Re: DATA BUS enable for IO0 on VIC-20

On 5/28/2016 3:23 PM, David Wood wrote:
> AFAIK the firmware roms (basic, kernal) don't get gated;
You are correct, they do not.

> they're on the bus with the /BLK(1,2,3,5,6,7) areas.  The char rom and 
> internal ram get gated because the nmos 6502 doesn't have the ability 
> to tristate its buses, and the VIC chip needs the buses to get video 
> data.  Since the character bitmaps and internal ram are necessary to 
> provide a working display they have to be on the VIC side of the gates.
I understand, I had the use of UD9 backwards.  I notice now that all of 
the areas that can't be reached by VIC-I are noted on the UD9 input list 
(RAM1,2,3, BLK1,2,3,5, etc.)


>
> Why the I/O space is included is something I'm unsure about. Likely a 
> cost-saving method since the VIC chip does have to be on the gated 
> side of the bus and it's also an I/O device in itself.
Yep, that is interesting.  IO0 is not included in the list, and the VIAs 
use BDX lines.  It must just be a cost saving reason, as the VIA address 
lines use CAXX lines, not VAXX lines.

Jim

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