Practical Considerations

In this chapter various practical points will be discussed relating to the design of digital systems in general and the STE bus system in particular. There are many problems which can occur in digital systems which impair the performance of the system. Some of these problems are described briefly and simple solutions suggested. More detail on these problems can be found in Microcomputer Buses and Links by D Del Corso, H Kirrman and J Nicoud and in Digital Hardware Design by I Catt, D Walton and M Davidson. It is worth noting that some time ago a postgraduate in the department, who was having problems with a 9900-based computer system, spent a useful lunch time reading the second of these books, made a few changes to the system as a result and the system then began to work. Other references which might be useful are the STE specification from the IEEE and relevant the data books.