5
6
7
G
P3
IRQ
Fig. 1-2 — Interrupt and Interrupt Channel Jumper, P3
INTERRUPT
+5 V
INTERRUPT
REGISTER
INT
SOURCE
CLR
IRQ STATUS
P3
G
CLR
CLK
Fig. 1-3 — Pulling Down the Interrupt Request Line
The bottom pair of pins on P3, labeled G, are provided so that you can install a jumper which connects a
1 kilohm pull-down resistor to the output of a high-impedance tri-state driver which carries the interrupt request
signal. This pull-down resistor drives the interrupt request line low whenever interrupts are not active. So, whenever
an interrupt request is made, the tri-state buffer is enabled, forcing the output high and causing an interrupt. You can
monitor the interrupt status through bit 0 in the status word (I/O address location BA + 5). After the interrupt has
been serviced, the clear command returns the IRQ line low, disabling the tri-state buffers, and pulling the output low
again. Figure 1-3 shows this circuit. Because the interrupt request line is driven low only by the pull-down resistor,
you can have two or more boards which share the same IRQ channel. You can tell which board issued the interrupt
request by monitoring each board’s IRQ status bit.
NOTE:
When you use multiple boards that share the same interrupt, only one board should have the G ground
jumper installed. The rest should be disconnected. Whenever you operate a single board, the G jumper should be
installed.