Apple II
Technical Notes
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                                                  Developer Technical Support


SmartPort
#3:    SmartPort Bus Architecture

Revised by:    Matt Deatherage                                  November 1988
Written by:    Mike Askins                                         March 1985

This Technical Note formerly described the SmartPort Bus architecture, but 
this information is now documented in the Apple IIGS Firmware Reference.
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Do not be confused by the name "SmartPort Bus" architecture.  The information 
in the Apple IIGS Firmware Reference describes the mechanics of how devices 
interface with the disk port on a IIGS or IIc and with the UniDisk 3.5 
Interface card on a ][+ or IIe.  It is not necessary to understand this 
information to use SmartPort firmware calls, nor do all devices which have 
SmartPort firmware necessarily have to connect mechanically through the disk 
port or UniDisk 3.5 Interface card.

The physical or electrical side of the hardware is called the "SmartPort Bus," 
while the firmware protocols are called the "SmartPort Interface."  Although 
the term "SmartPort" can refer to either or both parts, it is most often used 
to refer to the SmartPort Interface.  Only those developers who are designing 
products which will attach to either the IIGS or IIc disk port or to the 
UniDisk 3.5 Interface card need be concerned with the SmartPort Bus 
architecture.  Software developers need not learn about the SmartPort Bus 
architecture to use the SmartPort Interface firmware.


Further Reference
o    Apple IIGS Firmware Reference

