Bfh-sts: Created page with "= DMA & System Architectures (Amiga→PC→SoC) = This page explains how Direct Memory Access (DMA) improves system performance and shows examples of different hardware architectures. == Direct Memory Access (DMA) == In a system without DMA, the CPU must handle every data transfer: # Read data from peripheral into a register. # Write the data from the register into memory. This creates overhead and slows down performance. With DMA, a peripheral can transfer data direc..."

2025-10-20T13:33:54Z

Created page with "= DMA & System Architectures (Amiga→PC→SoC) = This page explains how Direct Memory Access (DMA) improves system performance and shows examples of different hardware architectures. == Direct Memory Access (DMA) == In a system without DMA, the CPU must handle every data transfer: # Read data from peripheral into a register. # Write the data from the register into memory. This creates overhead and slows down performance. With DMA, a peripheral can transfer data direc..."

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= DMA & System Architectures (Amiga→PC→SoC) =
This page explains how Direct Memory Access (DMA) improves system performance and shows examples of different hardware architectures.

== Direct Memory Access (DMA) ==
In a system without DMA, the CPU must handle every data transfer:
# Read data from peripheral into a register.
# Write the data from the register into memory.

This creates overhead and slows down performance.

With DMA, a peripheral can transfer data directly to or from memory:
* The peripheral temporarily takes control of the bus.
* Data moves in a single step without involving the CPU.
* Special control signals decide who has control of the bus.

== DMA in practice ==
Example: a network card receives a packet.
* Without DMA: CPU copies the packet from the card into RAM.
* With DMA: the card writes the packet directly into RAM (or cache), saving CPU time.

== Hardware architectures ==
=== Amiga 500 mainboard ===
A 1980s home computer with clearly separated components: CPU, RAM, ROM, graphics, audio, I/O ports, and DMA controller.

=== PC motherboard ===
Modern boards integrate CPUs, chipsets, memory slots, and a variety of controllers connected via buses such as PCI Express.

=== System on a Chip (SoC) ===
Today, even inexpensive chips integrate:
* Multiple CPU cores,
* Memory,
* Peripherals,
* Programmable I/O.

Microcontrollers may cost only a few cents while providing a complete computer on a single chip.

[[Category:Hardware and Operating Systems]]

DMA & System Architectures (Amiga→PC→SoC) - Revision history