RTUComputer ScienceYr 2023 · Sem 52023

Q6Microprocessor and Interfaces

Question

2 marks

What is DMA?

Answer

DMA (Direct Memory Access) allows high-speed I/O devices to mathematically read/write directly to RAM, completely bypassing the CPU.

Direct Memory Access (DMA) is a massive hardware optimization architecture. It physically temporarily disconnects the CPU from the system buses, granting a dedicated DMA Controller (like the 8237) absolute master control to violently transfer massive blocks of data directly between external I/O devices and RAM.

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