5/11/24, 12:25 AM Programmable peripheral interface 8255 - GeeksforGeeks

CoursesTutorialsJobsPracticeContests

Trending Now DSA Web Tech Foundational Courses Data Science Practice Problem Python Machin

Programmable peripheral interface 8255

Last Updated : 14 May, 2023
PPI 8255 is a general purpose programmable I/O device designed to
interface the CPU with its outside world such as ADC, DAC, keyboard etc.
We can program it according to the given condition. It can be used with
almost any microprocessor. It consists of three 8-bit bidirectional I/O ports
i.e. PORT A, PORT B and PORT C. We can assign different ports as input or
output functions. Block diagram –

It consists of 40 pins and operates in +5V regulated power supply. Port C is

further divided into two 4-bit ports i.e. port C lower and port C upper and
port C can work in either BSR (bit set rest) mode or in mode 0 of input-
output mode of 8255. Port B can work in either mode 0 or in mode 1 of
input-output mode. Port A can work either in mode 0, mode 1 or mode 2 of
input-output mode. It has two control groups, control group A and control
group B. Control group A consist of port A and port C upper. Control group
B consists of port C lower and port B. Depending upon the value if CS’, A1
and A0 we can select different ports in different modes as input-output
function or BSR. This is done by writing a suitable word in control register
(control word D0-D7).

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/programmable-peripheral-interface-8255/ 1/8
5/11/24, 12:25 AM Programmable peripheral interface 8255 - GeeksforGeeks

CS’ A1 A0 Selection Address

0 0 0 PORT A 80 H

0 0 1 PORT B 81 H

0 1 0 PORT C 82 H

0 1 1 Control Register 83 H

1 X X No Seletion X

Pin diagram –

PA0 – PA7 – Pins of port A

PB0 – PB7 – Pins of port B
PC0 – PC7 – Pins of port C
D0 – D7 – Data pins for the transfer of data
RESET – Reset input
RD’ – Read input
WR’ – Write input
CS’ – Chip select
A1 and A0 – Address pins

Operating modes –

1. Bit set reset (BSR) mode – If MSB of control word (D7) is 0, PPI works in
BSR mode. In this mode only port C bits are used for set or reset.

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/programmable-peripheral-interface-8255/ 2/8
5/11/24, 12:25 AM Programmable peripheral interface 8255 - GeeksforGeeks

2. Input-Output mode – If MSB of control word (D7) is 1, PPI works in

input-output mode. This is further divided into three modes:

Mode 0 –In this mode all the three ports (port A, B, C) can work as
simple input function or simple output function. In this mode there is
no interrupt handling capacity.
Mode 1 – Handshake I/O mode or strobed I/O mode. In this mode
either port A or port B can work as simple input port or simple output
port, and port C bits are used for handshake signals before actual data
transmission. It has interrupt handling capacity and input and output
are latched. Example: A CPU wants to transfer data to a printer. In this
case since speed of processor is very fast as compared to relatively
slow printer, so before actual data transfer it will send handshake
signals to the printer for synchronization of the speed of the CPU and
the peripherals.

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/programmable-peripheral-interface-8255/ 3/8
5/11/24, 12:25 AM Programmable peripheral interface 8255 - GeeksforGeeks

Mode 2 – Bi-directional data bus mode. In this mode only port A

works, and port B can work either in mode 0 or mode 1. 6 bits port C
are used as handshake signals. It also has interrupt handling capacity.

www.agoda.com/Opotiki/Hotels
Opotiki Hotel Booking - Best Price
Guarantee - Secure Best Price Today

Advantages:

Versatility: The PPI 8255 can be programmed to operate in a variety of

modes, which makes it a versatile component in many different systems. It
provides three 8-bit ports that can be configured as input or output ports,
and supports multiple modes of operation for each port.

Ease of use: The PPI 8255 is relatively easy to use and program, even for
novice programmers. The control register of the PPI can be programmed
using simple commands, which makes it easy to interface with other devices.

Compatibility: The PPI 8255 is widely used and has been around for many
years, which means that it is compatible with a wide range of devices and
software.

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/programmable-peripheral-interface-8255/ 4/8
5/11/24, 12:25 AM Programmable peripheral interface 8255 - GeeksforGeeks

Low cost: The PPI 8255 is a relatively low-cost component, which makes it
an affordable option for many different applications.

Disadvantages:

Limited functionality: While the PPI 8255 is versatile, it has limited

functionality compared to newer I/O interface components. It is not capable
of high-speed data transfer and has limited memory capacity.

Limited number of ports: The PPI 8255 provides only three 8-bit ports,
which may not be sufficient for some applications that require more I/O
ports.

Limited resolution: The PPI 8255 provides only 8 bits of resolution for each
port, which may not be sufficient for some applications that require higher
resolution.

Obsolete technology: While the PPI 8255 is still used in some applications,
it is considered an older technology and is being replaced by newer, more
advanced I/O interface components.

"GeeksforGeeks helped me ace the GATE exam! Whenever I had any doubt
regarding any topic, GFG always helped me and made my concepts quiet
clear." - Anshika Modi | AIR 21

Choose GeeksforGeeks as your perfect GATE 2025 Preparation partner with

these newly launched programs
GATE CS & IT
GATE DS & AI
GATE Offline (Delhi/NCR)

Over 125,000+ students already trust us to be their GATE Exam guide. Join
them & let us help you in opening the GATE to top-tech IITs & NITs!

78 Suggest improvement

Previous Next

Computer Organization | Asynchronous Synchronous Data Transfer in Computer

input output synchronization Organization
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/programmable-peripheral-interface-8255/ 5/8