Blitter: Difference between revisions
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The [[Atari ST]] '''Bit-Block Transfer Processor (BLiTTER)''' is a hardware implementation of the bit-block transfer (BitBlt) algorithm. BitBlt can be simply described as a procedure that moves bit-aligned data from a source location to a destination location through a given logic operation. | The [[Atari ST]] '''Bit-Block Transfer Processor (BLiTTER)''', in high level terms, is a chip dedicated to moving data around in memory independant of the main CPU, typically used to perform graphical operations smoothly (such as scrolling) while leaving the CPU to perform other tasks. | ||
In low level terms, it is a hardware implementation of the bit-block transfer (BitBlt) algorithm. BitBlt can be simply described as a procedure that moves bit-aligned data from a source location to a destination location through a given logic operation. | |||
==Applications== | ==Applications== | ||
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* Window updating | * Window updating | ||
* Pattern filling | * Pattern filling | ||
==Employment== | |||
Blitters of some sort were used in a number of [[Atari machines]], and their competitors. | |||
===TOS Family=== | |||
In the [[TOS Family]], the blitter chip first became available in the [[Mega ST]] range, followed by the [[STE]],[[Mega STE]], the [[Atari Falcon|Falcon]]. It was also available as an upgrade for the standard [[ST]] range but not the [[TT]]. | |||
===Jaguar=== | |||
The [[Atari Jaguar|Jaguar]] contained a blitter | |||
===Lynx=== | |||
The [[Lynx]] contained a blitter | |||
===Other=== | |||
All models of the [[Company#Commodore|Amiga]] contained a blitter | |||
==Programming== | ==Programming== | ||
See [[Blitter manual]] and the | * See [[Blitter manual]] for the [[ST]], and the "[[:Category:Blitter|blitter category]]". | ||
* * [http://paradox.atari.org/files/BLIT_FAQ.TXT The Atari ST(E) BLiTTER in brief] A comprehensive overview by The Paranoid of Paradox (released 2012) | |||
The | |||
[[Category:Blitter]] | <br/><br/> | ||
[[Category:Blitter]][[Category:Hardware Components]][[Category:Coprocessors]] | |||
Latest revision as of 22:54, 31 December 2012
The Atari ST Bit-Block Transfer Processor (BLiTTER), in high level terms, is a chip dedicated to moving data around in memory independant of the main CPU, typically used to perform graphical operations smoothly (such as scrolling) while leaving the CPU to perform other tasks.
In low level terms, it is a hardware implementation of the bit-block transfer (BitBlt) algorithm. BitBlt can be simply described as a procedure that moves bit-aligned data from a source location to a destination location through a given logic operation.
Applications
The BitBlt primitive that is implemented in the blitter can be used to perform such operations as:
- Area seed filling
- Rotation by recursive subdivision
- Slice and smear magnification
- Brush line drawing using Bresenham DDA
- Text transformations (eg. bold, italic, outline)
- Text scrolling
- Window updating
- Pattern filling
Employment
Blitters of some sort were used in a number of Atari machines, and their competitors.
TOS Family
In the TOS Family, the blitter chip first became available in the Mega ST range, followed by the STE,Mega STE, the Falcon. It was also available as an upgrade for the standard ST range but not the TT.
Jaguar
The Jaguar contained a blitter
Lynx
The Lynx contained a blitter
Other
All models of the Amiga contained a blitter
Programming
- See Blitter manual for the ST, and the "blitter category".
- * The Atari ST(E) BLiTTER in brief A comprehensive overview by The Paranoid of Paradox (released 2012)