edited a. associate pi-ofessorofcomputersciences at new ... · pdf fileboth business systems...

New entry-level DEC Datasystem 322, built around Digital's LSI-11 microcomputer, isthe company's lowest-priced small business computer system with multi-terminal capa-bilities.

Latest members of PDP-11 family announced by DEC

A new entry level to its line of DECDatasystems built around PDP-11 mini-computers has been announced by DigitalEquipment Corporation. The new 320series is composed of two models, bothconfigured around Digital's microprocessor,the LSI-11. The smaller of the two models,the Datasystem 322, is housed in a deskand uses floppy-disk recording media forprogram and data storage. The larger 324is housed in a cabinet and employs diskpacks as program and data storage media.Both models use a video terminal andmedium-speed dot matrix output printer.Both business systems run Digital's

business-oriented language, DIBOL, underthe CTS-300 operating system. This per-mits total compatibility between thesesystems and other PDP-11 based Datasys-tems. Programs developed for theDatasystem 322 or 324 in DIBOL can berun without modification on the 350series, and without source languagemodifications on the 500 series.Both models of the Datasystem 320

series are expandable. Internal memorymay be expanded to 56K bytes. TheDatasystem 322 can accept a controllerand 8 drives for the RK05 disk packs,

for a maximum additional 19.2M bytes ofstorage; however, the rigid-medium disksmust be housed in a separate cabinet.The Datasystem 322 can also accept asecond dual-floppy-disk drive assemblyfor an additional 512K bytes of storage.Both models will operate in a transactionprocessing mode with multiple terminals.The Datasystem 324 will accept addi-

tional RK05 drives, up to a total of 19.2Mbytes of storage; each two physical unitshave to be stored in an additional cabinet.It will also accept additional terminals,a second printer, or floppy-disk storage.A standard Datasystem 322 comes with

32K bytes of internal memory, 512Kbytes of floppy disk storage, a VT52video terminal, and an LA180 dot matrixprinter. It is priced at $20,900 with fullsoftware support. The Datasystem 324,with a standard system consisting of 32Kbytes of internal memory, 7.2M bytes ofdisk storage, VT52 terminaL and LA180printer, is priced at $34,000 with fullsoftware support. Deliveries for bothsystems are scheduled to begin in latespring of 1977.

Reader Service Number 6

Medium-speed tape driveannounced by AmpexA new medium-speed tape drive for

computer and peripheral systems pro-vides high performance at a competitiveprice, according to its manufacturer,Ampex Corporation.The TME tape drive operates on any

speed from 25 to 75 ips (25, 37.5, 45, and75 ips are standard) and provides restric-tion-free programming at 75 ips throughits vacuum column tape buffering system,which also serves to maximize tape life.The tape drive accommodates standard10½2-inch and 8½2-inch reels or minireels.TME's transfer rate is 20,000-120K

bytes per second with a maximum rewindtime of three minutes. Start time at 75 ipsis 5.5 ± 1.0 msec, and maximum stoptime is ±6 msec. Recording densities are556, 800, and 1600 bpi, and 800/1600standard.Rewind speed is 200 ips. A fast-forward

speed of 150 ips, which can be used forsearch operations, is optionally available.Parts commonality with the Ampex

TMB tape drives is approximately 90%,providing built-in spare provisions for afamily of drives covering the range of 12.5-75ips.The IBM tape path is duplicated in both

guide spacing and guide diameter. Accord-ing to Ampex, non-rotating head guideseliminate run-out and rotational inertia,reduce dynamic skew, and assure accurateforward/reverse and start/stop times at allspeeds.The TME incorporates electronic deskew,

channel by channel, for both read and write.The unit also features a mechanicalazimuth adjust on the head assembly.The TME is available in three models

including TME-03: NRZI, I/O industrystandard that is compatible with theAmpex TM-100 or TMB-03; TME-04: PE,I/O industry standard that is compatiblewith the Ampex TM-100 or TMB-04;and TME-05: PE/NRZI, I/O industrystandard that is compatible with theAmpex TM-100 or TMB-05.TME is priced at $4000 for 45 ips and

$4200 for 75 ips in OEM quantities. The45 ips model is now available, and the 75ips model will be available in early spring.


February 1977

edited byDemetrios A. Michalopoulos

Associate Pi-ofessor of Computer SciencesCalifornia State University at Fullerton

NEW PRODUCTS

57

Intel announces single-chipmicrocomputersThe 8048 single-chip microcomputer

system, one of three single-chip systemscomprising the MCS-48 microcomputersystem family, has been announced byIntel, along with a series of peripheralsand a line of programming and productdevelopment tools. The company plansto supply samples early in 1977 and tobegin production deliveries in the spring.According to Intel, the 8048 and the

8748, a reprogrammable version of thenew microcomputer, are the first general-purpose digital processing and controlsystems to be integrated in a single chipof semiconductor material. An alternatedesign, the Intel 8035 microcomputer,provides additional system expansion op-tions.The Intel 8048 and 8748 can each operate

as a stand-alone, single-chip system andbe programmed to perform operationsthat would ordinarily require a very com-plex electromechanical assembly, 50 to100 TTL logic packages, or a multi-chip LSI system, the company states.

The microcomputers can be programmedto perform all operations generally requiredin products such as home appliances,electronic games, automotive equipment,small business machines, instruments,data terminals, vending machines, andnumerous types of controllers. Intel expectsthe devices to open up new applicationsfor computer technology, such as error-

correcting typewriters and home controlsystems. If a larger system should berequired in complex applications, Intelsaid that it can be obtained by addinghigh-density MCS-48 peripherals to thebasic microcomputers.

All three of the new microcomputersare fully programmable systems designedto perform I/O control and processingtasks at rates to 400,000 typical operationsper second.The three versions of the 8048 micro-

computer system provide the followingprogram storage options: 8048 can operateas a stand-alone single-chip system withprograms stored in a lK-byte masked ROMon the chip; 8748, an interchangeablesingle-chip system, contains a 1K-bytefor program storage; 8035, for peripheralprogram storage, is equivalent to the8048/8748 microcomputers without a pro-gram memory.

All three contain the same basic pro-cessing and control subsystems-an 8-bitgeneral-purpose central processor, 64-byteread/write data memory, three program-mable 8-bit I/O ports and eight othercontrol and timing lines, programmableinterval timer/event counter, priority inter-rupt controls, system clock generator, anda full set of generally required systemcontrols and utilities.The central processors has set of 96

instructions; register and stack array are

in a part of the data memory. The CPUcan operate as a byte processor, 4-bitbinary processor, or BCD arithmetic pro-cessor. It can address on-chip memory,peripheral memory, or both.

All three are plug-compatible, 40-pindevices that operate on a single +5Vpower supply.The following MCS-48 system expansionf

peripherals were announced: 8243 I/Oexpander, a 24-pin device with 16 I/Olines that attaches to one of the I/Oports, organized as four 4-bit program-mable ports; 8155 2K RAM, I/O timer,which adds 256 bytes of static RAM,22 programmable I/O lines, and a pro-grammable interval timer/event counterto the microcomputer; 8755 16K EPROMI/O, which adds 2K bytes of erasable,reprogrammable ROM and two pro-grammable 8-bit I/O ports; and 8355 16KROM I/O, a mask-programmed ROM unitthat is plug-compatible with the 8755and also contains two 8-bit programmableI/O ports. The three memory and I/Operipherals are 40-pin, 5-volt devices.MCS-48 systems can also be expanded

with Intel's MCS-80 microcomputer systemcomponents and standard memory devices.The MCS-80 system, based upon the8080A central processor unit, providesa series of programmable LSI peripheraland I/O devices used to implement com-plex system interfaces. Types that inter-face directly with the MCS-48 system businclude the 8279 programmable keyboard/display interface, 8251 programmablecommunication interface, 8253 program-mable interval timer, 8255 programmableperipheral interface, and 8259 pro-grammable interrupt controller.

Intel will support the 8048 system withenhancements of the Itellec microcomputerdevelopment system and a new program-ming tool for development of programsdirectly on the 8748 microcomputer.


The reprogrammable version of Intel'snew 8048 single-chip microcomputer systemintegrates a general-purpose digital pro-cessing and control system in a singlechip of semiconductor material.

New 8086 CPU, an extension of the 8080Amicroprocessor, runs programs at 50%higher throughput, according to Intel.

Intel's new 8085 microcomputer offers 50% improvement of 8080

Intel expects to begin shipping its8085 microcomputer system to equip-ment manufacturers in sample quantitiesduring the first quarter of 1977. An ex-tension of the 8080, the new system runs8080 programs without modification andis bus-compatible with 8080 components.However, according to Intel, the 8085

system improves on 8080 cost-performancefactors by 50% or more. Atypical 3-chip8085 system can replace up to 10 or more8080 system components. Operating ratewith standard-speed memory is 3 MHzinstead of 2 MHz; throughput can beincreased more than 50% in some applica-tions by using new features. It uses asingle +5V supply for all components,including PROMs-the 8080 systemreqtures three MOS supplies (+5, +12 and-5). The new system features simplerdesign-each 8085 component can replacea group of three to five 8080 components,buffers are required only in the largestsystems, timing margins are relaxed, andpinouts are organized for X-Y layout ofPC board wiring.The new system includes the MCS-85

microcomputer system components family,compatible MCS-80 devices, and a line of

support products. The support productsare updates of those used to develop 8080system software and hardware designs.According to InteL MCS-85 components

are MOS/LSI devices that allow a com-plete system to be built with only threedevices: 8085 CPU; 8155 2K RAM, I/O. andtimer; and 8355 16K ROM and I/O orinterchangeable 8755 16K EPROMand I/O.The three devices provide a 5-volt sys-

tem with a CPU, 256 bytes of read/writememory, 2K bytes of program storage,38 programmable parallel I/O lines, serialI/O ports, system clock, system, controller,multi-level vectored interrupt control, anda programmable interval timer and eventcounter.Typical instruction cycle time is 1.3

lusec. System performance overlaps thatof TTL logic systems, Intel states, al-lowing it to be used in high-performanceapplications ranging from controllersto 8-bit minicomputers. System develop-ment is supported by enhancements of theIntellec microcomputer developmentsystem.


COMPUTER58

Mostek announces F8compatible single-chipmicrocomputer

A new single-chip microcomputer offerscomplete F8 software and hardware com-patibility, 2K x 8 of mask programmableROM, and a single +5-volt power sourcerequirement, according to its manufacturer,Mostek Corp. The N-MOS device, MK3870, is designed to provide a cost-effective solution to a wide range ofcontrol and logic replacement applications,the company states.The 3870 is fully compatible with the

existing F8 multi-chip family; it can exe-cute the complete F8 instruction set ofmore than 70 commands. Systems imple-mented with the 3870, but eventuallyrequiring more memory (ROM, RAMor PROM) or I/O, can upgrade to theexpandable MK 3850 (F8 CPU) withoutmajor redesign or software development.The 3870 includes 2K bytes of mask

programmable ROM, 64 bytes of scratch-pad RAM, and a modulo "N" binarytimer and multiple clock modes. Thesingle +5 power supply requirement israted at ±10% tolerance providing com-patibility with any standard TTL logicenvironment. Other features include fourmodes of vectored interrupts and a 4MHz single phase clock. Low power dis-sipation is typically 300 mW.The line of developmental tools includes

the software development board (SDB-50/70), the application interface module(AIM-70), and the emulator-70 for fieldprototyping.The SDB/AIM provides the user with

the ability to create and edit sourcelistings using the resident text editorand assemble into object code using theresident assembler. Object code may thenbe copied to AIM-70 for execution. Withcompletion of software development anddebugging, prototypes may be emulatedfor field testing and evaluation with thePROM-based Emulator-70.The single-chip MK 3870 will be available

in the first quarter of 1977 in a 40-pinplastic or ceramic DIP. Cost is under$10 for plastic devices in production(1000) quantities.


Digital announces majorDECsystem-20, DECsystem-10,and software entries

Two new members of DEC's large-scale computer family, together with newand improved software, have beenannounced. The new systems are theDECsystem-2050 and both single- anddual-processor versions of the DECsystem-1090. Each system extends the top rangeof its respective 36-bit computer family.The new DECsystem-2050 more than

doubles the performatice of the successfulDECsystem-2040 with a price increaseof only 25%, according to the manufacturer.The new system incorporates high-speedcache memory and high-performance peri-pheral subsystems, and has a memorycapacity of 1.25 million characters. Highperformance disk storage units expandtotal on-line storage capacity to 3.2 billioncharacters.The 2050 incorporates all the features

of the DECsystem-2040: small physicalsize; use of the PDP-11 minicomputersfor I/O control and maintenance; and large-system software. Current 2040 customerscan field-upgrade to the 2050 withoutchanging software or replacing hardware.Four new software products and fourenhancements to existing software pro-ducts are all compatible with and ableto run under the system executive, TOPS-20. These products include scientific, com-mercial and statistical languages that canbe used in a variety of applicationsranging from engineering analyses throughEDP to management and education.The DECsystem-1090 and its dual-

processor extension, the DECsystem-1099,are both built around the new KL1OBcentral processor, which according to DECprovides significantly enhanced reliability,maintainability, configurability, and price/performance by incorporating integratedchannels and controllers for magnetictape, disks, and communications sub-systems. The internal magnetic tape anddisk channels are buffered, enhancingperformance on heavily-loaded systems,and through the advanced architectureof the KL1OB processor have direct accessto the high-speed cache memory of theprocessor. System purchase price istypically reduced 10-20% from previousmodels as a result of manufacturing andpackaging economies of the integratedchannel implementation.Along with the new processor, the

DECsystem-1090 has both a new memorysystem allowing expansion of main memoryto 20 million characters and provisionsfor up to 6.2 billion characters of on-line high-performance disk storage.

Three. new software products and fourenhancements to existing software pro-ducts have been added to the DEC-system-10 repertoire. These include pro-grams for scientific calculations, filemanagement, and information retrieval/report generation.Both new systems are upward-compat-

ible with other systems in their respectivefamilies. The DECsystem-2050 pricesrange from $525,000 to $1,500,000, de-pending upon configuration. DECsystem-

1090 prices range from $700,000 to morethan $2,000,000 for systems supportingover 128 interactive or 1000 transactionprocessing users. Deliveries for the DEC-system-2050 are scheduled for January1977, and first shipments of the DECsystem-1090 are scheduled to begin in March1977.


Remote IBM 3741communications capability nowavailable for GRI System 99

GRI Computer Corporation has an-nounced a communications package whichprovides full communications capabilitybetween IBM 3741's, Models 2 and 4, andthe System 99, GRI's minicomputer-basedbusiness system. The company's versionof RPG II can accommodate interactive aswell as batch applications.The new Model 9650 communications

package features synchronous transmis-sion at rates up to 4800 baud to and fromthe remote key to diskette, batch datastations using voice-grade communica-tions lines.Through GRI's high-level communica-

tions control language (CCL), users cangenerate remote output or receive remoteinput for local processing. Users canaccess remote 3741's interactively or by acommand which activates disk-storedcommunications control streams.The Model 9650 communications pack-

age allows remote 3741's to access theSystem 99 either manually or in an un-attended, dial-up operational mode. Up tothree synchronous ports can be supportedconcurrently on a 64K-byte System 99.Any port may be accessed from any parti-tion which is at least 14K bytes.GRI's new communications package

includes a synchronous interface, a modemcontrol unit, and the communications con-trol language software. The completepackage's recommended retail list price is$4335.


g; ~ --XM04,j~ptqS92 S~Cs gNS f-^;-I

Remote IBM 3741 data stations can nowbe linked directly by telephone to the GRISystem 99. GRI's new communicationspackage allows remote users to access theSystem 99 interactively or by a simpledisk command.

February 1977 59

ROBOT- English language preprocessor-developed

Micro-Floppy increases speedand data capacity inminiaturized disketteconfigurationsWangco's Orbis Division has anmounced

the Model 82 Micro-Floppy, a miniaturizeddiskette drive that measures 3.25 x 5.75 x7.95 inches, weighs 3.5 lbs., and accepts a5.25-inch diskette. According to Wangco,this small size, coupled with random accesscapability and a cost competitive withcassette drives, makes the Model 82 idealfor word processing systems, microcom-puters, smart terminals, portable com-puters, and as a program load/storagedevice. The Model 82 will accept hardsectored diskettes of 10 sectors per track,or a modified IBM-type soft sectoredformat (18 sectors per track, 128 bytes/sector) can be employed.Through a selection of features, the

data storage capability of the Model 82 canbe extended as high as 498.8K bytes perdisk. Basic unformatted capacity of theMicro-Floppy is 109.4K bytes on 35 tracks.To expand that capacity without alterationof media or encoding, the user can select toaddress an additional 5 tracks on anydiskette providing a total of 40 tracksand increased storage capacity to 124.7Kbits. Double that capacity (249.4K bits) canbe aclieved with double density (i.e., MFM,M2FM) encoding techniques. Four timescapacity (498.8K bytes) is possible withan optional feature of the Model 82 whichpermits recording on both sides of astandard minidiskette.Track-to-track access of the Model 82

is 30 msec; a random average seek is 370msec; and rotational speed is 300 rpm.According to Wangco, high reliability

design, induding die cast mainframe, IBM-identical ferrite/ceramic head, and superiorpositioning system, makes possible a datareliability specification comparable tostandard sized diskette drives-1 x 109 softerror rate and 1 x 10'J hard error rate.Gentle media handling is assured by asuperior door interlock which cannot de-form media and an extra wide disketteloading mechanism. A photoelectric writeinhibit sensor protects the file. MTBF is8500 power-on hours with no routinemaintenance required.The basic unit is under $300 in OEM

quantities; evaluation units were availablein January.


ROBOT translates English languagerequests into the command language ofhigh performance DBMS's and/or appli-cation systems, and it translates thesystem's responses back into English.

Developed by Artificial IntelligenceCorporation, ROBOT is based on artificialintelligence techniques that break apartthe sentence to find the meaning. It canadd an English language front-end enhance-ment to data management, application,proprietary data base, and minicomputersystems. In most cases, only a few ROBOTmodules which handle generalzed inter-facing are affected in order to hook ROBOTto other packaged proprietary products orsystems. In some cases, according to AIC,ROBOT would have to be recoded in ahigh-level language which provides at leastlist processing and recursion.

Written in PL/I, ROBOT runs on anycomputer with PL/I run-time support. Itcan run in as little as 120K bytes of corewith maximum overlay, but a non-PL/Iversion can be provided which usessubstantially less core. ROBOT uses lessthan one CPU second per request on a360/65 (in addition to the processing timeof the driven DBMS and any applicationprocesses), AIC states.

ROBOT is presently interfaced with avery high performance DBMS, SoftwareAG's ADABAS. Muitiple files can be ac-commodated, and a generalized interface

MSC introduces solid-stateprogrammable voice readoutsystem

Master Specialties Company has an-nounced a new programmable, solid-statevoice readout system. Using PROMs, thesystem eliminates the masking chargeset-up costs for each new word as requiredwith ROMs. According to MSC, this per-mits users with small quantity require-ments and changing vocabularies to utilizesolid-state voice readout on a lower costbasis.The new programmable system is de-

signed to permit vocabulary expansionfrom one to 112 words in the standard halfATR rack. Its modular design permits ad-ding plug-in circuit boards, as necessary,to expand the vocabulary.

Each word has a 4-bit (16 combinations)word address and a 3-bit (7 combination)board address. Any one of the 112 wordsmay be announced by providing a correct7-digit binary word/board address and anenable signal. At the end ofa word, a pausepulse indicates the system is ready for thenext command. The dual audio circuit pro-vides 8 ohms at 250 mW for local monitor-ing in addition to the balanced 600-ohmisolated transformer output.


to application processes is provided. TheADABAS version is now in field test.By driving the DBMS and/or applica-

tion systems for end users and applica-tion programmers directly from the Englishlanguage, many benefits are gained, includ-ing much greater end user productivity,independence, and satisfaction. Accordingto AIC, more reliable application systemscan be implemented in less time becauseof the general-purpose English commandfacility ROBOT provides for the applica-tion programmer, for new system develop-ment, or old system enhancement.

ROBOT has the capability to use entirefiles, data bases, and application systemsas extensions of its dictionary and reper-toire of processing capabilities. Thus, newinformation can be available to end users inEnglish as soon as it is added to the database. New processing capabilities can beavailable in English as soon as ROBOT isadvised of the name of the process. Adictionary for a new file or applicationis built using the dictionary utility suppliedwith ROBOT, and it takes only a fewhours.

The end user price of the DBMS versionof the general-purpose ROBOT is $30,000,including one year's maintenance, or it canbe leased under several plans. OEM ver-sions of both general- and special-purposeROBOTs are available under negotiableterms.


The OCR print head on new tag and labelimprinter is micro-adjusted and permanent-ly fixed in place to ensure consistentlyuniform print quality and density. Ac-cording to the manufacturer, Dennison, nooperator adjustment is ever needed. Copychanges are rapid and accurate, and windowcharacter displays provide visual veri-fication of all lines of data to be im-printed. Click-stop knobs produce smooth,positive settings from band to band andcharacter to character, with exact characteralignment. The unit, which prints 200labels or tags per minute and sells forless than $1000, measures 15M2" wide, 13M2"high, and 141/2" deep.


COMPUTER60

Technical advances highlight Sperry Univac 1100/80

Sperry Univac has introduced the1100/80, largest system in the 1100 seriesto date. According to the company, thenew system incorporates emitter coupledlogic (ECL) for speed and packaging ad-vantages and multi-layered packaging(MLP) to reduce the amount of back-panel wiring, thus improve signal isola-tion and reliability.A large backing store memory of moder-

ate speed has been combined with ahigh-speed buffer to support the proces-sing components, maldng more real memoryavailable to the user. All programs anddata are loaded into the buffer for exe-cution. Eight words at a time are fetchedfrom the backing store into the bufferallowing the CPU to operate about eighttimes faster than otherwise.For the first time, Sperry Univac is

making available in the 1100/80 bothword and byte I/O channels. A largedata base, accessed at a moderate rate,uses the block multiplexer that can daisy-chain several control units together. Thesame data base, accessed at a higher rate,can use the word channel to dedicate acontrol unit to the full use of each channeland reduce queuing. Further improvingIf0 performance is a software enhance-ment called the channelizer program.Consisting of an instruction processor

and an I/O processor, the 1100/80 can beexpanded with a second CPU and I/O unit.- Main memory is divided into a backingstorage (524K words) and a buffer storage(8K words). The backing storage can beexpanded by 262K word modules up to4M words or about 16M bytes. Bufferstorage can be expanded by 4K wordmodules up to 16K words, or about 64Kbytes. The 1100/80 has real memory aslarge as a virtual memory system.Both CPU's and I/O units operate on a

single buffer, and by means of multiplepaths to memory the buffer can handlethe request rate of a multiprocessor con-figuration. Cycling at 50 nsec, the CPU istimed to run instruction overlap with thebuffer memory.A basic I/O unit includes space for four

channel modules; two are provided (a bytemux channel and a block mux channel); andtwo are optional. The byte I/O channelmodule, a new feature on the 1100/80,transfers one byte at a time and inter-leaves bytes from each unit record device,such as a console, card reader, or a printer.Eight control units can be attached toeach byte mux channel, operating at atransfer rate of 200K bytes per second.The block mux transfers a block of bytes

from each device, interleaving theseblocks of data from tape or disk unitsand transferring at a rate of 1.5M bytesper second.The new 5046 buffered word control unit

allows a direct connection between byte-type disks and the word channels of the1100/80. All communications enter the1100/80 through the word channel module.A transition unit, which connects all

central components, receives a periodicpulse from the processors and I/O units.Cessation of this pulse can initiate an

automatic re-boot of the system with achosen boot being loaded through a chosenI/O path. The unit also can divide the1100/80 into two or more electronicallyseparate systems.A maintenance processor identifies and

isolates system faults by means of ascan-set network, which allows the processorto display internal registers and logicnodes on a Uniscope 200 display withsupporting alphanumeric information. Italso provides an interface to the TotalRemote Access Center (TRACE) withoutinterrupting the system. TRACE is ableto run special diagnostic tests, take dumpsfor analysis, and search its files for similarproblems encountered elsewhere.A special 400-Hz motor alternator iso-

lates the 1100/80 central componentsfrom minor power fluctuations.According to Sperry Univac, software

enhancement has taken place in twoareas: one in the new I/O unit to makeuse of the channel program concept, andthe other in rewriting I/O handlers toreduce path lengths and make commonI/O code more abundant to maximizebuffer use areas.


New computer system providesAT&T with indirect entry to dataprocessing markets

CADO Systems Corporation has an-nounced a new small business computer/transaction terminal that is plug-com-patible with the Bell Systems Dataspeed40 Terminal, indirectly placing the BellSystem product in competition with IBM,Burroughs, and other computer manu-facturers. The system is composed of amicroprocessor, memory, communications,and dual double-density flexible disk drives.CADO also offers synchronous com-

munications with speeds up to 9600 baud,emulating IBM 2780's and 3780's on thebasically asynchronous Dataspeed/Mod 2.IBM horizontal format control and verticalforms control are supported for remoteprint applications. Hence, existing userscan upgrade their message terminals tofull blown distributed data processors,according to the company.Variable-length records, binary packing,

and freedom from sector constraints pro-vide disk capacity equivalent to that in a3M-byte IBM-formatted system on thesystem's two flexible disks. The totallyrandom nature of the files, CADO states,increases the speed of retrieval and re-duces wear associated with diskette sys-tems utilizing address tracks. File size isexpandable to the equivalent of 10M bytes.The 72-line memory of the Dataspeed

40 allows the system to display a full 81/2x 11" business form. Any existing formcan be displayed on the screen and handledby the 300-lpm impact printer.


Nondestructive memorydeveloped by Controlex

Employing conventional ferrite cores,Controlex has produced a memory systemin which the read operation is nondestruc-tive (NDRO): data stored in the array isnot altered by the read operation. In con-trast to a conventional core memory or adynamic MOS RAM, which requires arestore operation to maintain data, datamay be read from the Controlex systeman unlimited number of times without everhaving to be restored. Since the storagemedium is magnetic, and since read is non-

destructive, a read cycle interrupted bypower outage or noise spikes will have noeffect on data retention, according tothe company.The write cycle is 1 gsec, and individual

words are accessed as in a conventionalRAM. The result, Controlex states, is amemory that can be operated as a non-volatile RAM (NVR), or as an electricallyalterable ROM (EAROM). By using thefield-selectable write disable provision

built into the unit, a RAM/ROM mix isavailable.The CM203, a 4K by 8 EAROM, cycles

at 1 psec, and has an access time of 350nsec, making it compatible with micro-processor bus structures. Operating volt-ages are ± 12V and +5V. The unit is

packaged on a single PCB, including alltiming and control drivers, TTL interface,etc. Operating temperature is 70 IC.

Price in OEM quantities is $500 each,with delivery of standard units in 60 days.


Development system offeredfor SCIMP microprocessors

Hardware and software designs thatinvolve the SC/MP 8-bit microprocessorcan be developed and tested with a newdevelopment system now available fromNational Semiconductor in the form ofa self-contained microcomputer.According to National, the development

system is a simple controller configuredwith a SC/MP card plugged into one offour sockets in a card bus on a 10 x 12-inch motherboard. Along with the CPUcard, the motherboard also contains a16-key, dual function hexidecimal key-board, four keys that control function,three control switches, and a 6-digit hexi-decimal LED display.With the basic configuration alone, con-

trol logic, scratchpad memory, and ROM-based firmware on the motherboard allowthe user to alter the SC/MP registersand memory locaters, run SC/MP pro-grams in continuous or single instructionmode, and operate with an optional Tele-type using SC/MP DEBUG.

Pricing of single units of the develop-ment system (ISP-88/30) is $499, with the2K x 8 RAM card (ISP-8C/002) pricedat $160.


February 1977 61

Dual tone separation filter intro-ducedData Signal Corporation's Model 6300-

001 tone separation filter is a hybrid, pre-tuned active filter which separates compo-site low (200 Hz to 940 Hz) and high (1209Hz to 3000 Hz) group frequencies into in-dependent low-and high tone outputs.

It is intended for applications wheredual tone detection is required, e.g., datatransmission, alarm status reporting,supervisory control, radio paging, andTouch-Tone telecommunication.The unit specifications include 30db

minimum separation between high andlow group tones, 1.5db maximum in-banddeviation, dual and single power supplyoperation ±12 vdc at 2.5 mA each, operat-ing temperature range 0°C to 70°C, stor-age temperature -25°C to 100°C, epoxy

encapsulated module measuring 2x2x.437inches. Price is $76.50.

Eu_ NewPi Literature

CAPACITOR. Descriptive sheet (204.28)describes Cornell-Dubilier's DMT polyes-ter film dielectric dipped capacitor and isavailable by contacting William Carlson,Cornell-Dubilier, 150 Ave. L, Newark, NJ07101; (201) 589-7500.

HYBRID MICROCIRCUITS. Brochure de-scribes the designing and production ofcustom hybrid microcircuits from HughesMicroelectronic Products Div., 500Superior Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92663.


Olivetti introduces newdesktop minicomputer

Olivetti has announced the introductionof the P6060 personal minicomputer, ageneral purpose problem solver, program-mable in extended Basic.

In the space of a desktop unit, the P6060provides the power normally associatedwith complete multi-component systems,Olivetti states. Integrated into the self-contained system are a large central RAMmemory (up to 80K bytes) accommodatingboth operating system and user workingfile (from 8K to 48K bytes); single or dual-drive floppy disk unit; 32-character visualdisplay; 80-cps, 80-column thermal printer;alphanumeric keyboard and 10-key numericpad; and monitoring console. The inte-grated thermal printer is a fast, silent,matrix type and features full printergraphics supported by extended systemsoftware for scaling, framing, offsetting,axis drawing, and alpha-numeric labelingon any scale.

A basic configuration, with 8K usermemory, one floppy disk drive, and inte-grated thermal printer costs $7950. Aconfiguration with 16K user memory,integrated thermal printer, and dual floppydisk drive costs $10,000.


ON-LINE CONTROL. Brochure describesIntertel's network control system and isaimed at DP managers and communica-tions managers; contact Intertel, 6 VineBrook Park, Burlington, MA 01803.

PDP-11. Information package describes thevarious processors, peripheral equipmentcommunications interfaces, operating sys-tems, programming languages, and sup-porting services that make up the DigitalEquipment Corporation PDP-11, and canbe obtained by writing to CommunicationsServices, DEC, 444 Whitney St., North-boro, MA 01532.

RESISTOR CHIPS. Application bulletin(AB-108) describes the development oftheposition location aircraft communicationequipment (PLACE) experiment con-ducted by NASA.and the role of VishayS102 resistor chip in making the experi-ment possible. It is available from VishayResistive Systems Group, 63 LincolnHighway, Malvern, PA 19355; (215) 644-1300.

INTERFACING. Six-page application notedescribes techniques for interfacing mic-roprocessors to alphanumeric displays,and is available from the Electronic Com-ponents Div. of Burroughs Corp., P.O. Box1226, Plainfield, NJ 07061; (207) 757-5000.

PRODUCT CATALOG. Beckman Instru-ments, Inc., offers its product catalog ofanalytical and electronics instruments bycontacting the Technical Information Sec-tion, 2500 Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA92634.

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM. Six-pagebrochure describes Data 100 Corporation'sModel 77 Communication System and isavailable from the company at 6110 BlueCircle Dr., Minnetonka, MN 55343.

ACCESSORIES CATALOG. Catalog offerslisting ofaccessories, supplies, and connec-tors for minicomputer users and is availa-ble by writing Minicomputer Accessories,1015 Corporation Way, P.O. Box 10056,Palo Alto, CA 94303.

A/D CONVERTER INTERFACE. Applica-tion note discusses Teledyne Semiconduc-tor converters available by writing thecompany at 1300 Terra Bella Ave., Moun-tain View, CA 94043.

MINICOMPUTER ADVANTAGES. Bro-chure describes the advantages of Cin-cinnati Milacron minicomputers and isavailable by writing for "George-YourFirst Computer," Cincinnati Milacron,Process Controls Div., Dept. LR, MasonRoad and Route #48, Lebanon, OH 45036.

CORE MEMORY. Fabri-Tek Models 696and 698 core memory systems are de-scribed in a brochure available by writingFabri-Tek, Inc., 5901 S. County Road 18,Minneapolis, MN 55436.

GOLD ALLOYS. Bulletin discusses goldjoining alloys, over 70 different types, andcan be obtained by contacting Semi-Alloys,Inc., 888 S. Columbus Ave., Mount Ver-non, NY 10550; (914) 664-2800.

DISK DRIVE INTERFACE CHARAC-TERISTICS. Report prepared by AuerbachAssociates under NBS contract is expectedto provide a basis for a computer disk de-vice level interface standard and may bepurchased from the National Technical In-formation Service (NTIS), Springfield, VA22151. Price: $5.50; microfiche, $2.25.

EDP PERFORMANCE REVIEW. Pub-lished monthly by Applied Computer Re-search, the review includes tutorial re-ports, product review, and coverage ofcurrent literature. Software survey issueis available for $5 from ACR, 8808 N.Central Ave., Suite 298, Phoenix, AZ85020.

AMI PRODUCT LINE. 32-page publica-tion outlines standard MOS integratedcircuit and LCD display products avail-able from American Microsystems, Inc.,3800 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA95051; (408) 246-0330.

FLUlOROWARE. Products catalog for thesemiconductor industry is available fromFluoroware, Inc., Jonathan IndustrialCenter, Chaska, MN 55318; (612) 448-3131.

CARD PACKAGING. 10-page brochuredescrj4es company's card packaging sys-tems 'nd is available from Scanbe, 3445Fletcher Ave., El Monte, CA 91731;(213) 579-2300.

SYSTEMS DESIGNERS. Catalog coversmicrocomputer products, software, anddevelopment systems available fromControl Logic, Nine Tech Circle, NatickMA 01760.

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