The controller is the entire hardware involved in the "low level" format.
'course you also need appropriate software to do it.
In the days of the 5160 (XT) Low level format software was not bundled
with them, nor with the OS. The only source for a while was that there
was copy of the IBM low level format program on the "ADVANCED Diagnostics
disk.
Fortunately, third parties jumped in and you had commercial programs for
the purpose, such as SpeedStor. Most controllers had the low level format
code in ROM, but they didn't OFFER it to you. You could however go into
DEBUG and jmp to C800h: 000x (which varied a little between controllers).
If you've got a compatible controller, and the right software for that
controller, then you are all set.
--
Grumpy Ol' Fred [email protected]
