Micro Channel Architecture

architecture (MCA) IBM's proprietary 32-bit bus, used in

high-end PS/2 personal computers. Micro Channel is

designed for multiprocessing. It eliminates potential

conflicts that arise when installing new peripheral devices.

MCA is *not* compatible with either EISA or XT busarchitecture so older cards cannot be used with it.

As with the ROM BIOS in the first IBM PCs, figuring out

the Micro Channel's secrets has been an arduous task of

reverse engineering ever since the PS/2 line was announced.

Consequently, the MCA has never become as wide spread as the

competing EISA standard.

(1996-08-16)