Micro-Channel Architecture Plug and play



an mca expansion card without jumpers or dip switches.


in 1987, ibm released update ibm pc known personal system/2 line of computers using micro channel architecture. ps/2 capable of totally automatic self-configuration. every piece of expansion hardware issued floppy disk containing special file used auto-configure hardware work computer. user install device, turn on computer, load configuration information disk, , hardware automatically assigned interrupts, dma, , forth.


however, disks posed problem if damaged or lost, options @ time obtain replacements via postal mail or ibm s dialup bbs service. without disks, new hardware useless , computer not boot @ until unconfigured device removed.


micro channel did not gain widespread support, because ibm wanted exclude clone manufacturers next generation computing platform. developing mca had sign non-disclosure agreements , pay royalties ibm each device sold, putting price premium on mca devices. end-users , clone manufacturers revolted against ibm , developed own open standards bus, known eisa. consequently, mca receded in use except in ibm s mainframes.







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