The NIKHEF PCI-SHARC-C101 card

Why ?

Study of "I/O co-processing"
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Context switches / interrupt handling not on host, but by dedicated processor
Communication with host via shared memory (driver on host only needed for initialisation, transfers under coprocessor control)
Efficient servicing of DS-link interface
SHARC links of interest for short distance, high message rate communication (F/E crate !)

Possible use in demo-B and DAQ Data-Flow programs

Design has a counter (externally clocked) that can be used for emulating a global clock
SHARC can also be used for pre-processing
Design was expected to be simple

Educational aspects

PCI interfacing + Windows NT software environment
SHARC technology
DS link technology
PLD's / FPGA's
Connector with SHARC bus signals allows for proto-typing

Block diagram

Status

Three fully functional cards + seven empty boards available
Windows NT software operational
SHARC can be booted via a link or via Windows NT driver
Host - server software functional, supporting file I/O, output to screen and input from keyboard for program running on SHARC
Has been used for simulating the CRUSH, and has been / is used for connecting to the CRUSH

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