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1 Introduction
The TLC34076-170 video interface palette (VIP) is designed to provide lower system cost with a higher level
of integration. The device incorporates all of the high-speed timing, synchronizing, and multiplexing logic
usually associated with graphics systems into one device, thus greatly reducing chip count. Since all
high-speed signals (excluding the clock source) are contained on-chip, RF noise considerations are
simplified. Maximum flexibility is provided through the pixel multiplexing scheme, which allows for 32-, 16-,
8-, and 4-bit pixel buses to be accommodated without any circuit modification. This enables the system to
be easily reconfigured for varying amounts of available video RAM. Data can be split into one, two, four, or
eight bit planes. The TLC34076-170 is software-compatible with the IMSG176/8 and Brooktree BT476/8
color palettes.
The TLC34076-170 VIP is pin-for-pin compatible with the TLC34075 VIP but contains additional 24- and
16-bit true-color modes as well as the ability to select little- or big-endian data formats for the pixel bus frame
buffer interface.
The TLC34076-170 features a separate video graphics adapter (VGA) bus that allows data from the feature
connector of most VGA-supported personal computers to be fed directly into the palette without the need
for external data multiplexing. This allows a replacement graphics board to remain downward compatible
by utilizing the existing graphics circuitry often located on the motherboard.
The 24- and 16-bit true-color modes that are provided allow bits of color information to be transferred directly
from the pixel port to the digital-to-analog converters (DACs). Depending on which true-color mode is
selected, an overlay function is provided using the remaining bits of the pixel bus. The 24-bit modes allow
overlay with the eight remaining bits of the pixel bus, while the TARGA (5-5-5) 16-bit mode allows overlay
with the one remaining bit of the divided pixel bus.
The TLC34076-170 has a 256-by-24 color lookup table with triple 8-bit video D/A converters capable of
directly driving a doubly terminated 75-
line. Sync generation is incorporated on the green output channel.
HSYNC and VSYNC are fed through the device and optionally inverted to indicate screen resolution to the
monitor. A palette page register provides the additional bits of palette address when one, two, or four bit
planes are used. This allows the screen colors to be changed with only one MPU write cycle.
Clocking is provided through one of four or five inputs (three TTL- and either one ECL- or two
TTL-compatible) and is software selectable. The video and shift-clock outputs provide a software-selected
divide ratio of the chosen clock input.
The TLC34076-170 can be connected directly to the serial port of VRAM devices, eliminating the need for
any discrete logic. Support for split shift-register transfers is also provided.
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Features
Versatile multiplexing interface allows lower pixel bus rate
High level of integration to provide lower system cost and complexity
Direct VGA pass-through capability
Versatile pixel bus interface supports little- and big-endian data formats
True color (direct-addressing) modes support various 24- and 16-bit formats
5-6-5 XGA-format compatible
5-5-5 TARGA-format compatible
Directly interfaces to TMS34010/TMS34020 and other graphics processors
Triple 8-bit D/A converters
85-, 110-, and 135-MHz versions
256-word color palette RAM
Palette page register
On-chip voltage reference
RS-343A-compatible outputs