ROM devices

In this scenario, a solid-state storage device (ROM, EPROM, flash, etc.) contains the image, but the processor can see only a small portion of the contents of the device. How is this implemented? The hardware has a small window (say 32 KB) into the address space of the processor; additional hardware registers control which portion of the device is manifested into that window.

Figure 1. Large storage medium, bank-switched into a window.

In order to load the image, your IPL code must know how to control the hardware that maps the window. Your IPL code then needs to copy the image out of the window into RAM and transfer control.

Note: If possible, avoid the use of any mapping hardware (whether custom-designed or "industry-standard"); it only serves to complicate the hardware and software designs. We strongly recommend linearly mapped devices. (See the appendix on System Design Considerations for more information.)