CI780 Computer Interconnect Adapter
From Computer History Wiki
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.
The DR780 was implemented on four 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 CPU cabinet. The boards were:
| 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.
See also
Further reading
- VAX Hardware Handbook Volume 1 (EB-25949-46) - covers the CI780 in Chapter 11, pp. 11-76—11-91 (pp. 503-520 of the PDF)
External links
- CI780 User's Guide (EK-CI780-UG-001)
- CI780 Hardware Technical Description (EK-CI780-TD-001)
- CI780 Field Maintenance Print Set (MP01267)
