This book is the primary source of information for anyone developing a hardware platform, an operating system, or hardware component to be part of these standard systems. It describes the hardware to operating system interface that is essential to anyone building hardware platforms and provides the minimum system configurations platform designers must meet when building a standard platform. Component manufacturers require this information to produce compatible chips and adaptors to use on these platforms, and software developers require the information on mandatory functions and documented interfaces.
The architecture is intended to support a range of PowerPC microprocessor-based system implementations, including portable, desktop, and server class systems, and allows multiple operating system implementations across a wide range of environments and function. This enables new hardware and software enhancements, which are necessary for the development of improved user interfaces, higher performance, and broader operating environments.
The inside story on Macintosh technology. This book provides detailed information on the technology that has been used in Apple computers for years and is now part of the Apple/IBM/Motorola common architecture. It explains many of the basic design principles that have contributed to the legendary Macintosh performance and ease of use.
Written for computer professionals, this book includes enough detail for engineers and designers to replicate many Macintosh features and modes of operation. Much of the technical information included is published here for the first time.
The Apple technologies for which this book provides design details include:
* The Mac I/O Chip: an integrated circuit that gives computer designers many of the major Macintosh I/O features in one package
* The Apple Desktop Bus: a simple connection means for user interface devices such as keyboards and mice
* Macintosh Enhanced SCSI Hardware: a versatile controller for the Small Computer System Interface bus
* Descriptor-Based Direct Memory Access: a simple yet efficient technique for transporting data to and from peripheral devices
* Miscellaneous Apple technologies including: the Macintosh serial port, the Toolbox ROM, Macintosh Open Firmware, NVRAM, and power control
An appendix describes Apple's programs for developers and explains how to get started designing Macintosh-compatible products for the Common Hardware Reference Platform. -- Book Description
