Subject: Item #278: PowerPC processor binding, 603 style properties Date: Wed, 12 Jul 95 14:33:01 -0600 From: "John A. Kingman" P1275 Open Firmware Working Group Proposal -- Proposal #278 Ver Title: new PowerPC processor binding properties -- "603-translation", and "603-power-management" Author: John A. Kingman Date: July 12, 1995 Ed/Tech: Technical Synopsis: add new properties ("603-translation", and "603-power-management") to CPU nodes Doc & Version: PowerPC processor Binding 1.02 Problem: Current binding does not identify processors with 603 style capabilities and operating systems should not have to rely on specific model numbers to determine this. Proposal: Add the following words to the section: "CPU node properties" "603-translation" This property, if present, indicates that the PowerPC microprocessor (defined by this CPU node) uses the PowerPC 603 defined mechanism to update its Translation Lookaside Buffers (TLBs). The absence of this property indicates that the PowerPC microprocessor (defined by this CPU node) does not use the PowerPC 603 defined mechanism to update its TLBs. "603-power-management" This property, if present, indicates that the PowerPC microprocessor (defined by this CPU node) implements the PowerPC 603 defined power management states. The absence of this property indicates that the PowerPC microprocessor (defined by this CPU node) does not support the PowerPC 603 defined power management states. Rationale: The 603 family uses a software translation mechanism to update its TLBs, whereas the other members of the PowerPC family implement this function in hardware. The 603 family also implements a set of power management states which are not described in the PowerPC Architecture, and which are different than the support provided by the other members of the PowerPC family. These properties will allow an operating system to support future PowerPC 603 family microprocessors without having to know the microprocessor's specific model number in advance. John Kingman (kingman@austin.ibm.com) [ P1275 Item #278 -- Received: Wed Jul 12 12:36:05 PDT 1995 ]