2–14
2.4.5
In true-color mode, the palette RAM is partitioned into three independent 256-word
×
8-bit memory blocks
that can be individually addressed by each color field of the true-color data. The independent memory blocks
provide data for a single DAC output. With this architecture, gamma correction for each color is possible.
Since the palette is used in true-color mode, there is no memory space to be used for the overlay function.
All of the true-color submodes are the same as direct color except that overlay is not available. See Tables
2–6 through 2–11 for more details on mode selection. See note below.
True-Color Mode
NOTE:
Since less than 8 bits are defined for each color in the various 12- or 16-bit direct-
or true-color modes, the data bits for the individual colors are internally shifted to
the MSB locations and the remaining LSB locations for each color are set to logic 0
before 8-bit data is sent to the DACs.
Since the overlay information goes through the pseudo-color data path, it is subject
to read masking and the palette-page register. This is especially important for those
direct-color modes that have less than eight bits of overlay information. The overlay
information in these modes justifies to the LSB bit positions, and the remaining
MSB positions are filled with the corresponding palette-page data before
addressing the palette RAM.
In order to display true color (gamma corrected through the palette), either the
auxiliary windowing or the color-key switching function must be set for palette
graphics. For direct color, both functions must be set for direct color.
In order to use the overlay capability of the direct-color modes, the color-key
switching or port-select function must be configured and enabled. Overlay port data
in a window is also available by enabling the auxiliary window function. If either the
auxiliary windowing or the color-key switching functions point to palette graphics,
palette graphics are always displayed (not direct color).
When in the 24-bit direct-color or true-color modes, the data input works only in the
8-bit mode. In other words, if only six bits are used, the two LSB inputs for each color
need to be tied to GND. However, the palette, which is used by the overlay input,
is still governed by 8/6, and the output multiplexer selects 8 bits or 6 bits of data
accordingly. The 8/6 is also valid in the other 16-bit modes.
The definitions of direct color (palette bypass) and true color are consistent with the
IBM XGA terminology.