Sun Dec 10 23:25:24 CET 2000

 The NEC-DUART patch corrects a bug in Linux-2.2.14' serial driver
(file linux/drivers/char/serial.c). The chipset probe algorithm
doesn't identify as full-compatible 16550A UART the chips of the NEC
NS1655x family: the FIFO is not enabled, although present and fully working.
In addition, with the DUAL UART NS16552A, the chip state is messed up.
 Although harmful, the patch should be applied only if really needed.
Use it only if you are sure that you are using a NEC NS1655x UART and
are experiencing loss of characters. 
 I have developed and tested my patch on Linux 2.2.14. I can't guaratee
that it works well with other kernels.
 The patch must be applied as follows:
(I assume that there is a complete kernel source tree
in /usr/src/linux-2.2.14)

su
cd /usr/src
patch -p0 < patch-NecDuart

 A new configuration item will be added in "character devices" section:

   Bugfix for NEC UARTs (NS16C55x)
 
 Enable it, save the new configuration and rebuild the kernel.

 Enjoy,

	Giuseppe Guerrini <giusguerrini@racine.ra.it>