IBM 8514: Difference between revisions
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8514 was introduced with the [[IBM Personal System/2]] computers in April 1987. It was an optional upgrade to the [[Micro Channel architecture]] based PS/2's [[Video Graphics Array]], and was delivered within three months of PS/2's introduction. |
8514 was introduced with the [[IBM Personal System/2]] computers in April 1987. It was an optional upgrade to the [[Micro Channel architecture]] based PS/2's [[Video Graphics Array]], and was delivered within three months of PS/2's introduction. |
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Although not the first PC [[video card]] to support [[hardware acceleration]], IBM's 8514 is often credited as the first PC mass-market [[fixed-function]] accelerator. Up until the 8514's introduction, PC graphics acceleration was relegated to expensive workstation-class, graphics [[coprocessor]] boards. Coprocessor-boards (such as the [[TARGA]] Truevision series) were designed around special CPU or [[digital signal processor]] (DSP) chips, which in theory could execute a compiled program. At least one Truevision model used the [[Texas Instruments]] [[TMS34010]]. |
Although not the first PC [[video card]] to support [[hardware acceleration]], IBM's 8514 is often credited as the first PC mass-market [[fixed-function]] accelerator. Up until the 8514's introduction, PC graphics acceleration was relegated to expensive workstation-class, graphics [[coprocessor]] boards. Coprocessor-boards (such as the [[TARGA]] Truevision series) were designed around special CPU or [[digital signal processor]] (DSP) chips, which in theory could execute a compiled program. At least one Truevision model used the [[Texas Instruments]] [[TMS34010]]. Fixed-function accelerators, such as the 8514, sacrificed programmability for better cost/performance ratio. |
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8514 was later superseded by IBM [[XGA]]. |
8514 was later superseded by IBM [[XGA]]. |
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Revision as of 02:24, 9 September 2013
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (July 2013) |
IBM 8514 is an IBM graphics computer display standard supporting a display resolution of 1024×768 pixels with 256 colors at 43.5 Hz (interlaced), or 640×480 at 60 Hz (non-interlaced). 8514 usually refers to the display controller hardware (such as the 8514/A display adapter.) However, IBM sold the companion CRT monitor (for use with the 8514/A) which carries the same designation, 8514.
8514 used a standardised programming interface called the "Adapter Interface" or AI. This interface is also used by XGA, IBM Image Adapter/A, and clones of the 8514/A and XGA such as the ATI Technologies Mach 32 and IIT AGX. The interface allows computer software to offload common 2D-drawing operations (line-draw, color-fill, BITBLT) onto the 8514 hardware. This freed the host CPU for other tasks, and greatly improved the speed of redrawing a graphics visual (such as a pie-chart or CAD-illustration).
History
8514 was introduced with the IBM Personal System/2 computers in April 1987. It was an optional upgrade to the Micro Channel architecture based PS/2's Video Graphics Array, and was delivered within three months of PS/2's introduction.
Although not the first PC video card to support hardware acceleration, IBM's 8514 is often credited as the first PC mass-market fixed-function accelerator. Up until the 8514's introduction, PC graphics acceleration was relegated to expensive workstation-class, graphics coprocessor boards. Coprocessor-boards (such as the TARGA Truevision series) were designed around special CPU or digital signal processor (DSP) chips, which in theory could execute a compiled program. At least one Truevision model used the Texas Instruments TMS34010. Fixed-function accelerators, such as the 8514, sacrificed programmability for better cost/performance ratio.
8514 was later superseded by IBM XGA.
Clone hardware
Third-party graphics suppliers did not clone IBM's 8514 as extensively as VGA. Nevertheless, ATI did develop 8514-compatible graphics controllers: the Mach8 and Mach32. Both were sold in ATI-branded graphics boards.
See also
Further reading
- Richter, Jake; Smith, Bud (April 1990). Graphics Programming for the 8514/A: The New PC Graphics Standard. M & T Books. ISBN 1-55851-086-9.
- Sanchez, Julio; Canton, Maria P. (February 26, 2003). The PC Graphics Handbook. CRC. ISBN 0-8493-1678-2.
This article is based on material taken from the Free On-line Dictionary of Computing prior to 1 November 2008 and incorporated under the "relicensing" terms of the GFDL, version 1.3 or later.