Personal computer system with storage controller controlling data

Abstract

This invention relates to personal computers, and more particularly to a personal computer using a small computer systems interface (SCSI) controller coupled directly to the local processor bus for controlling data transfer with storage memory devices such as fixed or removable media electromagnetic storage devices. The personal computer has a high speed local processor data bus and a storage controller coupled directly to said local processor bus for regulating communications between a processor and storage memory devices. The storage controller has at least one counter for tracking at least one of address and count data for blocks of data being transferred and capable of signalling through the local processor bus the state of the counter, and a bi-stable device interposed between the counter and the local processor bus for enabling delivery to the local processor bus of data representing an initial state of the counter at the beginning of a transfer of blocks of data and for continuing delivery of initial state data throughout a transfer of blocks of data. The counter and bi-stable device cooperate for permitting one of incrementing and decrementing of the counter during transfer of blocks of data while avoiding changes in counter state data delivered to the local processor bus during transfer of blocks of data.