From 849369d6c66d3054688672f97d31fceb8e8230fb Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: root Date: Fri, 25 Dec 2015 04:40:36 +0000 Subject: initial_commit --- Documentation/DocBook/writing-an-alsa-driver.tmpl | 6223 +++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 6223 insertions(+) create mode 100644 Documentation/DocBook/writing-an-alsa-driver.tmpl (limited to 'Documentation/DocBook/writing-an-alsa-driver.tmpl') diff --git a/Documentation/DocBook/writing-an-alsa-driver.tmpl b/Documentation/DocBook/writing-an-alsa-driver.tmpl new file mode 100644 index 00000000..58ced234 --- /dev/null +++ b/Documentation/DocBook/writing-an-alsa-driver.tmpl @@ -0,0 +1,6223 @@ + + + + + + + + + Writing an ALSA Driver + + Takashi + Iwai + +
+ tiwai@suse.de +
+ + + + Oct 15, 2007 + 0.3.7 + + + + This document describes how to write an ALSA (Advanced Linux + Sound Architecture) driver. + + + + + + Copyright (c) 2002-2005 Takashi Iwai tiwai@suse.de + + + + This document is free; you can redistribute it and/or modify it + under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by + the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or + (at your option) any later version. + + + + This document is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, + but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the + implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A + PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License + for more details. + + + + You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public + License along with this program; if not, write to the Free + Software Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, + MA 02111-1307 USA + + + + + + + + + + Preface + + This document describes how to write an + + ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) + driver. The document focuses mainly on PCI soundcards. + In the case of other device types, the API might + be different, too. However, at least the ALSA kernel API is + consistent, and therefore it would be still a bit help for + writing them. + + + + This document targets people who already have enough + C language skills and have basic linux kernel programming + knowledge. This document doesn't explain the general + topic of linux kernel coding and doesn't cover low-level + driver implementation details. It only describes + the standard way to write a PCI sound driver on ALSA. + + + + If you are already familiar with the older ALSA ver.0.5.x API, you + can check the drivers such as sound/pci/es1938.c or + sound/pci/maestro3.c which have also almost the same + code-base in the ALSA 0.5.x tree, so you can compare the differences. + + + + This document is still a draft version. Any feedback and + corrections, please!! + + + + + + + + + File Tree Structure + +
+ General + + The ALSA drivers are provided in two ways. + + + + One is the trees provided as a tarball or via cvs from the + ALSA's ftp site, and another is the 2.6 (or later) Linux kernel + tree. To synchronize both, the ALSA driver tree is split into + two different trees: alsa-kernel and alsa-driver. The former + contains purely the source code for the Linux 2.6 (or later) + tree. This tree is designed only for compilation on 2.6 or + later environment. The latter, alsa-driver, contains many subtle + files for compiling ALSA drivers outside of the Linux kernel tree, + wrapper functions for older 2.2 and 2.4 kernels, to adapt the latest kernel API, + and additional drivers which are still in development or in + tests. The drivers in alsa-driver tree will be moved to + alsa-kernel (and eventually to the 2.6 kernel tree) when they are + finished and confirmed to work fine. + + + + The file tree structure of ALSA driver is depicted below. Both + alsa-kernel and alsa-driver have almost the same file + structure, except for core directory. It's + named as acore in alsa-driver tree. + + + ALSA File Tree Structure + + sound + /core + /oss + /seq + /oss + /instr + /ioctl32 + /include + /drivers + /mpu401 + /opl3 + /i2c + /l3 + /synth + /emux + /pci + /(cards) + /isa + /(cards) + /arm + /ppc + /sparc + /usb + /pcmcia /(cards) + /oss + + + +
+ +
+ core directory + + This directory contains the middle layer which is the heart + of ALSA drivers. In this directory, the native ALSA modules are + stored. The sub-directories contain different modules and are + dependent upon the kernel config. + + +
+ core/oss + + + The codes for PCM and mixer OSS emulation modules are stored + in this directory. The rawmidi OSS emulation is included in + the ALSA rawmidi code since it's quite small. The sequencer + code is stored in core/seq/oss directory (see + + below). + +
+ +
+ core/ioctl32 + + + This directory contains the 32bit-ioctl wrappers for 64bit + architectures such like x86-64, ppc64 and sparc64. For 32bit + and alpha architectures, these are not compiled. + +
+ +
+ core/seq + + This directory and its sub-directories are for the ALSA + sequencer. This directory contains the sequencer core and + primary sequencer modules such like snd-seq-midi, + snd-seq-virmidi, etc. They are compiled only when + CONFIG_SND_SEQUENCER is set in the kernel + config. + +
+ +
+ core/seq/oss + + This contains the OSS sequencer emulation codes. + +
+ +
+ core/seq/instr + + This directory contains the modules for the sequencer + instrument layer. + +
+
+ +
+ include directory + + This is the place for the public header files of ALSA drivers, + which are to be exported to user-space, or included by + several files at different directories. Basically, the private + header files should not be placed in this directory, but you may + still find files there, due to historical reasons :) + +
+ +
+ drivers directory + + This directory contains code shared among different drivers + on different architectures. They are hence supposed not to be + architecture-specific. + For example, the dummy pcm driver and the serial MIDI + driver are found in this directory. In the sub-directories, + there is code for components which are independent from + bus and cpu architectures. + + +
+ drivers/mpu401 + + The MPU401 and MPU401-UART modules are stored here. + +
+ +
+ drivers/opl3 and opl4 + + The OPL3 and OPL4 FM-synth stuff is found here. + +
+
+ +
+ i2c directory + + This contains the ALSA i2c components. + + + + Although there is a standard i2c layer on Linux, ALSA has its + own i2c code for some cards, because the soundcard needs only a + simple operation and the standard i2c API is too complicated for + such a purpose. + + +
+ i2c/l3 + + This is a sub-directory for ARM L3 i2c. + +
+
+ +
+ synth directory + + This contains the synth middle-level modules. + + + + So far, there is only Emu8000/Emu10k1 synth driver under + the synth/emux sub-directory. + +
+ +
+ pci directory + + This directory and its sub-directories hold the top-level card modules + for PCI soundcards and the code specific to the PCI BUS. + + + + The drivers compiled from a single file are stored directly + in the pci directory, while the drivers with several source files are + stored on their own sub-directory (e.g. emu10k1, ice1712). + +
+ +
+ isa directory + + This directory and its sub-directories hold the top-level card modules + for ISA soundcards. + +
+ +
+ arm, ppc, and sparc directories + + They are used for top-level card modules which are + specific to one of these architectures. + +
+ +
+ usb directory + + This directory contains the USB-audio driver. In the latest version, the + USB MIDI driver is integrated in the usb-audio driver. + +
+ +
+ pcmcia directory + + The PCMCIA, especially PCCard drivers will go here. CardBus + drivers will be in the pci directory, because their API is identical + to that of standard PCI cards. + +
+ +
+ oss directory + + The OSS/Lite source files are stored here in Linux 2.6 (or + later) tree. In the ALSA driver tarball, this directory is empty, + of course :) + +
+ + + + + + + + Basic Flow for PCI Drivers + +
+ Outline + + The minimum flow for PCI soundcards is as follows: + + + define the PCI ID table (see the section + PCI Entries + ). + create probe() callback. + create remove() callback. + create a pci_driver structure + containing the three pointers above. + create an init() function just calling + the pci_register_driver() to register the pci_driver table + defined above. + create an exit() function to call + the pci_unregister_driver() function. + + +
+ +
+ Full Code Example + + The code example is shown below. Some parts are kept + unimplemented at this moment but will be filled in the + next sections. The numbers in the comment lines of the + snd_mychip_probe() function + refer to details explained in the following section. + + + Basic Flow for PCI Drivers - Example + + + #include + #include + #include + #include + + /* module parameters (see "Module Parameters") */ + /* SNDRV_CARDS: maximum number of cards supported by this module */ + static int index[SNDRV_CARDS] = SNDRV_DEFAULT_IDX; + static char *id[SNDRV_CARDS] = SNDRV_DEFAULT_STR; + static int enable[SNDRV_CARDS] = SNDRV_DEFAULT_ENABLE_PNP; + + /* definition of the chip-specific record */ + struct mychip { + struct snd_card *card; + /* the rest of the implementation will be in section + * "PCI Resource Management" + */ + }; + + /* chip-specific destructor + * (see "PCI Resource Management") + */ + static int snd_mychip_free(struct mychip *chip) + { + .... /* will be implemented later... */ + } + + /* component-destructor + * (see "Management of Cards and Components") + */ + static int snd_mychip_dev_free(struct snd_device *device) + { + return snd_mychip_free(device->device_data); + } + + /* chip-specific constructor + * (see "Management of Cards and Components") + */ + static int __devinit snd_mychip_create(struct snd_card *card, + struct pci_dev *pci, + struct mychip **rchip) + { + struct mychip *chip; + int err; + static struct snd_device_ops ops = { + .dev_free = snd_mychip_dev_free, + }; + + *rchip = NULL; + + /* check PCI availability here + * (see "PCI Resource Management") + */ + .... + + /* allocate a chip-specific data with zero filled */ + chip = kzalloc(sizeof(*chip), GFP_KERNEL); + if (chip == NULL) + return -ENOMEM; + + chip->card = card; + + /* rest of initialization here; will be implemented + * later, see "PCI Resource Management" + */ + .... + + err = snd_device_new(card, SNDRV_DEV_LOWLEVEL, chip, &ops); + if (err < 0) { + snd_mychip_free(chip); + return err; + } + + snd_card_set_dev(card, &pci->dev); + + *rchip = chip; + return 0; + } + + /* constructor -- see "Constructor" sub-section */ + static int __devinit snd_mychip_probe(struct pci_dev *pci, + const struct pci_device_id *pci_id) + { + static int dev; + struct snd_card *card; + struct mychip *chip; + int err; + + /* (1) */ + if (dev >= SNDRV_CARDS) + return -ENODEV; + if (!enable[dev]) { + dev++; + return -ENOENT; + } + + /* (2) */ + err = snd_card_create(index[dev], id[dev], THIS_MODULE, 0, &card); + if (err < 0) + return err; + + /* (3) */ + err = snd_mychip_create(card, pci, &chip); + if (err < 0) { + snd_card_free(card); + return err; + } + + /* (4) */ + strcpy(card->driver, "My Chip"); + strcpy(card->shortname, "My Own Chip 123"); + sprintf(card->longname, "%s at 0x%lx irq %i", + card->shortname, chip->ioport, chip->irq); + + /* (5) */ + .... /* implemented later */ + + /* (6) */ + err = snd_card_register(card); + if (err < 0) { + snd_card_free(card); + return err; + } + + /* (7) */ + pci_set_drvdata(pci, card); + dev++; + return 0; + } + + /* destructor -- see the "Destructor" sub-section */ + static void __devexit snd_mychip_remove(struct pci_dev *pci) + { + snd_card_free(pci_get_drvdata(pci)); + pci_set_drvdata(pci, NULL); + } +]]> + + + +
+ +
+ Constructor + + The real constructor of PCI drivers is the probe callback. + The probe callback and other component-constructors which are called + from the probe callback should be defined with + the __devinit prefix. You + cannot use the __init prefix for them, + because any PCI device could be a hotplug device. + + + + In the probe callback, the following scheme is often used. + + +
+ 1) Check and increment the device index. + + + += SNDRV_CARDS) + return -ENODEV; + if (!enable[dev]) { + dev++; + return -ENOENT; + } +]]> + + + + where enable[dev] is the module option. + + + + Each time the probe callback is called, check the + availability of the device. If not available, simply increment + the device index and returns. dev will be incremented also + later (step + 7). + +
+ +
+ 2) Create a card instance + + + + + + + + + + The details will be explained in the section + + Management of Cards and Components. + +
+ +
+ 3) Create a main component + + In this part, the PCI resources are allocated. + + + + + + + + The details will be explained in the section PCI Resource + Management. + +
+ +
+ 4) Set the driver ID and name strings. + + + +driver, "My Chip"); + strcpy(card->shortname, "My Own Chip 123"); + sprintf(card->longname, "%s at 0x%lx irq %i", + card->shortname, chip->ioport, chip->irq); +]]> + + + + The driver field holds the minimal ID string of the + chip. This is used by alsa-lib's configurator, so keep it + simple but unique. + Even the same driver can have different driver IDs to + distinguish the functionality of each chip type. + + + + The shortname field is a string shown as more verbose + name. The longname field contains the information + shown in /proc/asound/cards. + +
+ +
+ 5) Create other components, such as mixer, MIDI, etc. + + Here you define the basic components such as + PCM, + mixer (e.g. AC97), + MIDI (e.g. MPU-401), + and other interfaces. + Also, if you want a proc + file, define it here, too. + +
+ +
+ 6) Register the card instance. + + + + + + + + + + Will be explained in the section Management + of Cards and Components, too. + +
+ +
+ 7) Set the PCI driver data and return zero. + + + + + + + + In the above, the card record is stored. This pointer is + used in the remove callback and power-management + callbacks, too. + +
+
+ +
+ Destructor + + The destructor, remove callback, simply releases the card + instance. Then the ALSA middle layer will release all the + attached components automatically. + + + + It would be typically like the following: + + + + + + + + The above code assumes that the card pointer is set to the PCI + driver data. + +
+ +
+ Header Files + + For the above example, at least the following include files + are necessary. + + + + + #include + #include + #include + #include +]]> + + + + where the last one is necessary only when module options are + defined in the source file. If the code is split into several + files, the files without module options don't need them. + + + + In addition to these headers, you'll need + <linux/interrupt.h> for interrupt + handling, and <asm/io.h> for I/O + access. If you use the mdelay() or + udelay() functions, you'll need to include + <linux/delay.h> too. + + + + The ALSA interfaces like the PCM and control APIs are defined in other + <sound/xxx.h> header files. + They have to be included after + <sound/core.h>. + + +
+ + + + + + + + Management of Cards and Components + +
+ Card Instance + + For each soundcard, a card record must be allocated. + + + + A card record is the headquarters of the soundcard. It manages + the whole list of devices (components) on the soundcard, such as + PCM, mixers, MIDI, synthesizer, and so on. Also, the card + record holds the ID and the name strings of the card, manages + the root of proc files, and controls the power-management states + and hotplug disconnections. The component list on the card + record is used to manage the correct release of resources at + destruction. + + + + As mentioned above, to create a card instance, call + snd_card_create(). + + + + + + + + + + The function takes five arguments, the card-index number, the + id string, the module pointer (usually + THIS_MODULE), + the size of extra-data space, and the pointer to return the + card instance. The extra_size argument is used to + allocate card->private_data for the + chip-specific data. Note that these data + are allocated by snd_card_create(). + +
+ +
+ Components + + After the card is created, you can attach the components + (devices) to the card instance. In an ALSA driver, a component is + represented as a struct snd_device object. + A component can be a PCM instance, a control interface, a raw + MIDI interface, etc. Each such instance has one component + entry. + + + + A component can be created via + snd_device_new() function. + + + + + + + + + + This takes the card pointer, the device-level + (SNDRV_DEV_XXX), the data pointer, and the + callback pointers (&ops). The + device-level defines the type of components and the order of + registration and de-registration. For most components, the + device-level is already defined. For a user-defined component, + you can use SNDRV_DEV_LOWLEVEL. + + + + This function itself doesn't allocate the data space. The data + must be allocated manually beforehand, and its pointer is passed + as the argument. This pointer is used as the + (chip identifier in the above example) + for the instance. + + + + Each pre-defined ALSA component such as ac97 and pcm calls + snd_device_new() inside its + constructor. The destructor for each component is defined in the + callback pointers. Hence, you don't need to take care of + calling a destructor for such a component. + + + + If you wish to create your own component, you need to + set the destructor function to the dev_free callback in + the ops, so that it can be released + automatically via snd_card_free(). + The next example will show an implementation of chip-specific + data. + +
+ +
+ Chip-Specific Data + + Chip-specific information, e.g. the I/O port address, its + resource pointer, or the irq number, is stored in the + chip-specific record. + + + + + + + + + + In general, there are two ways of allocating the chip record. + + +
+ 1. Allocating via <function>snd_card_create()</function>. + + As mentioned above, you can pass the extra-data-length + to the 4th argument of snd_card_create(), i.e. + + + + + + + + struct mychip is the type of the chip record. + + + + In return, the allocated record can be accessed as + + + +private_data; +]]> + + + + With this method, you don't have to allocate twice. + The record is released together with the card instance. + +
+ +
+ 2. Allocating an extra device. + + + After allocating a card instance via + snd_card_create() (with + 0 on the 4th arg), call + kzalloc(). + + + + + + + + + + The chip record should have the field to hold the card + pointer at least, + + + + + + + + + + Then, set the card pointer in the returned chip instance. + + + +card = card; +]]> + + + + + + Next, initialize the fields, and register this chip + record as a low-level device with a specified + ops, + + + + + + + + snd_mychip_dev_free() is the + device-destructor function, which will call the real + destructor. + + + + + +device_data); + } +]]> + + + + where snd_mychip_free() is the real destructor. + +
+
+ +
+ Registration and Release + + After all components are assigned, register the card instance + by calling snd_card_register(). Access + to the device files is enabled at this point. That is, before + snd_card_register() is called, the + components are safely inaccessible from external side. If this + call fails, exit the probe function after releasing the card via + snd_card_free(). + + + + For releasing the card instance, you can call simply + snd_card_free(). As mentioned earlier, all + components are released automatically by this call. + + + + As further notes, the destructors (both + snd_mychip_dev_free and + snd_mychip_free) cannot be defined with + the __devexit prefix, because they may be + called from the constructor, too, at the false path. + + + + For a device which allows hotplugging, you can use + snd_card_free_when_closed. This one will + postpone the destruction until all devices are closed. + + +
+ + + + + + + + + PCI Resource Management + +
+ Full Code Example + + In this section, we'll complete the chip-specific constructor, + destructor and PCI entries. Example code is shown first, + below. + + + PCI Resource Management Example + +irq >= 0) + free_irq(chip->irq, chip); + /* release the I/O ports & memory */ + pci_release_regions(chip->pci); + /* disable the PCI entry */ + pci_disable_device(chip->pci); + /* release the data */ + kfree(chip); + return 0; + } + + /* chip-specific constructor */ + static int __devinit snd_mychip_create(struct snd_card *card, + struct pci_dev *pci, + struct mychip **rchip) + { + struct mychip *chip; + int err; + static struct snd_device_ops ops = { + .dev_free = snd_mychip_dev_free, + }; + + *rchip = NULL; + + /* initialize the PCI entry */ + err = pci_enable_device(pci); + if (err < 0) + return err; + /* check PCI availability (28bit DMA) */ + if (pci_set_dma_mask(pci, DMA_BIT_MASK(28)) < 0 || + pci_set_consistent_dma_mask(pci, DMA_BIT_MASK(28)) < 0) { + printk(KERN_ERR "error to set 28bit mask DMA\n"); + pci_disable_device(pci); + return -ENXIO; + } + + chip = kzalloc(sizeof(*chip), GFP_KERNEL); + if (chip == NULL) { + pci_disable_device(pci); + return -ENOMEM; + } + + /* initialize the stuff */ + chip->card = card; + chip->pci = pci; + chip->irq = -1; + + /* (1) PCI resource allocation */ + err = pci_request_regions(pci, "My Chip"); + if (err < 0) { + kfree(chip); + pci_disable_device(pci); + return err; + } + chip->port = pci_resource_start(pci, 0); + if (request_irq(pci->irq, snd_mychip_interrupt, + IRQF_SHARED, "My Chip", chip)) { + printk(KERN_ERR "cannot grab irq %d\n", pci->irq); + snd_mychip_free(chip); + return -EBUSY; + } + chip->irq = pci->irq; + + /* (2) initialization of the chip hardware */ + .... /* (not implemented in this document) */ + + err = snd_device_new(card, SNDRV_DEV_LOWLEVEL, chip, &ops); + if (err < 0) { + snd_mychip_free(chip); + return err; + } + + snd_card_set_dev(card, &pci->dev); + + *rchip = chip; + return 0; + } + + /* PCI IDs */ + static struct pci_device_id snd_mychip_ids[] = { + { PCI_VENDOR_ID_FOO, PCI_DEVICE_ID_BAR, + PCI_ANY_ID, PCI_ANY_ID, 0, 0, 0, }, + .... + { 0, } + }; + MODULE_DEVICE_TABLE(pci, snd_mychip_ids); + + /* pci_driver definition */ + static struct pci_driver driver = { + .name = "My Own Chip", + .id_table = snd_mychip_ids, + .probe = snd_mychip_probe, + .remove = __devexit_p(snd_mychip_remove), + }; + + /* module initialization */ + static int __init alsa_card_mychip_init(void) + { + return pci_register_driver(&driver); + } + + /* module clean up */ + static void __exit alsa_card_mychip_exit(void) + { + pci_unregister_driver(&driver); + } + + module_init(alsa_card_mychip_init) + module_exit(alsa_card_mychip_exit) + + EXPORT_NO_SYMBOLS; /* for old kernels only */ +]]> + + + +
+ +
+ Some Hafta's + + The allocation of PCI resources is done in the + probe() function, and usually an extra + xxx_create() function is written for this + purpose. + + + + In the case of PCI devices, you first have to call + the pci_enable_device() function before + allocating resources. Also, you need to set the proper PCI DMA + mask to limit the accessed I/O range. In some cases, you might + need to call pci_set_master() function, + too. + + + + Suppose the 28bit mask, and the code to be added would be like: + + + + + + + +
+ +
+ Resource Allocation + + The allocation of I/O ports and irqs is done via standard kernel + functions. Unlike ALSA ver.0.5.x., there are no helpers for + that. And these resources must be released in the destructor + function (see below). Also, on ALSA 0.9.x, you don't need to + allocate (pseudo-)DMA for PCI like in ALSA 0.5.x. + + + + Now assume that the PCI device has an I/O port with 8 bytes + and an interrupt. Then struct mychip will have the + following fields: + + + + + + + + + + For an I/O port (and also a memory region), you need to have + the resource pointer for the standard resource management. For + an irq, you have to keep only the irq number (integer). But you + need to initialize this number as -1 before actual allocation, + since irq 0 is valid. The port address and its resource pointer + can be initialized as null by + kzalloc() automatically, so you + don't have to take care of resetting them. + + + + The allocation of an I/O port is done like this: + + + +port = pci_resource_start(pci, 0); +]]> + + + + + + + It will reserve the I/O port region of 8 bytes of the given + PCI device. The returned value, chip->res_port, is allocated + via kmalloc() by + request_region(). The pointer must be + released via kfree(), but there is a + problem with this. This issue will be explained later. + + + + The allocation of an interrupt source is done like this: + + + +irq, snd_mychip_interrupt, + IRQF_SHARED, "My Chip", chip)) { + printk(KERN_ERR "cannot grab irq %d\n", pci->irq); + snd_mychip_free(chip); + return -EBUSY; + } + chip->irq = pci->irq; +]]> + + + + where snd_mychip_interrupt() is the + interrupt handler defined later. + Note that chip->irq should be defined + only when request_irq() succeeded. + + + + On the PCI bus, interrupts can be shared. Thus, + IRQF_SHARED is used as the interrupt flag of + request_irq(). + + + + The last argument of request_irq() is the + data pointer passed to the interrupt handler. Usually, the + chip-specific record is used for that, but you can use what you + like, too. + + + + I won't give details about the interrupt handler at this + point, but at least its appearance can be explained now. The + interrupt handler looks usually like the following: + + + + + + + + + + Now let's write the corresponding destructor for the resources + above. The role of destructor is simple: disable the hardware + (if already activated) and release the resources. So far, we + have no hardware part, so the disabling code is not written here. + + + + To release the resources, the check-and-release + method is a safer way. For the interrupt, do like this: + + + +irq >= 0) + free_irq(chip->irq, chip); +]]> + + + + Since the irq number can start from 0, you should initialize + chip->irq with a negative value (e.g. -1), so that you can + check the validity of the irq number as above. + + + + When you requested I/O ports or memory regions via + pci_request_region() or + pci_request_regions() like in this example, + release the resource(s) using the corresponding function, + pci_release_region() or + pci_release_regions(). + + + +pci); +]]> + + + + + + When you requested manually via request_region() + or request_mem_region, you can release it via + release_resource(). Suppose that you keep + the resource pointer returned from request_region() + in chip->res_port, the release procedure looks like: + + + +res_port); +]]> + + + + + + Don't forget to call pci_disable_device() + before the end. + + + + And finally, release the chip-specific record. + + + + + + + + + + Again, remember that you cannot + use the __devexit prefix for this destructor. + + + + We didn't implement the hardware disabling part in the above. + If you need to do this, please note that the destructor may be + called even before the initialization of the chip is completed. + It would be better to have a flag to skip hardware disabling + if the hardware was not initialized yet. + + + + When the chip-data is assigned to the card using + snd_device_new() with + SNDRV_DEV_LOWLELVEL , its destructor is + called at the last. That is, it is assured that all other + components like PCMs and controls have already been released. + You don't have to stop PCMs, etc. explicitly, but just + call low-level hardware stopping. + + + + The management of a memory-mapped region is almost as same as + the management of an I/O port. You'll need three fields like + the following: + + + + + + + + and the allocation would be like below: + + + +iobase_phys = pci_resource_start(pci, 0); + chip->iobase_virt = ioremap_nocache(chip->iobase_phys, + pci_resource_len(pci, 0)); +]]> + + + + and the corresponding destructor would be: + + + +iobase_virt) + iounmap(chip->iobase_virt); + .... + pci_release_regions(chip->pci); + .... + } +]]> + + + + +
+ +
+ Registration of Device Struct + + At some point, typically after calling snd_device_new(), + you need to register the struct device of the chip + you're handling for udev and co. ALSA provides a macro for compatibility with + older kernels. Simply call like the following: + + +dev); +]]> + + + so that it stores the PCI's device pointer to the card. This will be + referred by ALSA core functions later when the devices are registered. + + + In the case of non-PCI, pass the proper device struct pointer of the BUS + instead. (In the case of legacy ISA without PnP, you don't have to do + anything.) + +
+ +
+ PCI Entries + + So far, so good. Let's finish the missing PCI + stuff. At first, we need a + pci_device_id table for this + chipset. It's a table of PCI vendor/device ID number, and some + masks. + + + + For example, + + + + + + + + + + The first and second fields of + the pci_device_id structure are the vendor and + device IDs. If you have no reason to filter the matching + devices, you can leave the remaining fields as above. The last + field of the pci_device_id struct contains + private data for this entry. You can specify any value here, for + example, to define specific operations for supported device IDs. + Such an example is found in the intel8x0 driver. + + + + The last entry of this list is the terminator. You must + specify this all-zero entry. + + + + Then, prepare the pci_driver record: + + + + + + + + + + The probe and + remove functions have already + been defined in the previous sections. + The remove function should + be defined with the + __devexit_p() macro, so that it's not + defined for built-in (and non-hot-pluggable) case. The + name + field is the name string of this device. Note that you must not + use a slash / in this string. + + + + And at last, the module entries: + + + + + + + + + + Note that these module entries are tagged with + __init and + __exit prefixes, not + __devinit nor + __devexit. + + + + Oh, one thing was forgotten. If you have no exported symbols, + you need to declare it in 2.2 or 2.4 kernels (it's not necessary in 2.6 kernels). + + + + + + + + That's all! + +
+ + + + + + + + PCM Interface + +
+ General + + The PCM middle layer of ALSA is quite powerful and it is only + necessary for each driver to implement the low-level functions + to access its hardware. + + + + For accessing to the PCM layer, you need to include + <sound/pcm.h> first. In addition, + <sound/pcm_params.h> might be needed + if you access to some functions related with hw_param. + + + + Each card device can have up to four pcm instances. A pcm + instance corresponds to a pcm device file. The limitation of + number of instances comes only from the available bit size of + the Linux's device numbers. Once when 64bit device number is + used, we'll have more pcm instances available. + + + + A pcm instance consists of pcm playback and capture streams, + and each pcm stream consists of one or more pcm substreams. Some + soundcards support multiple playback functions. For example, + emu10k1 has a PCM playback of 32 stereo substreams. In this case, at + each open, a free substream is (usually) automatically chosen + and opened. Meanwhile, when only one substream exists and it was + already opened, the successful open will either block + or error with EAGAIN according to the + file open mode. But you don't have to care about such details in your + driver. The PCM middle layer will take care of such work. + +
+ +
+ Full Code Example + + The example code below does not include any hardware access + routines but shows only the skeleton, how to build up the PCM + interfaces. + + + PCM Example Code + + + .... + + /* hardware definition */ + static struct snd_pcm_hardware snd_mychip_playback_hw = { + .info = (SNDRV_PCM_INFO_MMAP | + SNDRV_PCM_INFO_INTERLEAVED | + SNDRV_PCM_INFO_BLOCK_TRANSFER | + SNDRV_PCM_INFO_MMAP_VALID), + .formats = SNDRV_PCM_FMTBIT_S16_LE, + .rates = SNDRV_PCM_RATE_8000_48000, + .rate_min = 8000, + .rate_max = 48000, + .channels_min = 2, + .channels_max = 2, + .buffer_bytes_max = 32768, + .period_bytes_min = 4096, + .period_bytes_max = 32768, + .periods_min = 1, + .periods_max = 1024, + }; + + /* hardware definition */ + static struct snd_pcm_hardware snd_mychip_capture_hw = { + .info = (SNDRV_PCM_INFO_MMAP | + SNDRV_PCM_INFO_INTERLEAVED | + SNDRV_PCM_INFO_BLOCK_TRANSFER | + SNDRV_PCM_INFO_MMAP_VALID), + .formats = SNDRV_PCM_FMTBIT_S16_LE, + .rates = SNDRV_PCM_RATE_8000_48000, + .rate_min = 8000, + .rate_max = 48000, + .channels_min = 2, + .channels_max = 2, + .buffer_bytes_max = 32768, + .period_bytes_min = 4096, + .period_bytes_max = 32768, + .periods_min = 1, + .periods_max = 1024, + }; + + /* open callback */ + static int snd_mychip_playback_open(struct snd_pcm_substream *substream) + { + struct mychip *chip = snd_pcm_substream_chip(substream); + struct snd_pcm_runtime *runtime = substream->runtime; + + runtime->hw = snd_mychip_playback_hw; + /* more hardware-initialization will be done here */ + .... + return 0; + } + + /* close callback */ + static int snd_mychip_playback_close(struct snd_pcm_substream *substream) + { + struct mychip *chip = snd_pcm_substream_chip(substream); + /* the hardware-specific codes will be here */ + .... + return 0; + + } + + /* open callback */ + static int snd_mychip_capture_open(struct snd_pcm_substream *substream) + { + struct mychip *chip = snd_pcm_substream_chip(substream); + struct snd_pcm_runtime *runtime = substream->runtime; + + runtime->hw = snd_mychip_capture_hw; + /* more hardware-initialization will be done here */ + .... + return 0; + } + + /* close callback */ + static int snd_mychip_capture_close(struct snd_pcm_substream *substream) + { + struct mychip *chip = snd_pcm_substream_chip(substream); + /* the hardware-specific codes will be here */ + .... + return 0; + + } + + /* hw_params callback */ + static int snd_mychip_pcm_hw_params(struct snd_pcm_substream *substream, + struct snd_pcm_hw_params *hw_params) + { + return snd_pcm_lib_malloc_pages(substream, + params_buffer_bytes(hw_params)); + } + + /* hw_free callback */ + static int snd_mychip_pcm_hw_free(struct snd_pcm_substream *substream) + { + return snd_pcm_lib_free_pages(substream); + } + + /* prepare callback */ + static int snd_mychip_pcm_prepare(struct snd_pcm_substream *substream) + { + struct mychip *chip = snd_pcm_substream_chip(substream); + struct snd_pcm_runtime *runtime = substream->runtime; + + /* set up the hardware with the current configuration + * for example... + */ + mychip_set_sample_format(chip, runtime->format); + mychip_set_sample_rate(chip, runtime->rate); + mychip_set_channels(chip, runtime->channels); + mychip_set_dma_setup(chip, runtime->dma_addr, + chip->buffer_size, + chip->period_size); + return 0; + } + + /* trigger callback */ + static int snd_mychip_pcm_trigger(struct snd_pcm_substream *substream, + int cmd) + { + switch (cmd) { + case SNDRV_PCM_TRIGGER_START: + /* do something to start the PCM engine */ + .... + break; + case SNDRV_PCM_TRIGGER_STOP: + /* do something to stop the PCM engine */ + .... + break; + default: + return -EINVAL; + } + } + + /* pointer callback */ + static snd_pcm_uframes_t + snd_mychip_pcm_pointer(struct snd_pcm_substream *substream) + { + struct mychip *chip = snd_pcm_substream_chip(substream); + unsigned int current_ptr; + + /* get the current hardware pointer */ + current_ptr = mychip_get_hw_pointer(chip); + return current_ptr; + } + + /* operators */ + static struct snd_pcm_ops snd_mychip_playback_ops = { + .open = snd_mychip_playback_open, + .close = snd_mychip_playback_close, + .ioctl = snd_pcm_lib_ioctl, + .hw_params = snd_mychip_pcm_hw_params, + .hw_free = snd_mychip_pcm_hw_free, + .prepare = snd_mychip_pcm_prepare, + .trigger = snd_mychip_pcm_trigger, + .pointer = snd_mychip_pcm_pointer, + }; + + /* operators */ + static struct snd_pcm_ops snd_mychip_capture_ops = { + .open = snd_mychip_capture_open, + .close = snd_mychip_capture_close, + .ioctl = snd_pcm_lib_ioctl, + .hw_params = snd_mychip_pcm_hw_params, + .hw_free = snd_mychip_pcm_hw_free, + .prepare = snd_mychip_pcm_prepare, + .trigger = snd_mychip_pcm_trigger, + .pointer = snd_mychip_pcm_pointer, + }; + + /* + * definitions of capture are omitted here... + */ + + /* create a pcm device */ + static int __devinit snd_mychip_new_pcm(struct mychip *chip) + { + struct snd_pcm *pcm; + int err; + + err = snd_pcm_new(chip->card, "My Chip", 0, 1, 1, &pcm); + if (err < 0) + return err; + pcm->private_data = chip; + strcpy(pcm->name, "My Chip"); + chip->pcm = pcm; + /* set operators */ + snd_pcm_set_ops(pcm, SNDRV_PCM_STREAM_PLAYBACK, + &snd_mychip_playback_ops); + snd_pcm_set_ops(pcm, SNDRV_PCM_STREAM_CAPTURE, + &snd_mychip_capture_ops); + /* pre-allocation of buffers */ + /* NOTE: this may fail */ + snd_pcm_lib_preallocate_pages_for_all(pcm, SNDRV_DMA_TYPE_DEV, + snd_dma_pci_data(chip->pci), + 64*1024, 64*1024); + return 0; + } +]]> + + + +
+ +
+ Constructor + + A pcm instance is allocated by the snd_pcm_new() + function. It would be better to create a constructor for pcm, + namely, + + + +card, "My Chip", 0, 1, 1, &pcm); + if (err < 0) + return err; + pcm->private_data = chip; + strcpy(pcm->name, "My Chip"); + chip->pcm = pcm; + .... + return 0; + } +]]> + + + + + + The snd_pcm_new() function takes four + arguments. The first argument is the card pointer to which this + pcm is assigned, and the second is the ID string. + + + + The third argument (index, 0 in the + above) is the index of this new pcm. It begins from zero. If + you create more than one pcm instances, specify the + different numbers in this argument. For example, + index = 1 for the second PCM device. + + + + The fourth and fifth arguments are the number of substreams + for playback and capture, respectively. Here 1 is used for + both arguments. When no playback or capture substreams are available, + pass 0 to the corresponding argument. + + + + If a chip supports multiple playbacks or captures, you can + specify more numbers, but they must be handled properly in + open/close, etc. callbacks. When you need to know which + substream you are referring to, then it can be obtained from + struct snd_pcm_substream data passed to each callback + as follows: + + + +number; +]]> + + + + + + After the pcm is created, you need to set operators for each + pcm stream. + + + + + + + + + + The operators are defined typically like this: + + + + + + + + All the callbacks are described in the + + Operators subsection. + + + + After setting the operators, you probably will want to + pre-allocate the buffer. For the pre-allocation, simply call + the following: + + + +pci), + 64*1024, 64*1024); +]]> + + + + It will allocate a buffer up to 64kB as default. + Buffer management details will be described in the later section Buffer and Memory + Management. + + + + Additionally, you can set some extra information for this pcm + in pcm->info_flags. + The available values are defined as + SNDRV_PCM_INFO_XXX in + <sound/asound.h>, which is used for + the hardware definition (described later). When your soundchip + supports only half-duplex, specify like this: + + + +info_flags = SNDRV_PCM_INFO_HALF_DUPLEX; +]]> + + + +
+ +
+ ... And the Destructor? + + The destructor for a pcm instance is not always + necessary. Since the pcm device will be released by the middle + layer code automatically, you don't have to call the destructor + explicitly. + + + + The destructor would be necessary if you created + special records internally and needed to release them. In such a + case, set the destructor function to + pcm->private_free: + + + PCM Instance with a Destructor + +my_private_pcm_data); + /* do what you like else */ + .... + } + + static int __devinit snd_mychip_new_pcm(struct mychip *chip) + { + struct snd_pcm *pcm; + .... + /* allocate your own data */ + chip->my_private_pcm_data = kmalloc(...); + /* set the destructor */ + pcm->private_data = chip; + pcm->private_free = mychip_pcm_free; + .... + } +]]> + + + +
+ +
+ Runtime Pointer - The Chest of PCM Information + + When the PCM substream is opened, a PCM runtime instance is + allocated and assigned to the substream. This pointer is + accessible via substream->runtime. + This runtime pointer holds most information you need + to control the PCM: the copy of hw_params and sw_params configurations, the buffer + pointers, mmap records, spinlocks, etc. + + + + The definition of runtime instance is found in + <sound/pcm.h>. Here are + the contents of this file: + + + + + + + + + For the operators (callbacks) of each sound driver, most of + these records are supposed to be read-only. Only the PCM + middle-layer changes / updates them. The exceptions are + the hardware description (hw), interrupt callbacks + (transfer_ack_xxx), DMA buffer information, and the private + data. Besides, if you use the standard buffer allocation + method via snd_pcm_lib_malloc_pages(), + you don't need to set the DMA buffer information by yourself. + + + + In the sections below, important records are explained. + + +
+ Hardware Description + + The hardware descriptor (struct snd_pcm_hardware) + contains the definitions of the fundamental hardware + configuration. Above all, you'll need to define this in + + the open callback. + Note that the runtime instance holds the copy of the + descriptor, not the pointer to the existing descriptor. That + is, in the open callback, you can modify the copied descriptor + (runtime->hw) as you need. For example, if the maximum + number of channels is 1 only on some chip models, you can + still use the same hardware descriptor and change the + channels_max later: + + +runtime; + ... + runtime->hw = snd_mychip_playback_hw; /* common definition */ + if (chip->model == VERY_OLD_ONE) + runtime->hw.channels_max = 1; +]]> + + + + + + Typically, you'll have a hardware descriptor as below: + + + + + + + + + + + The info field contains the type and + capabilities of this pcm. The bit flags are defined in + <sound/asound.h> as + SNDRV_PCM_INFO_XXX. Here, at least, you + have to specify whether the mmap is supported and which + interleaved format is supported. + When the is supported, add the + SNDRV_PCM_INFO_MMAP flag here. When the + hardware supports the interleaved or the non-interleaved + formats, SNDRV_PCM_INFO_INTERLEAVED or + SNDRV_PCM_INFO_NONINTERLEAVED flag must + be set, respectively. If both are supported, you can set both, + too. + + + + In the above example, MMAP_VALID and + BLOCK_TRANSFER are specified for the OSS mmap + mode. Usually both are set. Of course, + MMAP_VALID is set only if the mmap is + really supported. + + + + The other possible flags are + SNDRV_PCM_INFO_PAUSE and + SNDRV_PCM_INFO_RESUME. The + PAUSE bit means that the pcm supports the + pause operation, while the + RESUME bit means that the pcm supports + the full suspend/resume operation. + If the PAUSE flag is set, + the trigger callback below + must handle the corresponding (pause push/release) commands. + The suspend/resume trigger commands can be defined even without + the RESUME flag. See + Power Management section for details. + + + + When the PCM substreams can be synchronized (typically, + synchronized start/stop of a playback and a capture streams), + you can give SNDRV_PCM_INFO_SYNC_START, + too. In this case, you'll need to check the linked-list of + PCM substreams in the trigger callback. This will be + described in the later section. + + + + + + formats field contains the bit-flags + of supported formats (SNDRV_PCM_FMTBIT_XXX). + If the hardware supports more than one format, give all or'ed + bits. In the example above, the signed 16bit little-endian + format is specified. + + + + + + rates field contains the bit-flags of + supported rates (SNDRV_PCM_RATE_XXX). + When the chip supports continuous rates, pass + CONTINUOUS bit additionally. + The pre-defined rate bits are provided only for typical + rates. If your chip supports unconventional rates, you need to add + the KNOT bit and set up the hardware + constraint manually (explained later). + + + + + + rate_min and + rate_max define the minimum and + maximum sample rate. This should correspond somehow to + rates bits. + + + + + + channel_min and + channel_max + define, as you might already expected, the minimum and maximum + number of channels. + + + + + + buffer_bytes_max defines the + maximum buffer size in bytes. There is no + buffer_bytes_min field, since + it can be calculated from the minimum period size and the + minimum number of periods. + Meanwhile, period_bytes_min and + define the minimum and maximum size of the period in bytes. + periods_max and + periods_min define the maximum and + minimum number of periods in the buffer. + + + + The period is a term that corresponds to + a fragment in the OSS world. The period defines the size at + which a PCM interrupt is generated. This size strongly + depends on the hardware. + Generally, the smaller period size will give you more + interrupts, that is, more controls. + In the case of capture, this size defines the input latency. + On the other hand, the whole buffer size defines the + output latency for the playback direction. + + + + + + There is also a field fifo_size. + This specifies the size of the hardware FIFO, but currently it + is neither used in the driver nor in the alsa-lib. So, you + can ignore this field. + + + + +
+ +
+ PCM Configurations + + Ok, let's go back again to the PCM runtime records. + The most frequently referred records in the runtime instance are + the PCM configurations. + The PCM configurations are stored in the runtime instance + after the application sends hw_params data via + alsa-lib. There are many fields copied from hw_params and + sw_params structs. For example, + format holds the format type + chosen by the application. This field contains the enum value + SNDRV_PCM_FORMAT_XXX. + + + + One thing to be noted is that the configured buffer and period + sizes are stored in frames in the runtime. + In the ALSA world, 1 frame = channels * samples-size. + For conversion between frames and bytes, you can use the + frames_to_bytes() and + bytes_to_frames() helper functions. + + +period_size); +]]> + + + + + + Also, many software parameters (sw_params) are + stored in frames, too. Please check the type of the field. + snd_pcm_uframes_t is for the frames as unsigned + integer while snd_pcm_sframes_t is for the frames + as signed integer. + +
+ +
+ DMA Buffer Information + + The DMA buffer is defined by the following four fields, + dma_area, + dma_addr, + dma_bytes and + dma_private. + The dma_area holds the buffer + pointer (the logical address). You can call + memcpy from/to + this pointer. Meanwhile, dma_addr + holds the physical address of the buffer. This field is + specified only when the buffer is a linear buffer. + dma_bytes holds the size of buffer + in bytes. dma_private is used for + the ALSA DMA allocator. + + + + If you use a standard ALSA function, + snd_pcm_lib_malloc_pages(), for + allocating the buffer, these fields are set by the ALSA middle + layer, and you should not change them by + yourself. You can read them but not write them. + On the other hand, if you want to allocate the buffer by + yourself, you'll need to manage it in hw_params callback. + At least, dma_bytes is mandatory. + dma_area is necessary when the + buffer is mmapped. If your driver doesn't support mmap, this + field is not necessary. dma_addr + is also optional. You can use + dma_private as you like, too. + +
+ +
+ Running Status + + The running status can be referred via runtime->status. + This is the pointer to the struct snd_pcm_mmap_status + record. For example, you can get the current DMA hardware + pointer via runtime->status->hw_ptr. + + + + The DMA application pointer can be referred via + runtime->control, which points to the + struct snd_pcm_mmap_control record. + However, accessing directly to this value is not recommended. + +
+ +
+ Private Data + + You can allocate a record for the substream and store it in + runtime->private_data. Usually, this + is done in + + the open callback. + Don't mix this with pcm->private_data. + The pcm->private_data usually points to the + chip instance assigned statically at the creation of PCM, while the + runtime->private_data points to a dynamic + data structure created at the PCM open callback. + + + +runtime->private_data = data; + .... + } +]]> + + + + + + The allocated object must be released in + + the close callback. + +
+ +
+ Interrupt Callbacks + + The field transfer_ack_begin and + transfer_ack_end are called at + the beginning and at the end of + snd_pcm_period_elapsed(), respectively. + +
+ +
+ +
+ Operators + + OK, now let me give details about each pcm callback + (ops). In general, every callback must + return 0 if successful, or a negative error number + such as -EINVAL. To choose an appropriate + error number, it is advised to check what value other parts of + the kernel return when the same kind of request fails. + + + + The callback function takes at least the argument with + snd_pcm_substream pointer. To retrieve + the chip record from the given substream instance, you can use the + following macro. + + + + + + + + The macro reads substream->private_data, + which is a copy of pcm->private_data. + You can override the former if you need to assign different data + records per PCM substream. For example, the cmi8330 driver assigns + different private_data for playback and capture directions, + because it uses two different codecs (SB- and AD-compatible) for + different directions. + + +
+ open callback + + + + + + + + This is called when a pcm substream is opened. + + + + At least, here you have to initialize the runtime->hw + record. Typically, this is done by like this: + + + +runtime; + + runtime->hw = snd_mychip_playback_hw; + return 0; + } +]]> + + + + where snd_mychip_playback_hw is the + pre-defined hardware description. + + + + You can allocate a private data in this callback, as described + in + Private Data section. + + + + If the hardware configuration needs more constraints, set the + hardware constraints here, too. + See + Constraints for more details. + +
+ +
+ close callback + + + + + + + + Obviously, this is called when a pcm substream is closed. + + + + Any private instance for a pcm substream allocated in the + open callback will be released here. + + + +runtime->private_data); + .... + } +]]> + + + +
+ +
+ ioctl callback + + This is used for any special call to pcm ioctls. But + usually you can pass a generic ioctl callback, + snd_pcm_lib_ioctl. + +
+ +
+ hw_params callback + + + + + + + + + + This is called when the hardware parameter + (hw_params) is set + up by the application, + that is, once when the buffer size, the period size, the + format, etc. are defined for the pcm substream. + + + + Many hardware setups should be done in this callback, + including the allocation of buffers. + + + + Parameters to be initialized are retrieved by + params_xxx() macros. To allocate + buffer, you can call a helper function, + + + + + + + + snd_pcm_lib_malloc_pages() is available + only when the DMA buffers have been pre-allocated. + See the section + Buffer Types for more details. + + + + Note that this and prepare callbacks + may be called multiple times per initialization. + For example, the OSS emulation may + call these callbacks at each change via its ioctl. + + + + Thus, you need to be careful not to allocate the same buffers + many times, which will lead to memory leaks! Calling the + helper function above many times is OK. It will release the + previous buffer automatically when it was already allocated. + + + + Another note is that this callback is non-atomic + (schedulable). This is important, because the + trigger callback + is atomic (non-schedulable). That is, mutexes or any + schedule-related functions are not available in + trigger callback. + Please see the subsection + + Atomicity for details. + +
+ +
+ hw_free callback + + + + + + + + + + This is called to release the resources allocated via + hw_params. For example, releasing the + buffer via + snd_pcm_lib_malloc_pages() is done by + calling the following: + + + + + + + + + + This function is always called before the close callback is called. + Also, the callback may be called multiple times, too. + Keep track whether the resource was already released. + +
+ +
+ prepare callback + + + + + + + + + + This callback is called when the pcm is + prepared. You can set the format type, sample + rate, etc. here. The difference from + hw_params is that the + prepare callback will be called each + time + snd_pcm_prepare() is called, i.e. when + recovering after underruns, etc. + + + + Note that this callback is now non-atomic. + You can use schedule-related functions safely in this callback. + + + + In this and the following callbacks, you can refer to the + values via the runtime record, + substream->runtime. + For example, to get the current + rate, format or channels, access to + runtime->rate, + runtime->format or + runtime->channels, respectively. + The physical address of the allocated buffer is set to + runtime->dma_area. The buffer and period sizes are + in runtime->buffer_size and runtime->period_size, + respectively. + + + + Be careful that this callback will be called many times at + each setup, too. + +
+ +
+ trigger callback + + + + + + + + This is called when the pcm is started, stopped or paused. + + + + Which action is specified in the second argument, + SNDRV_PCM_TRIGGER_XXX in + <sound/pcm.h>. At least, + the START and STOP + commands must be defined in this callback. + + + + + + + + + + When the pcm supports the pause operation (given in the info + field of the hardware table), the PAUSE_PUSE + and PAUSE_RELEASE commands must be + handled here, too. The former is the command to pause the pcm, + and the latter to restart the pcm again. + + + + When the pcm supports the suspend/resume operation, + regardless of full or partial suspend/resume support, + the SUSPEND and RESUME + commands must be handled, too. + These commands are issued when the power-management status is + changed. Obviously, the SUSPEND and + RESUME commands + suspend and resume the pcm substream, and usually, they + are identical to the STOP and + START commands, respectively. + See the + Power Management section for details. + + + + As mentioned, this callback is atomic. You cannot call + functions which may sleep. + The trigger callback should be as minimal as possible, + just really triggering the DMA. The other stuff should be + initialized hw_params and prepare callbacks properly + beforehand. + +
+ +
+ pointer callback + + + + + + + + This callback is called when the PCM middle layer inquires + the current hardware position on the buffer. The position must + be returned in frames, + ranging from 0 to buffer_size - 1. + + + + This is called usually from the buffer-update routine in the + pcm middle layer, which is invoked when + snd_pcm_period_elapsed() is called in the + interrupt routine. Then the pcm middle layer updates the + position and calculates the available space, and wakes up the + sleeping poll threads, etc. + + + + This callback is also atomic. + +
+ +
+ copy and silence callbacks + + These callbacks are not mandatory, and can be omitted in + most cases. These callbacks are used when the hardware buffer + cannot be in the normal memory space. Some chips have their + own buffer on the hardware which is not mappable. In such a + case, you have to transfer the data manually from the memory + buffer to the hardware buffer. Or, if the buffer is + non-contiguous on both physical and virtual memory spaces, + these callbacks must be defined, too. + + + + If these two callbacks are defined, copy and set-silence + operations are done by them. The detailed will be described in + the later section Buffer and Memory + Management. + +
+ +
+ ack callback + + This callback is also not mandatory. This callback is called + when the appl_ptr is updated in read or write operations. + Some drivers like emu10k1-fx and cs46xx need to track the + current appl_ptr for the internal buffer, and this callback + is useful only for such a purpose. + + + This callback is atomic. + +
+ +
+ page callback + + + This callback is optional too. This callback is used + mainly for non-contiguous buffers. The mmap calls this + callback to get the page address. Some examples will be + explained in the later section Buffer and Memory + Management, too. + +
+
+ +
+ Interrupt Handler + + The rest of pcm stuff is the PCM interrupt handler. The + role of PCM interrupt handler in the sound driver is to update + the buffer position and to tell the PCM middle layer when the + buffer position goes across the prescribed period size. To + inform this, call the snd_pcm_period_elapsed() + function. + + + + There are several types of sound chips to generate the interrupts. + + +
+ Interrupts at the period (fragment) boundary + + This is the most frequently found type: the hardware + generates an interrupt at each period boundary. + In this case, you can call + snd_pcm_period_elapsed() at each + interrupt. + + + + snd_pcm_period_elapsed() takes the + substream pointer as its argument. Thus, you need to keep the + substream pointer accessible from the chip instance. For + example, define substream field in the chip record to hold the + current running substream pointer, and set the pointer value + at open callback (and reset at close callback). + + + + If you acquire a spinlock in the interrupt handler, and the + lock is used in other pcm callbacks, too, then you have to + release the lock before calling + snd_pcm_period_elapsed(), because + snd_pcm_period_elapsed() calls other pcm + callbacks inside. + + + + Typical code would be like: + + + Interrupt Handler Case #1 + +lock); + .... + if (pcm_irq_invoked(chip)) { + /* call updater, unlock before it */ + spin_unlock(&chip->lock); + snd_pcm_period_elapsed(chip->substream); + spin_lock(&chip->lock); + /* acknowledge the interrupt if necessary */ + } + .... + spin_unlock(&chip->lock); + return IRQ_HANDLED; + } +]]> + + + +
+ +
+ High frequency timer interrupts + + This happense when the hardware doesn't generate interrupts + at the period boundary but issues timer interrupts at a fixed + timer rate (e.g. es1968 or ymfpci drivers). + In this case, you need to check the current hardware + position and accumulate the processed sample length at each + interrupt. When the accumulated size exceeds the period + size, call + snd_pcm_period_elapsed() and reset the + accumulator. + + + + Typical code would be like the following. + + + Interrupt Handler Case #2 + +lock); + .... + if (pcm_irq_invoked(chip)) { + unsigned int last_ptr, size; + /* get the current hardware pointer (in frames) */ + last_ptr = get_hw_ptr(chip); + /* calculate the processed frames since the + * last update + */ + if (last_ptr < chip->last_ptr) + size = runtime->buffer_size + last_ptr + - chip->last_ptr; + else + size = last_ptr - chip->last_ptr; + /* remember the last updated point */ + chip->last_ptr = last_ptr; + /* accumulate the size */ + chip->size += size; + /* over the period boundary? */ + if (chip->size >= runtime->period_size) { + /* reset the accumulator */ + chip->size %= runtime->period_size; + /* call updater */ + spin_unlock(&chip->lock); + snd_pcm_period_elapsed(substream); + spin_lock(&chip->lock); + } + /* acknowledge the interrupt if necessary */ + } + .... + spin_unlock(&chip->lock); + return IRQ_HANDLED; + } +]]> + + + +
+ +
+ On calling <function>snd_pcm_period_elapsed()</function> + + In both cases, even if more than one period are elapsed, you + don't have to call + snd_pcm_period_elapsed() many times. Call + only once. And the pcm layer will check the current hardware + pointer and update to the latest status. + +
+
+ +
+ Atomicity + + One of the most important (and thus difficult to debug) problems + in kernel programming are race conditions. + In the Linux kernel, they are usually avoided via spin-locks, mutexes + or semaphores. In general, if a race condition can happen + in an interrupt handler, it has to be managed atomically, and you + have to use a spinlock to protect the critical session. If the + critical section is not in interrupt handler code and + if taking a relatively long time to execute is acceptable, you + should use mutexes or semaphores instead. + + + + As already seen, some pcm callbacks are atomic and some are + not. For example, the hw_params callback is + non-atomic, while trigger callback is + atomic. This means, the latter is called already in a spinlock + held by the PCM middle layer. Please take this atomicity into + account when you choose a locking scheme in the callbacks. + + + + In the atomic callbacks, you cannot use functions which may call + schedule or go to + sleep. Semaphores and mutexes can sleep, + and hence they cannot be used inside the atomic callbacks + (e.g. trigger callback). + To implement some delay in such a callback, please use + udelay() or mdelay(). + + + + All three atomic callbacks (trigger, pointer, and ack) are + called with local interrupts disabled. + + +
+
+ Constraints + + If your chip supports unconventional sample rates, or only the + limited samples, you need to set a constraint for the + condition. + + + + For example, in order to restrict the sample rates in the some + supported values, use + snd_pcm_hw_constraint_list(). + You need to call this function in the open callback. + + + Example of Hardware Constraints + +runtime, 0, + SNDRV_PCM_HW_PARAM_RATE, + &constraints_rates); + if (err < 0) + return err; + .... + } +]]> + + + + + + There are many different constraints. + Look at sound/pcm.h for a complete list. + You can even define your own constraint rules. + For example, let's suppose my_chip can manage a substream of 1 channel + if and only if the format is S16_LE, otherwise it supports any format + specified in the snd_pcm_hardware structure (or in any + other constraint_list). You can build a rule like this: + + + Example of Hardware Constraints for Channels + +min < 2) { + fmt.bits[0] &= SNDRV_PCM_FMTBIT_S16_LE; + return snd_mask_refine(f, &fmt); + } + return 0; + } +]]> + + + + + + Then you need to call this function to add your rule: + + + +runtime, 0, SNDRV_PCM_HW_PARAM_CHANNELS, + hw_rule_channels_by_format, 0, SNDRV_PCM_HW_PARAM_FORMAT, + -1); +]]> + + + + + + The rule function is called when an application sets the number of + channels. But an application can set the format before the number of + channels. Thus you also need to define the inverse rule: + + + Example of Hardware Constraints for Channels + +bits[0] == SNDRV_PCM_FMTBIT_S16_LE) { + ch.min = ch.max = 1; + ch.integer = 1; + return snd_interval_refine(c, &ch); + } + return 0; + } +]]> + + + + + + ...and in the open callback: + + +runtime, 0, SNDRV_PCM_HW_PARAM_FORMAT, + hw_rule_format_by_channels, 0, SNDRV_PCM_HW_PARAM_CHANNELS, + -1); +]]> + + + + + + I won't give more details here, rather I + would like to say, Luke, use the source. + +
+ + + + + + + + + Control Interface + +
+ General + + The control interface is used widely for many switches, + sliders, etc. which are accessed from user-space. Its most + important use is the mixer interface. In other words, since ALSA + 0.9.x, all the mixer stuff is implemented on the control kernel API. + + + + ALSA has a well-defined AC97 control module. If your chip + supports only the AC97 and nothing else, you can skip this + section. + + + + The control API is defined in + <sound/control.h>. + Include this file if you want to add your own controls. + +
+ +
+ Definition of Controls + + To create a new control, you need to define the + following three + callbacks: info, + get and + put. Then, define a + struct snd_kcontrol_new record, such as: + + + Definition of a Control + + + + + + + + Most likely the control is created via + snd_ctl_new1(), and in such a case, you can + add the __devinitdata prefix to the + definition as above. + + + + The iface field specifies the control + type, SNDRV_CTL_ELEM_IFACE_XXX, which + is usually MIXER. + Use CARD for global controls that are not + logically part of the mixer. + If the control is closely associated with some specific device on + the sound card, use HWDEP, + PCM, RAWMIDI, + TIMER, or SEQUENCER, and + specify the device number with the + device and + subdevice fields. + + + + The name is the name identifier + string. Since ALSA 0.9.x, the control name is very important, + because its role is classified from its name. There are + pre-defined standard control names. The details are described in + the + Control Names subsection. + + + + The index field holds the index number + of this control. If there are several different controls with + the same name, they can be distinguished by the index + number. This is the case when + several codecs exist on the card. If the index is zero, you can + omit the definition above. + + + + The access field contains the access + type of this control. Give the combination of bit masks, + SNDRV_CTL_ELEM_ACCESS_XXX, there. + The details will be explained in + the + Access Flags subsection. + + + + The private_value field contains + an arbitrary long integer value for this record. When using + the generic info, + get and + put callbacks, you can pass a value + through this field. If several small numbers are necessary, you can + combine them in bitwise. Or, it's possible to give a pointer + (casted to unsigned long) of some record to this field, too. + + + + The tlv field can be used to provide + metadata about the control; see the + + Metadata subsection. + + + + The other three are + + callback functions. + +
+ +
+ Control Names + + There are some standards to define the control names. A + control is usually defined from the three parts as + SOURCE DIRECTION FUNCTION. + + + + The first, SOURCE, specifies the source + of the control, and is a string such as Master, + PCM, CD and + Line. There are many pre-defined sources. + + + + The second, DIRECTION, is one of the + following strings according to the direction of the control: + Playback, Capture, Bypass + Playback and Bypass Capture. Or, it can + be omitted, meaning both playback and capture directions. + + + + The third, FUNCTION, is one of the + following strings according to the function of the control: + Switch, Volume and + Route. + + + + The example of control names are, thus, Master Capture + Switch or PCM Playback Volume. + + + + There are some exceptions: + + +
+ Global capture and playback + + Capture Source, Capture Switch + and Capture Volume are used for the global + capture (input) source, switch and volume. Similarly, + Playback Switch and Playback + Volume are used for the global output gain switch and + volume. + +
+ +
+ Tone-controls + + tone-control switch and volumes are specified like + Tone Control - XXX, e.g. Tone Control - + Switch, Tone Control - Bass, + Tone Control - Center. + +
+ +
+ 3D controls + + 3D-control switches and volumes are specified like 3D + Control - XXX, e.g. 3D Control - + Switch, 3D Control - Center, 3D + Control - Space. + +
+ +
+ Mic boost + + Mic-boost switch is set as Mic Boost or + Mic Boost (6dB). + + + + More precise information can be found in + Documentation/sound/alsa/ControlNames.txt. + +
+
+ +
+ Access Flags + + + The access flag is the bitmask which specifies the access type + of the given control. The default access type is + SNDRV_CTL_ELEM_ACCESS_READWRITE, + which means both read and write are allowed to this control. + When the access flag is omitted (i.e. = 0), it is + considered as READWRITE access as default. + + + + When the control is read-only, pass + SNDRV_CTL_ELEM_ACCESS_READ instead. + In this case, you don't have to define + the put callback. + Similarly, when the control is write-only (although it's a rare + case), you can use the WRITE flag instead, and + you don't need the get callback. + + + + If the control value changes frequently (e.g. the VU meter), + VOLATILE flag should be given. This means + that the control may be changed without + + notification. Applications should poll such + a control constantly. + + + + When the control is inactive, set + the INACTIVE flag, too. + There are LOCK and + OWNER flags to change the write + permissions. + + +
+ +
+ Callbacks + +
+ info callback + + The info callback is used to get + detailed information on this control. This must store the + values of the given struct snd_ctl_elem_info + object. For example, for a boolean control with a single + element: + + + Example of info callback + +type = SNDRV_CTL_ELEM_TYPE_BOOLEAN; + uinfo->count = 1; + uinfo->value.integer.min = 0; + uinfo->value.integer.max = 1; + return 0; + } +]]> + + + + + + The type field specifies the type + of the control. There are BOOLEAN, + INTEGER, ENUMERATED, + BYTES, IEC958 and + INTEGER64. The + count field specifies the + number of elements in this control. For example, a stereo + volume would have count = 2. The + value field is a union, and + the values stored are depending on the type. The boolean and + integer types are identical. + + + + The enumerated type is a bit different from others. You'll + need to set the string for the currently given item index. + + + +type = SNDRV_CTL_ELEM_TYPE_ENUMERATED; + uinfo->count = 1; + uinfo->value.enumerated.items = 4; + if (uinfo->value.enumerated.item > 3) + uinfo->value.enumerated.item = 3; + strcpy(uinfo->value.enumerated.name, + texts[uinfo->value.enumerated.item]); + return 0; + } +]]> + + + + + + Some common info callbacks are available for your convenience: + snd_ctl_boolean_mono_info() and + snd_ctl_boolean_stereo_info(). + Obviously, the former is an info callback for a mono channel + boolean item, just like snd_myctl_mono_info + above, and the latter is for a stereo channel boolean item. + + +
+ +
+ get callback + + + This callback is used to read the current value of the + control and to return to user-space. + + + + For example, + + + Example of get callback + +value.integer.value[0] = get_some_value(chip); + return 0; + } +]]> + + + + + + The value field depends on + the type of control as well as on the info callback. For example, + the sb driver uses this field to store the register offset, + the bit-shift and the bit-mask. The + private_value field is set as follows: + + + + + + and is retrieved in callbacks like + + +private_value & 0xff; + int shift = (kcontrol->private_value >> 16) & 0xff; + int mask = (kcontrol->private_value >> 24) & 0xff; + .... + } +]]> + + + + + + In the get callback, + you have to fill all the elements if the + control has more than one elements, + i.e. count > 1. + In the example above, we filled only one element + (value.integer.value[0]) since it's + assumed as count = 1. + +
+ +
+ put callback + + + This callback is used to write a value from user-space. + + + + For example, + + + Example of put callback + +current_value != + ucontrol->value.integer.value[0]) { + change_current_value(chip, + ucontrol->value.integer.value[0]); + changed = 1; + } + return changed; + } +]]> + + + + As seen above, you have to return 1 if the value is + changed. If the value is not changed, return 0 instead. + If any fatal error happens, return a negative error code as + usual. + + + + As in the get callback, + when the control has more than one elements, + all elements must be evaluated in this callback, too. + +
+ +
+ Callbacks are not atomic + + All these three callbacks are basically not atomic. + +
+
+ +
+ Constructor + + When everything is ready, finally we can create a new + control. To create a control, there are two functions to be + called, snd_ctl_new1() and + snd_ctl_add(). + + + + In the simplest way, you can do like this: + + + + + + + + where my_control is the + struct snd_kcontrol_new object defined above, and chip + is the object pointer to be passed to + kcontrol->private_data + which can be referred to in callbacks. + + + + snd_ctl_new1() allocates a new + snd_kcontrol instance (that's why the definition + of my_control can be with + the __devinitdata + prefix), and snd_ctl_add assigns the given + control component to the card. + +
+ +
+ Change Notification + + If you need to change and update a control in the interrupt + routine, you can call snd_ctl_notify(). For + example, + + + + + + + + This function takes the card pointer, the event-mask, and the + control id pointer for the notification. The event-mask + specifies the types of notification, for example, in the above + example, the change of control values is notified. + The id pointer is the pointer of struct snd_ctl_elem_id + to be notified. + You can find some examples in es1938.c or + es1968.c for hardware volume interrupts. + +
+ +
+ Metadata + + To provide information about the dB values of a mixer control, use + on of the DECLARE_TLV_xxx macros from + <sound/tlv.h> to define a variable + containing this information, set thetlv.p + field to point to this variable, and include the + SNDRV_CTL_ELEM_ACCESS_TLV_READ flag in the + access field; like this: + + + + + + + + + The DECLARE_TLV_DB_SCALE macro defines + information about a mixer control where each step in the control's + value changes the dB value by a constant dB amount. + The first parameter is the name of the variable to be defined. + The second parameter is the minimum value, in units of 0.01 dB. + The third parameter is the step size, in units of 0.01 dB. + Set the fourth parameter to 1 if the minimum value actually mutes + the control. + + + + The DECLARE_TLV_DB_LINEAR macro defines + information about a mixer control where the control's value affects + the output linearly. + The first parameter is the name of the variable to be defined. + The second parameter is the minimum value, in units of 0.01 dB. + The third parameter is the maximum value, in units of 0.01 dB. + If the minimum value mutes the control, set the second parameter to + TLV_DB_GAIN_MUTE. + +
+ + + + + + + + + API for AC97 Codec + +
+ General + + The ALSA AC97 codec layer is a well-defined one, and you don't + have to write much code to control it. Only low-level control + routines are necessary. The AC97 codec API is defined in + <sound/ac97_codec.h>. + +
+ +
+ Full Code Example + + + Example of AC97 Interface + +private_data; + .... + /* read a register value here from the codec */ + return the_register_value; + } + + static void snd_mychip_ac97_write(struct snd_ac97 *ac97, + unsigned short reg, unsigned short val) + { + struct mychip *chip = ac97->private_data; + .... + /* write the given register value to the codec */ + } + + static int snd_mychip_ac97(struct mychip *chip) + { + struct snd_ac97_bus *bus; + struct snd_ac97_template ac97; + int err; + static struct snd_ac97_bus_ops ops = { + .write = snd_mychip_ac97_write, + .read = snd_mychip_ac97_read, + }; + + err = snd_ac97_bus(chip->card, 0, &ops, NULL, &bus); + if (err < 0) + return err; + memset(&ac97, 0, sizeof(ac97)); + ac97.private_data = chip; + return snd_ac97_mixer(bus, &ac97, &chip->ac97); + } + +]]> + + + +
+ +
+ Constructor + + To create an ac97 instance, first call snd_ac97_bus + with an ac97_bus_ops_t record with callback functions. + + + + + + + + The bus record is shared among all belonging ac97 instances. + + + + And then call snd_ac97_mixer() with an + struct snd_ac97_template + record together with the bus pointer created above. + + + +ac97); +]]> + + + + where chip->ac97 is a pointer to a newly created + ac97_t instance. + In this case, the chip pointer is set as the private data, so that + the read/write callback functions can refer to this chip instance. + This instance is not necessarily stored in the chip + record. If you need to change the register values from the + driver, or need the suspend/resume of ac97 codecs, keep this + pointer to pass to the corresponding functions. + +
+ +
+ Callbacks + + The standard callbacks are read and + write. Obviously they + correspond to the functions for read and write accesses to the + hardware low-level codes. + + + + The read callback returns the + register value specified in the argument. + + + +private_data; + .... + return the_register_value; + } +]]> + + + + Here, the chip can be cast from ac97->private_data. + + + + Meanwhile, the write callback is + used to set the register value. + + + + + + + + + + These callbacks are non-atomic like the control API callbacks. + + + + There are also other callbacks: + reset, + wait and + init. + + + + The reset callback is used to reset + the codec. If the chip requires a special kind of reset, you can + define this callback. + + + + The wait callback is used to + add some waiting time in the standard initialization of the codec. If the + chip requires the extra waiting time, define this callback. + + + + The init callback is used for + additional initialization of the codec. + +
+ +
+ Updating Registers in The Driver + + If you need to access to the codec from the driver, you can + call the following functions: + snd_ac97_write(), + snd_ac97_read(), + snd_ac97_update() and + snd_ac97_update_bits(). + + + + Both snd_ac97_write() and + snd_ac97_update() functions are used to + set a value to the given register + (AC97_XXX). The difference between them is + that snd_ac97_update() doesn't write a + value if the given value has been already set, while + snd_ac97_write() always rewrites the + value. + + + + + + + + + + snd_ac97_read() is used to read the value + of the given register. For example, + + + + + + + + + + snd_ac97_update_bits() is used to update + some bits in the given register. + + + + + + + + + + Also, there is a function to change the sample rate (of a + given register such as + AC97_PCM_FRONT_DAC_RATE) when VRA or + DRA is supported by the codec: + snd_ac97_set_rate(). + + + + + + + + + + The following registers are available to set the rate: + AC97_PCM_MIC_ADC_RATE, + AC97_PCM_FRONT_DAC_RATE, + AC97_PCM_LR_ADC_RATE, + AC97_SPDIF. When + AC97_SPDIF is specified, the register is + not really changed but the corresponding IEC958 status bits will + be updated. + +
+ +
+ Clock Adjustment + + In some chips, the clock of the codec isn't 48000 but using a + PCI clock (to save a quartz!). In this case, change the field + bus->clock to the corresponding + value. For example, intel8x0 + and es1968 drivers have their own function to read from the clock. + +
+ +
+ Proc Files + + The ALSA AC97 interface will create a proc file such as + /proc/asound/card0/codec97#0/ac97#0-0 and + ac97#0-0+regs. You can refer to these files to + see the current status and registers of the codec. + +
+ +
+ Multiple Codecs + + When there are several codecs on the same card, you need to + call snd_ac97_mixer() multiple times with + ac97.num=1 or greater. The num field + specifies the codec number. + + + + If you set up multiple codecs, you either need to write + different callbacks for each codec or check + ac97->num in the callback routines. + +
+ + + + + + + + + MIDI (MPU401-UART) Interface + +
+ General + + Many soundcards have built-in MIDI (MPU401-UART) + interfaces. When the soundcard supports the standard MPU401-UART + interface, most likely you can use the ALSA MPU401-UART API. The + MPU401-UART API is defined in + <sound/mpu401.h>. + + + + Some soundchips have a similar but slightly different + implementation of mpu401 stuff. For example, emu10k1 has its own + mpu401 routines. + +
+ +
+ Constructor + + To create a rawmidi object, call + snd_mpu401_uart_new(). + + + + + + + + + + The first argument is the card pointer, and the second is the + index of this component. You can create up to 8 rawmidi + devices. + + + + The third argument is the type of the hardware, + MPU401_HW_XXX. If it's not a special one, + you can use MPU401_HW_MPU401. + + + + The 4th argument is the I/O port address. Many + backward-compatible MPU401 have an I/O port such as 0x330. Or, it + might be a part of its own PCI I/O region. It depends on the + chip design. + + + + The 5th argument is a bitflag for additional information. + When the I/O port address above is part of the PCI I/O + region, the MPU401 I/O port might have been already allocated + (reserved) by the driver itself. In such a case, pass a bit flag + MPU401_INFO_INTEGRATED, + and the mpu401-uart layer will allocate the I/O ports by itself. + + + + When the controller supports only the input or output MIDI stream, + pass the MPU401_INFO_INPUT or + MPU401_INFO_OUTPUT bitflag, respectively. + Then the rawmidi instance is created as a single stream. + + + + MPU401_INFO_MMIO bitflag is used to change + the access method to MMIO (via readb and writeb) instead of + iob and outb. In this case, you have to pass the iomapped address + to snd_mpu401_uart_new(). + + + + When MPU401_INFO_TX_IRQ is set, the output + stream isn't checked in the default interrupt handler. The driver + needs to call snd_mpu401_uart_interrupt_tx() + by itself to start processing the output stream in the irq handler. + + + + Usually, the port address corresponds to the command port and + port + 1 corresponds to the data port. If not, you may change + the cport field of + struct snd_mpu401 manually + afterward. However, snd_mpu401 pointer is not + returned explicitly by + snd_mpu401_uart_new(). You need to cast + rmidi->private_data to + snd_mpu401 explicitly, + + + +private_data; +]]> + + + + and reset the cport as you like: + + + +cport = my_own_control_port; +]]> + + + + + + The 6th argument specifies the irq number for UART. If the irq + is already allocated, pass 0 to the 7th argument + (irq_flags). Otherwise, pass the flags + for irq allocation + (SA_XXX bits) to it, and the irq will be + reserved by the mpu401-uart layer. If the card doesn't generate + UART interrupts, pass -1 as the irq number. Then a timer + interrupt will be invoked for polling. + +
+ +
+ Interrupt Handler + + When the interrupt is allocated in + snd_mpu401_uart_new(), the private + interrupt handler is used, hence you don't have anything else to do + than creating the mpu401 stuff. Otherwise, you have to call + snd_mpu401_uart_interrupt() explicitly when + a UART interrupt is invoked and checked in your own interrupt + handler. + + + + In this case, you need to pass the private_data of the + returned rawmidi object from + snd_mpu401_uart_new() as the second + argument of snd_mpu401_uart_interrupt(). + + + +private_data, regs); +]]> + + + +
+ + + + + + + + + RawMIDI Interface + +
+ Overview + + + The raw MIDI interface is used for hardware MIDI ports that can + be accessed as a byte stream. It is not used for synthesizer + chips that do not directly understand MIDI. + + + + ALSA handles file and buffer management. All you have to do is + to write some code to move data between the buffer and the + hardware. + + + + The rawmidi API is defined in + <sound/rawmidi.h>. + +
+ +
+ Constructor + + + To create a rawmidi device, call the + snd_rawmidi_new function: + + +card, "MyMIDI", 0, outs, ins, &rmidi); + if (err < 0) + return err; + rmidi->private_data = chip; + strcpy(rmidi->name, "My MIDI"); + rmidi->info_flags = SNDRV_RAWMIDI_INFO_OUTPUT | + SNDRV_RAWMIDI_INFO_INPUT | + SNDRV_RAWMIDI_INFO_DUPLEX; +]]> + + + + + + The first argument is the card pointer, the second argument is + the ID string. + + + + The third argument is the index of this component. You can + create up to 8 rawmidi devices. + + + + The fourth and fifth arguments are the number of output and + input substreams, respectively, of this device (a substream is + the equivalent of a MIDI port). + + + + Set the info_flags field to specify + the capabilities of the device. + Set SNDRV_RAWMIDI_INFO_OUTPUT if there is + at least one output port, + SNDRV_RAWMIDI_INFO_INPUT if there is at + least one input port, + and SNDRV_RAWMIDI_INFO_DUPLEX if the device + can handle output and input at the same time. + + + + After the rawmidi device is created, you need to set the + operators (callbacks) for each substream. There are helper + functions to set the operators for all the substreams of a device: + + + + + + + + + The operators are usually defined like this: + + + + + + These callbacks are explained in the Callbacks + section. + + + + If there are more than one substream, you should give a + unique name to each of them: + + +streams[SNDRV_RAWMIDI_STREAM_OUTPUT].substreams, + list { + sprintf(substream->name, "My MIDI Port %d", substream->number + 1); + } + /* same for SNDRV_RAWMIDI_STREAM_INPUT */ +]]> + + + +
+ +
+ Callbacks + + + In all the callbacks, the private data that you've set for the + rawmidi device can be accessed as + substream->rmidi->private_data. + + + + + If there is more than one port, your callbacks can determine the + port index from the struct snd_rawmidi_substream data passed to each + callback: + + +number; +]]> + + + + +
+ <function>open</function> callback + + + + + + + + + This is called when a substream is opened. + You can initialize the hardware here, but you shouldn't + start transmitting/receiving data yet. + +
+ +
+ <function>close</function> callback + + + + + + + + + Guess what. + + + + The open and close + callbacks of a rawmidi device are serialized with a mutex, + and can sleep. + +
+ +
+ <function>trigger</function> callback for output + substreams + + + + + + + + + This is called with a nonzero up + parameter when there is some data in the substream buffer that + must be transmitted. + + + + To read data from the buffer, call + snd_rawmidi_transmit_peek. It will + return the number of bytes that have been read; this will be + less than the number of bytes requested when there are no more + data in the buffer. + After the data have been transmitted successfully, call + snd_rawmidi_transmit_ack to remove the + data from the substream buffer: + + + + + + + + + If you know beforehand that the hardware will accept data, you + can use the snd_rawmidi_transmit function + which reads some data and removes them from the buffer at once: + + + + + + + + + If you know beforehand how many bytes you can accept, you can + use a buffer size greater than one with the + snd_rawmidi_transmit* functions. + + + + The trigger callback must not sleep. If + the hardware FIFO is full before the substream buffer has been + emptied, you have to continue transmitting data later, either + in an interrupt handler, or with a timer if the hardware + doesn't have a MIDI transmit interrupt. + + + + The trigger callback is called with a + zero up parameter when the transmission + of data should be aborted. + +
+ +
+ <function>trigger</function> callback for input + substreams + + + + + + + + + This is called with a nonzero up + parameter to enable receiving data, or with a zero + up parameter do disable receiving data. + + + + The trigger callback must not sleep; the + actual reading of data from the device is usually done in an + interrupt handler. + + + + When data reception is enabled, your interrupt handler should + call snd_rawmidi_receive for all received + data: + + + + + + +
+ +
+ <function>drain</function> callback + + + + + + + + + This is only used with output substreams. This function should wait + until all data read from the substream buffer have been transmitted. + This ensures that the device can be closed and the driver unloaded + without losing data. + + + + This callback is optional. If you do not set + drain in the struct snd_rawmidi_ops + structure, ALSA will simply wait for 50 milliseconds + instead. + +
+
+ + + + + + + + + Miscellaneous Devices + +
+ FM OPL3 + + The FM OPL3 is still used in many chips (mainly for backward + compatibility). ALSA has a nice OPL3 FM control layer, too. The + OPL3 API is defined in + <sound/opl3.h>. + + + + FM registers can be directly accessed through the direct-FM API, + defined in <sound/asound_fm.h>. In + ALSA native mode, FM registers are accessed through + the Hardware-Dependent Device direct-FM extension API, whereas in + OSS compatible mode, FM registers can be accessed with the OSS + direct-FM compatible API in /dev/dmfmX device. + + + + To create the OPL3 component, you have two functions to + call. The first one is a constructor for the opl3_t + instance. + + + + + + + + + + The first argument is the card pointer, the second one is the + left port address, and the third is the right port address. In + most cases, the right port is placed at the left port + 2. + + + + The fourth argument is the hardware type. + + + + When the left and right ports have been already allocated by + the card driver, pass non-zero to the fifth argument + (integrated). Otherwise, the opl3 module will + allocate the specified ports by itself. + + + + When the accessing the hardware requires special method + instead of the standard I/O access, you can create opl3 instance + separately with snd_opl3_new(). + + + + + + + + + + Then set command, + private_data and + private_free for the private + access function, the private data and the destructor. + The l_port and r_port are not necessarily set. Only the + command must be set properly. You can retrieve the data + from the opl3->private_data field. + + + + After creating the opl3 instance via snd_opl3_new(), + call snd_opl3_init() to initialize the chip to the + proper state. Note that snd_opl3_create() always + calls it internally. + + + + If the opl3 instance is created successfully, then create a + hwdep device for this opl3. + + + + + + + + + + The first argument is the opl3_t instance you + created, and the second is the index number, usually 0. + + + + The third argument is the index-offset for the sequencer + client assigned to the OPL3 port. When there is an MPU401-UART, + give 1 for here (UART always takes 0). + +
+ +
+ Hardware-Dependent Devices + + Some chips need user-space access for special + controls or for loading the micro code. In such a case, you can + create a hwdep (hardware-dependent) device. The hwdep API is + defined in <sound/hwdep.h>. You can + find examples in opl3 driver or + isa/sb/sb16_csp.c. + + + + The creation of the hwdep instance is done via + snd_hwdep_new(). + + + + + + + + where the third argument is the index number. + + + + You can then pass any pointer value to the + private_data. + If you assign a private data, you should define the + destructor, too. The destructor function is set in + the private_free field. + + + +private_data = p; + hw->private_free = mydata_free; +]]> + + + + and the implementation of the destructor would be: + + + +private_data; + kfree(p); + } +]]> + + + + + + The arbitrary file operations can be defined for this + instance. The file operators are defined in + the ops table. For example, assume that + this chip needs an ioctl. + + + +ops.open = mydata_open; + hw->ops.ioctl = mydata_ioctl; + hw->ops.release = mydata_release; +]]> + + + + And implement the callback functions as you like. + +
+ +
+ IEC958 (S/PDIF) + + Usually the controls for IEC958 devices are implemented via + the control interface. There is a macro to compose a name string for + IEC958 controls, SNDRV_CTL_NAME_IEC958() + defined in <include/asound.h>. + + + + There are some standard controls for IEC958 status bits. These + controls use the type SNDRV_CTL_ELEM_TYPE_IEC958, + and the size of element is fixed as 4 bytes array + (value.iec958.status[x]). For the info + callback, you don't specify + the value field for this type (the count field must be set, + though). + + + + IEC958 Playback Con Mask is used to return the + bit-mask for the IEC958 status bits of consumer mode. Similarly, + IEC958 Playback Pro Mask returns the bitmask for + professional mode. They are read-only controls, and are defined + as MIXER controls (iface = + SNDRV_CTL_ELEM_IFACE_MIXER). + + + + Meanwhile, IEC958 Playback Default control is + defined for getting and setting the current default IEC958 + bits. Note that this one is usually defined as a PCM control + (iface = SNDRV_CTL_ELEM_IFACE_PCM), + although in some places it's defined as a MIXER control. + + + + In addition, you can define the control switches to + enable/disable or to set the raw bit mode. The implementation + will depend on the chip, but the control should be named as + IEC958 xxx, preferably using + the SNDRV_CTL_NAME_IEC958() macro. + + + + You can find several cases, for example, + pci/emu10k1, + pci/ice1712, or + pci/cmipci.c. + +
+ + + + + + + + + Buffer and Memory Management + +
+ Buffer Types + + ALSA provides several different buffer allocation functions + depending on the bus and the architecture. All these have a + consistent API. The allocation of physically-contiguous pages is + done via + snd_malloc_xxx_pages() function, where xxx + is the bus type. + + + + The allocation of pages with fallback is + snd_malloc_xxx_pages_fallback(). This + function tries to allocate the specified pages but if the pages + are not available, it tries to reduce the page sizes until + enough space is found. + + + + The release the pages, call + snd_free_xxx_pages() function. + + + + Usually, ALSA drivers try to allocate and reserve + a large contiguous physical space + at the time the module is loaded for the later use. + This is called pre-allocation. + As already written, you can call the following function at + pcm instance construction time (in the case of PCI bus). + + + + + + + + where size is the byte size to be + pre-allocated and the max is the maximum + size to be changed via the prealloc proc file. + The allocator will try to get an area as large as possible + within the given size. + + + + The second argument (type) and the third argument (device pointer) + are dependent on the bus. + In the case of the ISA bus, pass snd_dma_isa_data() + as the third argument with SNDRV_DMA_TYPE_DEV type. + For the continuous buffer unrelated to the bus can be pre-allocated + with SNDRV_DMA_TYPE_CONTINUOUS type and the + snd_dma_continuous_data(GFP_KERNEL) device pointer, + where GFP_KERNEL is the kernel allocation flag to + use. + For the PCI scatter-gather buffers, use + SNDRV_DMA_TYPE_DEV_SG with + snd_dma_pci_data(pci) + (see the + Non-Contiguous Buffers + section). + + + + Once the buffer is pre-allocated, you can use the + allocator in the hw_params callback: + + + + + + + + Note that you have to pre-allocate to use this function. + +
+ +
+ External Hardware Buffers + + Some chips have their own hardware buffers and the DMA + transfer from the host memory is not available. In such a case, + you need to either 1) copy/set the audio data directly to the + external hardware buffer, or 2) make an intermediate buffer and + copy/set the data from it to the external hardware buffer in + interrupts (or in tasklets, preferably). + + + + The first case works fine if the external hardware buffer is large + enough. This method doesn't need any extra buffers and thus is + more effective. You need to define the + copy and + silence callbacks for + the data transfer. However, there is a drawback: it cannot + be mmapped. The examples are GUS's GF1 PCM or emu8000's + wavetable PCM. + + + + The second case allows for mmap on the buffer, although you have + to handle an interrupt or a tasklet to transfer the data + from the intermediate buffer to the hardware buffer. You can find an + example in the vxpocket driver. + + + + Another case is when the chip uses a PCI memory-map + region for the buffer instead of the host memory. In this case, + mmap is available only on certain architectures like the Intel one. + In non-mmap mode, the data cannot be transferred as in the normal + way. Thus you need to define the copy and + silence callbacks as well, + as in the cases above. The examples are found in + rme32.c and rme96.c. + + + + The implementation of the copy and + silence callbacks depends upon + whether the hardware supports interleaved or non-interleaved + samples. The copy callback is + defined like below, a bit + differently depending whether the direction is playback or + capture: + + + + + + + + + + In the case of interleaved samples, the second argument + (channel) is not used. The third argument + (pos) points the + current position offset in frames. + + + + The meaning of the fourth argument is different between + playback and capture. For playback, it holds the source data + pointer, and for capture, it's the destination data pointer. + + + + The last argument is the number of frames to be copied. + + + + What you have to do in this callback is again different + between playback and capture directions. In the + playback case, you copy the given amount of data + (count) at the specified pointer + (src) to the specified offset + (pos) on the hardware buffer. When + coded like memcpy-like way, the copy would be like: + + + + + + + + + + For the capture direction, you copy the given amount of + data (count) at the specified offset + (pos) on the hardware buffer to the + specified pointer (dst). + + + + + + + + Note that both the position and the amount of data are given + in frames. + + + + In the case of non-interleaved samples, the implementation + will be a bit more complicated. + + + + You need to check the channel argument, and if it's -1, copy + the whole channels. Otherwise, you have to copy only the + specified channel. Please check + isa/gus/gus_pcm.c as an example. + + + + The silence callback is also + implemented in a similar way. + + + + + + + + + + The meanings of arguments are the same as in the + copy + callback, although there is no src/dst + argument. In the case of interleaved samples, the channel + argument has no meaning, as well as on + copy callback. + + + + The role of silence callback is to + set the given amount + (count) of silence data at the + specified offset (pos) on the hardware + buffer. Suppose that the data format is signed (that is, the + silent-data is 0), and the implementation using a memset-like + function would be like: + + + + + + + + + + In the case of non-interleaved samples, again, the + implementation becomes a bit more complicated. See, for example, + isa/gus/gus_pcm.c. + +
+ +
+ Non-Contiguous Buffers + + If your hardware supports the page table as in emu10k1 or the + buffer descriptors as in via82xx, you can use the scatter-gather + (SG) DMA. ALSA provides an interface for handling SG-buffers. + The API is provided in <sound/pcm.h>. + + + + For creating the SG-buffer handler, call + snd_pcm_lib_preallocate_pages() or + snd_pcm_lib_preallocate_pages_for_all() + with SNDRV_DMA_TYPE_DEV_SG + in the PCM constructor like other PCI pre-allocator. + You need to pass snd_dma_pci_data(pci), + where pci is the struct pci_dev pointer + of the chip as well. + The struct snd_sg_buf instance is created as + substream->dma_private. You can cast + the pointer like: + + + +dma_private; +]]> + + + + + + Then call snd_pcm_lib_malloc_pages() + in the hw_params callback + as well as in the case of normal PCI buffer. + The SG-buffer handler will allocate the non-contiguous kernel + pages of the given size and map them onto the virtually contiguous + memory. The virtual pointer is addressed in runtime->dma_area. + The physical address (runtime->dma_addr) is set to zero, + because the buffer is physically non-contiguous. + The physical address table is set up in sgbuf->table. + You can get the physical address at a certain offset via + snd_pcm_sgbuf_get_addr(). + + + + When a SG-handler is used, you need to set + snd_pcm_sgbuf_ops_page as + the page callback. + (See + page callback section.) + + + + To release the data, call + snd_pcm_lib_free_pages() in the + hw_free callback as usual. + +
+ +
+ Vmalloc'ed Buffers + + It's possible to use a buffer allocated via + vmalloc, for example, for an intermediate + buffer. Since the allocated pages are not contiguous, you need + to set the page callback to obtain + the physical address at every offset. + + + + The implementation of page callback + would be like this: + + + + + + /* get the physical page pointer on the given offset */ + static struct page *mychip_page(struct snd_pcm_substream *substream, + unsigned long offset) + { + void *pageptr = substream->runtime->dma_area + offset; + return vmalloc_to_page(pageptr); + } +]]> + + + +
+ + + + + + + + + Proc Interface + + ALSA provides an easy interface for procfs. The proc files are + very useful for debugging. I recommend you set up proc files if + you write a driver and want to get a running status or register + dumps. The API is found in + <sound/info.h>. + + + + To create a proc file, call + snd_card_proc_new(). + + + + + + + + where the second argument specifies the name of the proc file to be + created. The above example will create a file + my-file under the card directory, + e.g. /proc/asound/card0/my-file. + + + + Like other components, the proc entry created via + snd_card_proc_new() will be registered and + released automatically in the card registration and release + functions. + + + + When the creation is successful, the function stores a new + instance in the pointer given in the third argument. + It is initialized as a text proc file for read only. To use + this proc file as a read-only text file as it is, set the read + callback with a private data via + snd_info_set_text_ops(). + + + + + + + + where the second argument (chip) is the + private data to be used in the callbacks. The third parameter + specifies the read buffer size and the fourth + (my_proc_read) is the callback function, which + is defined like + + + + + + + + + + + In the read callback, use snd_iprintf() for + output strings, which works just like normal + printf(). For example, + + + +private_data; + + snd_iprintf(buffer, "This is my chip!\n"); + snd_iprintf(buffer, "Port = %ld\n", chip->port); + } +]]> + + + + + + The file permissions can be changed afterwards. As default, it's + set as read only for all users. If you want to add write + permission for the user (root as default), do as follows: + + + +mode = S_IFREG | S_IRUGO | S_IWUSR; +]]> + + + + and set the write buffer size and the callback + + + +c.text.write = my_proc_write; +]]> + + + + + + For the write callback, you can use + snd_info_get_line() to get a text line, and + snd_info_get_str() to retrieve a string from + the line. Some examples are found in + core/oss/mixer_oss.c, core/oss/and + pcm_oss.c. + + + + For a raw-data proc-file, set the attributes as follows: + + + +content = SNDRV_INFO_CONTENT_DATA; + entry->private_data = chip; + entry->c.ops = &my_file_io_ops; + entry->size = 4096; + entry->mode = S_IFREG | S_IRUGO; +]]> + + + + For the raw data, size field must be + set properly. This specifies the maximum size of the proc file access. + + + + The read/write callbacks of raw mode are more direct than the text mode. + You need to use a low-level I/O functions such as + copy_from/to_user() to transfer the + data. + + + + + + + + If the size of the info entry has been set up properly, + count and pos are + guaranteed to fit within 0 and the given size. + You don't have to check the range in the callbacks unless any + other condition is required. + + + + + + + + + + + Power Management + + If the chip is supposed to work with suspend/resume + functions, you need to add power-management code to the + driver. The additional code for power-management should be + ifdef'ed with + CONFIG_PM. + + + + If the driver fully supports suspend/resume + that is, the device can be + properly resumed to its state when suspend was called, + you can set the SNDRV_PCM_INFO_RESUME flag + in the pcm info field. Usually, this is possible when the + registers of the chip can be safely saved and restored to + RAM. If this is set, the trigger callback is called with + SNDRV_PCM_TRIGGER_RESUME after the resume + callback completes. + + + + Even if the driver doesn't support PM fully but + partial suspend/resume is still possible, it's still worthy to + implement suspend/resume callbacks. In such a case, applications + would reset the status by calling + snd_pcm_prepare() and restart the stream + appropriately. Hence, you can define suspend/resume callbacks + below but don't set SNDRV_PCM_INFO_RESUME + info flag to the PCM. + + + + Note that the trigger with SUSPEND can always be called when + snd_pcm_suspend_all is called, + regardless of the SNDRV_PCM_INFO_RESUME flag. + The RESUME flag affects only the behavior + of snd_pcm_resume(). + (Thus, in theory, + SNDRV_PCM_TRIGGER_RESUME isn't needed + to be handled in the trigger callback when no + SNDRV_PCM_INFO_RESUME flag is set. But, + it's better to keep it for compatibility reasons.) + + + In the earlier version of ALSA drivers, a common + power-management layer was provided, but it has been removed. + The driver needs to define the suspend/resume hooks according to + the bus the device is connected to. In the case of PCI drivers, the + callbacks look like below: + + + + + + + + + + The scheme of the real suspend job is as follows. + + + Retrieve the card and the chip data. + Call snd_power_change_state() with + SNDRV_CTL_POWER_D3hot to change the + power status. + Call snd_pcm_suspend_all() to suspend the running PCM streams. + If AC97 codecs are used, call + snd_ac97_suspend() for each codec. + Save the register values if necessary. + Stop the hardware if necessary. + Disable the PCI device by calling + pci_disable_device(). Then, call + pci_save_state() at last. + + + + + A typical code would be like: + + + +private_data; + /* (2) */ + snd_power_change_state(card, SNDRV_CTL_POWER_D3hot); + /* (3) */ + snd_pcm_suspend_all(chip->pcm); + /* (4) */ + snd_ac97_suspend(chip->ac97); + /* (5) */ + snd_mychip_save_registers(chip); + /* (6) */ + snd_mychip_stop_hardware(chip); + /* (7) */ + pci_disable_device(pci); + pci_save_state(pci); + return 0; + } +]]> + + + + + + The scheme of the real resume job is as follows. + + + Retrieve the card and the chip data. + Set up PCI. First, call pci_restore_state(). + Then enable the pci device again by calling pci_enable_device(). + Call pci_set_master() if necessary, too. + Re-initialize the chip. + Restore the saved registers if necessary. + Resume the mixer, e.g. calling + snd_ac97_resume(). + Restart the hardware (if any). + Call snd_power_change_state() with + SNDRV_CTL_POWER_D0 to notify the processes. + + + + + A typical code would be like: + + + +private_data; + /* (2) */ + pci_restore_state(pci); + pci_enable_device(pci); + pci_set_master(pci); + /* (3) */ + snd_mychip_reinit_chip(chip); + /* (4) */ + snd_mychip_restore_registers(chip); + /* (5) */ + snd_ac97_resume(chip->ac97); + /* (6) */ + snd_mychip_restart_chip(chip); + /* (7) */ + snd_power_change_state(card, SNDRV_CTL_POWER_D0); + return 0; + } +]]> + + + + + + As shown in the above, it's better to save registers after + suspending the PCM operations via + snd_pcm_suspend_all() or + snd_pcm_suspend(). It means that the PCM + streams are already stoppped when the register snapshot is + taken. But, remember that you don't have to restart the PCM + stream in the resume callback. It'll be restarted via + trigger call with SNDRV_PCM_TRIGGER_RESUME + when necessary. + + + + OK, we have all callbacks now. Let's set them up. In the + initialization of the card, make sure that you can get the chip + data from the card instance, typically via + private_data field, in case you + created the chip data individually. + + + +private_data = chip; + .... + } +]]> + + + + When you created the chip data with + snd_card_create(), it's anyway accessible + via private_data field. + + + +private_data; + .... + } +]]> + + + + + + + If you need a space to save the registers, allocate the + buffer for it here, too, since it would be fatal + if you cannot allocate a memory in the suspend phase. + The allocated buffer should be released in the corresponding + destructor. + + + + And next, set suspend/resume callbacks to the pci_driver. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Module Parameters + + There are standard module options for ALSA. At least, each + module should have the index, + id and enable + options. + + + + If the module supports multiple cards (usually up to + 8 = SNDRV_CARDS cards), they should be + arrays. The default initial values are defined already as + constants for easier programming: + + + + + + + + + + If the module supports only a single card, they could be single + variables, instead. enable option is not + always necessary in this case, but it would be better to have a + dummy option for compatibility. + + + + The module parameters must be declared with the standard + module_param()(), + module_param_array()() and + MODULE_PARM_DESC() macros. + + + + The typical coding would be like below: + + + + + + + + + + Also, don't forget to define the module description, classes, + license and devices. Especially, the recent modprobe requires to + define the module license as GPL, etc., otherwise the system is + shown as tainted. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + How To Put Your Driver Into ALSA Tree +
+ General + + So far, you've learned how to write the driver codes. + And you might have a question now: how to put my own + driver into the ALSA driver tree? + Here (finally :) the standard procedure is described briefly. + + + + Suppose that you create a new PCI driver for the card + xyz. The card module name would be + snd-xyz. The new driver is usually put into the alsa-driver + tree, alsa-driver/pci directory in + the case of PCI cards. + Then the driver is evaluated, audited and tested + by developers and users. After a certain time, the driver + will go to the alsa-kernel tree (to the corresponding directory, + such as alsa-kernel/pci) and eventually + will be integrated into the Linux 2.6 tree (the directory would be + linux/sound/pci). + + + + In the following sections, the driver code is supposed + to be put into alsa-driver tree. The two cases are covered: + a driver consisting of a single source file and one consisting + of several source files. + +
+ +
+ Driver with A Single Source File + + + + + Modify alsa-driver/pci/Makefile + + + + Suppose you have a file xyz.c. Add the following + two lines + + + + + + + + + + + Create the Kconfig entry + + + + Add the new entry of Kconfig for your xyz driver. + + + + + + + the line, select SND_PCM, specifies that the driver xyz supports + PCM. In addition to SND_PCM, the following components are + supported for select command: + SND_RAWMIDI, SND_TIMER, SND_HWDEP, SND_MPU401_UART, + SND_OPL3_LIB, SND_OPL4_LIB, SND_VX_LIB, SND_AC97_CODEC. + Add the select command for each supported component. + + + + Note that some selections imply the lowlevel selections. + For example, PCM includes TIMER, MPU401_UART includes RAWMIDI, + AC97_CODEC includes PCM, and OPL3_LIB includes HWDEP. + You don't need to give the lowlevel selections again. + + + + For the details of Kconfig script, refer to the kbuild + documentation. + + + + + + + Run cvscompile script to re-generate the configure script and + build the whole stuff again. + + + + +
+ +
+ Drivers with Several Source Files + + Suppose that the driver snd-xyz have several source files. + They are located in the new subdirectory, + pci/xyz. + + + + + Add a new directory (xyz) in + alsa-driver/pci/Makefile as below + + + + + + + + + + + + Under the directory xyz, create a Makefile + + + Sample Makefile for a driver xyz + + + + + + + + + + Create the Kconfig entry + + + + This procedure is as same as in the last section. + + + + + + Run cvscompile script to re-generate the configure script and + build the whole stuff again. + + + + +
+ + + + + + + + Useful Functions + +
+ <function>snd_printk()</function> and friends + + ALSA provides a verbose version of the + printk() function. If a kernel config + CONFIG_SND_VERBOSE_PRINTK is set, this + function prints the given message together with the file name + and the line of the caller. The KERN_XXX + prefix is processed as + well as the original printk() does, so it's + recommended to add this prefix, e.g. + + + + + + + + + + There are also printk()'s for + debugging. snd_printd() can be used for + general debugging purposes. If + CONFIG_SND_DEBUG is set, this function is + compiled, and works just like + snd_printk(). If the ALSA is compiled + without the debugging flag, it's ignored. + + + + snd_printdd() is compiled in only when + CONFIG_SND_DEBUG_VERBOSE is set. Please note + that CONFIG_SND_DEBUG_VERBOSE is not set as default + even if you configure the alsa-driver with + option. You need to give + explicitly option instead. + +
+ +
+ <function>snd_BUG()</function> + + It shows the BUG? message and + stack trace as well as snd_BUG_ON at the point. + It's useful to show that a fatal error happens there. + + + When no debug flag is set, this macro is ignored. + +
+ +
+ <function>snd_BUG_ON()</function> + + snd_BUG_ON() macro is similar with + WARN_ON() macro. For example, + + + + + + + + or it can be used as the condition, + + + + + + + + + + The macro takes an conditional expression to evaluate. + When CONFIG_SND_DEBUG, is set, the + expression is actually evaluated. If it's non-zero, it shows + the warning message such as + BUG? (xxx) + normally followed by stack trace. It returns the evaluated + value. + When no CONFIG_SND_DEBUG is set, this + macro always returns zero. + + +
+ + + + + + + + + Acknowledgments + + I would like to thank Phil Kerr for his help for improvement and + corrections of this document. + + + Kevin Conder reformatted the original plain-text to the + DocBook format. + + + Giuliano Pochini corrected typos and contributed the example codes + in the hardware constraints section. + + + -- cgit v1.2.3