1 ==============
2 What is sisfb?
3 ==============
4
5 sisfb is a framebuffer device driver for SiS (
6 graphics chips. Supported are:
7
8 - SiS 300 series: SiS 300/305, 540, 630(S), 73
9 - SiS 315 series: SiS 315/H/PRO, 55x, (M)65x,
10 - SiS 330 series: SiS 330 ("Xabre"), (M)760
11
12
13 Why do I need a framebuffer driver?
14 ===================================
15
16 sisfb is eg. useful if you want a high-resolut
17 sisfb is required to run DirectFB (which comes
18 driver for the 315 series).
19
20 On the 300 series, sisfb on kernels older than
21 important role in connection with DRM/DRI: Sis
22 used by DRM/DRI for 3D texture and other data.
23 required for using DRI/DRM.
24
25 Kernels >= around 2.6.3 do not need sisfb any
26 management. The SiS DRM driver has been update
27 of its own (which will be used if sisfb is not
28 a graphical console, you don't need sisfb on k
29
30 Sidenote: Since this seems to be a commonly ma
31 cannot be active at the same time! Do only sel
32 configuration.
33
34
35 How are parameters passed to sisfb?
36 ===================================
37
38 Well, it depends: If compiled statically into
39 statement to add the parameters to the kernel
40 (or GRUB's) documentation for more information
41 parameters are given with the modprobe (or ins
42
43 Example for sisfb as part of the static kernel
44 lilo.conf::
45
46 append="video=sisfb:mode:1024x768x16,mem:
47
48 Example for sisfb as a module: Start sisfb by
49
50 modprobe sisfb mode=1024x768x16 rate=75 m
51
52 A common mistake is that folks use a wrong par
53 driver compiled into the kernel. Please note:
54 the parameter format is video=sisfb:mode:none
55 (or whatever mode you want to use, alternative
56 described above or the vesa keyword instead of
57 the parameter format reads mode=none or mode=1
58 want to use). Using a "=" for a ":" (and vice
59 Additionally: If you give more than one argume
60 arguments are separated with ",". For example:
61
62 video=sisfb:mode:1024x768x16,rate:75,mem:12
63
64
65 How do I use it?
66 ================
67
68 Preface statement: This file only covers very
69 capabilities and features. Please refer to the
70 website at http://www.winischhofer.net/linuxsi
71 information. Additionally, "modinfo sisfb" giv
72 supported options including some explanation.
73
74 The desired display mode can be specified usin
75 a parameter in one of the following formats:
76
77 - XxYxDepth or
78 - XxY-Depth or
79 - XxY-Depth@Rate or
80 - XxY
81 - or simply use the VESA mode number in hexa
82
83 For example: 1024x768x16, 1024x768-16@75, 1280
84 specified, it defaults to 8. If no rate is giv
85 means 24bit color depth (but 32 bit framebuffe
86 to the user).
87
88 Additionally, sisfb understands the keyword "v
89 number in decimal or hexadecimal. For example:
90 use either "mode" or "vesa" but not both.
91
92 Linux 2.4 only: If no mode is given, sisfb def
93 compiled as a module; if sisfb is statically c
94 defaults to 800x600x8 unless CRT2 type is LCD,
95 resolution is used. If you want to switch to a
96 shell command.
97
98 Linux 2.6 only: If no mode is given, sisfb def
99 type is LCD, in which case it defaults to the
100 you want to switch to another mode, use the st
101
102 You should compile in both vgacon (to boot if
103 your system) and sisfb (for graphics mode). Un
104 console support" (fbcon) is needed for a graph
105
106 You should *not* compile-in vesafb. And please
107 in lilo's or grub's configuration file; mode s
108 "mode" or "vesa" keywords as a parameter. See
109
110
111 X11
112 ===
113
114 If using XFree86 or X.org, it is recommended t
115 driver but the dedicated "sis" X driver. The "
116 developed by the same person (Thomas Winischho
117 each other.
118
119
120 SVGALib
121 =======
122
123 SVGALib, if directly accessing the hardware, n
124 correctly, especially on laptops or if the out
125 Therefore, use the chipset "FBDEV" in SVGALib
126 SVGALib use the framebuffer device for mode sw
127
128
129 Configuration
130 =============
131
132 (Some) accepted options:
133
134 ========= ===================================
135 off Disable sisfb. This option is only
136 in-kernel, not a module.
137 mem:X size of memory for the console, res
138 is in kilobytes. On 300 series, the
139 16384 (each in kilobyte) depending
140 has. On 315/330 series, the default
141 (since DRI/DRM is not supported for
142 noaccel do not use 2D acceleration engine.
143 noypan disable y-panning and scroll by red
144 This is much slower than y-panning.
145 vesa:X selects startup videomode. X is num
146 represents the VESA mode number (ca
147 hexadecimal form, the latter prefix
148 mode:X selects startup videomode. Please s
149 "X".
150 ========= ===================================
151
152 Boolean options such as "noaccel" or "noypan"
153 parameter if sisfb is in-kernel (for example "
154 sisfb is a module, these are to be set to 1 (f
155 noypan=1").
156
157
158 Thomas Winischhofer <thomas@winischhofer.net>
159
160 May 27, 2004
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