Abstract: A method for synchronous broadcasting of multiple bytes over a VME bus broadcasts multiple bytes of data across the VME bus using hardware which interfaces between the bus and attached devices. An VME address modifier code is used to identify the type of broadcast and is sent by a master device, without requiring any response from the slave devices. In a first type of broadcast an address location is transmitted over the address bus and a data message is transmitted over the data bus. In a second type of broadcast data messages are transmitted over both the data and the address buses. Multiple broadcast cycles are used to transmit the desired amount of data. An address strobe qualifies the address and data buses for a message broadcast cycle and is used by the receiving slave to clock in the message.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending processor operation in response to an error indication wherein the processor is cycled to a known state prior to the stopping of the system clock to enable the system to be interrogated in order to determine the cause of the error indication.