View source for CI780 Computer Interconnect Adapter

The '''CI780 Computer Interconnect Adapter''' (sometimes referred to by the acronym, '''CIA''') provided a high-performance [[Computer Interconnect]] interface for the [[VAX-11/780]] and other machines with a [[Synchronous Backplane Interconnect]]. It connects to one CI node directly, or to multiple CI nodes using the [[SC008 Star Coupler]]. Using the CIA, information can be transferred at up to 70 Mbits per second with other [[VAXcluster]] components.

<!-- A maximum of one DR780 was supported per machine; it could not be installed in a machine which had a [[MA780 Multiport Memory Option]].-->The DR780 was implemented on four [[DEC card form factor|extended hex]] cards, which mounted in a custom 6-slot [[backplane]] ([[DEC part number]] 70-17654); the backplane mounted in one 'Option Panel Space' in the [[Central Processing Unit|CPU]] [[cabinet]]. The boards were:

{| class="wikitable"
! Slot !! Board !! Acronym !! Function
|-
| 1 || L0104 || ISI || SBI Interface Module
|-
| 2 || L0102 || IDP || Data Path Module
|-
| 3 || L0101 || IPB || Packet Buffer Module
|-
| 5 || L0100 || ILI || Link Interface Module
|}

Two backplane slots (4 and 6) are unused.

{{semi-stub}}

==See also==

* [[DR780 High-Performance Channel Interface]]

==Further reading==
	
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/handbook/VAX_Hardware_Handbook_Volume_1_1986.pdf VAX Hardware Handbook Volume 1] (EB-25949-46) - covers the CI780 in Chapter 11, pp. 11-76&mdash;11-91 (pp. 503-520 of the PDF)

==External links==

* [http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/780/fiche/EK-CI780-UG-001_CI780_Users_Guide_1983.pdf CI780 User's Guide] (EK-CI780-UG-001) <!-- https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/2/2e/EK-CI780-UG-001.pdf -->
* [http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/780/fiche/EK-CI780-TD-001_CI780_Hardware_Technical_Description_1983.pdf CI780 Hardware Technical Description] (EK-CI780-TD-001)
* [http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/780/MP01267_CI780_198109.pdf CI780 Field Maintenance Print Set] (MP01267)

[[Category: Computer Interconnect Interfaces]]
[[Category: SBI]]