CONTROL WORD FORMAT FOR 8255A

Here we will see the control word format for 8255A PPI IC. We already discussed in my previous post about “Programmable Peripheral Interface (PPI) IC 8255” and “OPERATIONAL MODES OF 8255 PPI IC”. Now we will see how can we tell microprocessor that which port of 8255, we use as input or output? Some question has to be clear during this post.

• What is control word format for 8255A?
• How we write control word?
• How can we assign input and output port of 8255?

What is control word format for 8255A?

As discussed above, a port can be programmed to act as an input port or an output port. To tell about that we generate a bit pattern or we may say a word which is called control word. A control word is, therefore, to be formed for programming the ports of 8255A.

How we write control word?

The format for the control word format for 8255A is shown in figure bellow. As per the requirement of the programmer the control word is written into the control word register of 8255A. No read operation of the control word is allowed.

How can we assign input and output port of 8255?

So from above control word format for 8255A diagram we can see the bit wise function of control word generation. Now we go for further description of the control bits. We know in control word format it has 8 bits. In addition,every bit responsible for respective work. Now see what are the work those bits do?

Bit D0 :

•  Sets Port C_Lower as input or output port.
• To make Port C_Lower as input port this bit set to 1.
• To make Port C_Lower as output port this bit set to 0.

Bit D1:

•  Sets Port B as input or output port.
• To make Port B as input port this bit set to 1.
• To make Port B as output port this bit set to 0.

Bit D2:

•  This bit for mode selection for the port B.
• If this bit set to 0, the port B will operate in mode 0.
• If this bit set to 1, the port B will operate in mode 1.

Bit D3:

• Sets Port C_Upper as input or output port.
• To make Port C_Upper as input port this bit set to 1.
• To make Port C_Upper as output port this bit set to 0.

Bit D4:

•  Sets Port A as input or output port.
• To make Port A as input port this bit set to 1.
• To make Port A as output port this bit set to 0.

Bits D5 and D6 :

• These two bits mainly used for determining the I/O mode of port A.

Therefore, these bits are defined for the various modes of port A as follows.

Bit D7:

 This bit specifies either I/O function or bit set/reset function (BSR mode). If this bit set to 1 then the 8255 will work in I/O mode. If this bit set to 0 then the 8255 will work in BSR mode.

There are 16 combinations of control words for various configurations of the ports of 8255 for Mode 0 operations. These control words are shown in table.

Finally it will be excellent enough if we are go through some Example.

Obtain the control word when the ports of 8255A are to be used in mode 0 with port-A as output port and port B as input port and port C as output port.

Solution. The control word for this case shown in bellow.

In conclusion, hope this discussion on control word format for 8255A , cleared your concept.

Let’s check how you learn 8255 PPI with a simple quiz.

You may read those too…..

• CONTROL WORD FORMAT FOR 8255A
• OPERATIONAL MODES OF 8255 PPI IC
• Programmable Peripheral Interface (8255)