< architecture > (MCA) IBM 's proprietary 32-bit bus , used in high-end PS/2 personal computers . Micro Channel is designed for multiprocessing . It eliminates potential conflicts that arise when installing new peripheral devices. MCA is *not* compatible with either EISA or XT bus architecture so older cards cannot be used with it.
As with the ROM BIOS in the first IBM PCs , figuring out the Micro Channel's secrets has been an arduous task of reverse engineering ever since the PS/2 line was announced. Consequently, the MCA has never become as wide spread as the competing EISA standard.
(1996-08-16)