Difference between revisions of "VAX-11/780"

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The first [[VAX]] Introduced in 1977.
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{{InfoboxVAX-Data
 
 
{{Infobox VAX
 
 
| name = VAX-11/780
 
| name = VAX-11/780
| codename = Star
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| Announcement = October 1977
| year introduced = October 1977
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| Codename = Star
| vups = 1.0
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| OS-support-VMS = VMS V1.5
| cpu = KA780
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| CPU-name-VMS = KA780
| clock speed = 200 ns
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| Num-proc = 1
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| CPU-technology = Bipolar Schottky
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| CPU-cycle = 200ns [[#ref_1|[1]]]
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| Instruction-buffer = 8 bytes [[#ref_1|[1]]]
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| Translation-buffer = 128 entries [[#ref_1|[1]]]
 +
| Control-store = 4K 99-bit words [[#ref_1|[1]]]
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| Gate-delay = 3ns
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| UWCS = 2K 99-bit words [[#ref_1|[1]]]
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| Cache = 8KB [[#ref_1|[1]]]
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| Compatibility-mode = Yes [[#ref_1|[1]]]
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| Console-processor = LSI-11 [[#ref_1|[1]]]
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| Console-device = RX01 [[#ref_1|[1]]]
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| Minimum-memory = 2MB
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| Maximum-memory = 64MB
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| Physical-address-lines = 30
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| Memory-checking = 8-bit ECC/longword [[#ref_1|[1]]]
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| Max-I/O-throughput = 5.0MB/s
 +
| BUS-MASSBUS = 4 @ 2.0MB/s
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| BUS-UNIBUS = 4 @ 1.5MB/s
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| LAN-support = optional
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| VUPs = 1.0 [[#ref_2|[2]]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
[[Image:Vax11-780_2.png|thumb|A 'typical' Vax-11/780 setup.]]
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[[Image:Vax11-780_2.png|thumb|A 'typical' VAX-11/780 marketing image]]
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The '''VAX-11/780''' was the first member to ship of the VAX-11 family of larger computers. The VAX series was conceived as the successor to the successful [[PDP-11]] series of [[minicomputer]]s, and in order to make the VAX seem more PDP-11 friendly, they retained the -11 moniker for the first VAXen, hence the -11/780 designation.
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It was announced on October 25<sup>th</sup>, 1977 at [[Digital Equipment Corporation]]'s Annual Meeting of Shareholders.[[#ref_4|[4]]]
 +
 
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One of the main design goals was to increase the address space available, in fact the VAX acronym originally stood for Virtual Address eXtension).[[#ref_3|[3]]]
 +
 
 +
The first VAX-11/780 systems shipped with one quarter of a megabyte of memory, built from 4Kb chips.[[#ref_3|[3]]]
 +
 
 +
The 11/780 didn't have normal firmware, instead it loaded its [[microcode]] from floppy. There was also the [[VAX-11/785]], which was an upgraded version.
 +
 
 +
The VAX-11/780 was given the codename "Star" and its operating system, VAX/VMS, was codenamed "Starlet".[[#ref_4|[4]]] VAX/VMS Version V1.0 shipped in 1978, along with the first revenue-ship 11/780s.
  
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==Operating Systems==
  
This was the first VAX from [[Digital Equipment Corporation]].  The VAX was the sucessor to the PDP-11, and in order to make the VAX seem more PDP-11 friendly, they retained the -11 monkier for the first VAX's, hence the 11/780 designation. The 11/780 didn't have normal firmware, instead it loaded it's microcode from floppy. 
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[[Image:DEC-VAX-11-780.jpg|thumb|An actual VAX-11/780 system]]
  
== Emulation ==
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The 11/780 was to ship with VMS 1.0.
  
[[SIMH]] is the only known emulator for the 11/780.  Simh can address up to 128Mb of ram emulating an 11/780.  Also the following periphals are emulated:
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* [[VMS]] 1.0 - ?.0
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* [[32v]]
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* [[Ultrix]]
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* [[BSD]] (CSRG flavor) version 3.0 - 4.3
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* [[NetBSD]]
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* [[OpenBSD]]
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 +
==Emulation==
 +
 
 +
[[SIMH]] is the only known emulator for the 11/780.  SIMH can address up to 128MB of RAM emulating an 11/780.  Also the following peripherals are emulated:
  
 
*CPU VAX-11/780 CPU
 
*CPU VAX-11/780 CPU
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*HK [[RK611]]/RK06(7) cartridge disk controller with eight drives
 
*HK [[RK611]]/RK06(7) cartridge disk controller with eight drives
 
*RL [[RL11]]/RL01(2) cartridge disk controller with four drives
 
*RL [[RL11]]/RL01(2) cartridge disk controller with four drives
*RQ [[[UDA50]] MSCP controller with four drives
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*RQ [[UDA50]] MSCP controller with four drives
 
*RQB second UDA50 MSCP controller with four drives
 
*RQB second UDA50 MSCP controller with four drives
 
*RQC third UDA50 MSCP controller with four drives
 
*RQC third UDA50 MSCP controller with four drives
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*XU [[DEUNA]]/[[DELUA]] Ethernet controller
 
*XU [[DEUNA]]/[[DELUA]] Ethernet controller
 
*XUB second [[DEUNA]]/[[DELUA]] Ethernet controller
 
*XUB second [[DEUNA]]/[[DELUA]] Ethernet controller
<br><br>
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More information about SIMH's VAX 11/780 emulation can be found [http://simh.trailing-edge.com/pdf/vax780_doc.pdf here].
 
More information about SIMH's VAX 11/780 emulation can be found [http://simh.trailing-edge.com/pdf/vax780_doc.pdf here].
  
== Operating Systems ==
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== Related Documents ==
 
 
The 11/780 was to ship with VMS 1.0.
 
 
 
* VMS 1.0 - ?.0
 
* 32v
 
* Ultrix
 
* BSD (CSRG flavor)
 
* NetBSD
 
* OpenBSD
 
 
 
  
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<div>VAX 11/780 Architecture Handbook Vol. 1 1977-78. EB-07466-20</div>
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<div>VAX-11/780 Hardware User's Guide. EK-11780-UG-001</div>
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<div>VAX-11/780 Installation Manual. EK-SI780-IN-002</div>
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<div>VAX 11/780 Hardware Handbook 1979-80. EB-17835-18</div>
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<div>VAX Maintenance Handbook VAX-11/780. EK-VAXV2-HB-002</div>
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<div>VAX-11/780 Diagnostic System Technical Description. EK-DS780-TD-001</div>
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<div>VAX-11/780 Diagnostic System User's Guide. EK-DS780-UG.002</div>
 +
<div>MS780-E MS780-H Memory Subsystem Technical Description. EP-780EH-TD-002</div>
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<div>KA780 Central Processor Technical Description. EK-KA780-TD.001</div>
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<div>Translation Buffer, Cache and SBI Control Technical Description (VAX-11/780 Implementation). EK-MM780-TD-001</div>
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<div>MS780 Memory System Technical Description. EK-MS780-TD-001</div>
 +
<div>FP780 Floating-Point Accelerator. EK-FP780-TD.001</div>
 +
<div>KC780 Console Interface Board Technical Description. EP-KC780-TD-001</div>
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<div>KC780 Family Remote Diagnosis Options Technical Manual. KC780, KC782 and KC785. EK-KC780-TM-007</div>
 +
<div>VAX/11/780 Microprogramming Tools User's Guide. AA-H306B-TE</div>
 +
<div>VAX-11/780 Data Path Description. AA-H307B-TE</div>
 +
<div>VAX-11/780 Sofwtare Installation Guide. AA-M545B-TE</div>
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<div>CI750 CI780 Computer Interconnects Maintenance Advisory. EP-CIVAX-RM-001</div>
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<div>VAX-11/780 Unibus Adapter Technical Description. EK-DW780-TD.001</div>
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<div>RH780 Massbus Adapter Technical Description. EK-RH780-TD-001</div>
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<div>Guide to VAX-11/780 System Troubleshooting. EY-2217E-SG-0001</div>
 +
<div>KA780 Field Maintenance Print Set. MP00496</div>
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<div>DW780 Field Maintenance Print Set. MP00497</div>
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<div>KC780 Field Maintenance Print Set. MP00534</div>
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<div>11780 Field Maintenance Print Set. MP00539</div>
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<div>MS780-H Field Maintenance Print Set. MP01759</div>
  
There was also the [[VAX-11/785]], which was an upgraded version.
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==References==
  
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<div id="ref_1">[1] VAX Hardware Handbook Volume 1 - 1986. </div>
 +
<div id="ref_2">[2] Systems & Options Catalog. European Edition. Spring 1990. </div>
 +
<div id="ref_3">[3] VAX Architecture Reference Manual. Timothy E. Leonard. 1987. EY-3459E-DP. ISBN 0-932376-86-X.
 +
<div id="ref_4">[4] Nothing Stops It! VAX Open VMS At 20.
  
{{stub}}
 
 
{{Nav VAX}}
 
{{Nav VAX}}

Revision as of 22:44, 19 August 2017


VAX-11/780
Summary
Announcement date: October 1977
Codename: Star
OS support (VMS): VMS V1.5
CPU Details
CPU name (VMS): KA780
Number of processors: 1
CPU technology: Bipolar Schottky
CPU cycle time: 200ns [1]
Instruction-buffer: 8 bytes [1]
Translation-buffer: 128 entries [1]
Control store: 4K 99-bit words [1]
Gate delay: 3ns
User Writable Control Store: 2K 99-bit words [1]
Cache: 8KB [1]
Compatibility mode: Yes [1]
Console processor: LSI-11 [1]
Console device: RX01 [1]
Memory
Minimum memory: 2MB
Maximum memory: 64MB
Physical address lines: 30
Memory checking: 8-bit ECC/longword [1]
I/O
Max I/O throughput: 5.0MB/s
MASSBUS: 4 @ 2.0MB/s
UNIBUS: 4 @ 1.5MB/s
LAN support: optional
Performance
VUPs: 1.0 [2]


A 'typical' VAX-11/780 marketing image

The VAX-11/780 was the first member to ship of the VAX-11 family of larger computers. The VAX series was conceived as the successor to the successful PDP-11 series of minicomputers, and in order to make the VAX seem more PDP-11 friendly, they retained the -11 moniker for the first VAXen, hence the -11/780 designation.

It was announced on October 25th, 1977 at Digital Equipment Corporation's Annual Meeting of Shareholders.[4]

One of the main design goals was to increase the address space available, in fact the VAX acronym originally stood for Virtual Address eXtension).[3]

The first VAX-11/780 systems shipped with one quarter of a megabyte of memory, built from 4Kb chips.[3]

The 11/780 didn't have normal firmware, instead it loaded its microcode from floppy. There was also the VAX-11/785, which was an upgraded version.

The VAX-11/780 was given the codename "Star" and its operating system, VAX/VMS, was codenamed "Starlet".[4] VAX/VMS Version V1.0 shipped in 1978, along with the first revenue-ship 11/780s.

Operating Systems

An actual VAX-11/780 system

The 11/780 was to ship with VMS 1.0.

Emulation

SIMH is the only known emulator for the 11/780. SIMH can address up to 128MB of RAM emulating an 11/780. Also the following peripherals are emulated:

  • CPU VAX-11/780 CPU
  • TLB translation buffer
  • SBI system bus controller
  • MCTL0,MTCL1 memory controllers, MS780C with 4MB memory each, or MS780E with 8MB-64MB each
  • UBA DW780 Unibus adapter
  • MBA0,MBA1 RH780 Massbus adapters
  • TODR time-of-day clock
  • TMR interval timer
  • TTI,TTO console terminal
  • RX console RX01 floppy disk
  • DZ DZ11 8-line terminal multiplexer (up to 4)
  • CR CR11 card reader
  • LPT LP11 line printer
  • RP RP04/05/06/07, RM02/03/05/80 Massbus disks, up to eight drives
  • HK RK611/RK06(7) cartridge disk controller with eight drives
  • RL RL11/RL01(2) cartridge disk controller with four drives
  • RQ UDA50 MSCP controller with four drives
  • RQB second UDA50 MSCP controller with four drives
  • RQC third UDA50 MSCP controller with four drives
  • RQD fourth UDA50 MSCP controller with four drives
  • RY RX211 floppy disk controller with two drives
  • TS TS11 magnetic tape controller with one drive
  • TQ TUK50 TMSCP magnetic tape controller with four drives
  • TU TM03 tape formatter with eight TE16/TU45/TU77 drives
  • XU DEUNA/DELUA Ethernet controller
  • XUB second DEUNA/DELUA Ethernet controller

More information about SIMH's VAX 11/780 emulation can be found here.

Related Documents

VAX 11/780 Architecture Handbook Vol. 1 1977-78. EB-07466-20
VAX-11/780 Hardware User's Guide. EK-11780-UG-001
VAX-11/780 Installation Manual. EK-SI780-IN-002
VAX 11/780 Hardware Handbook 1979-80. EB-17835-18
VAX Maintenance Handbook VAX-11/780. EK-VAXV2-HB-002
VAX-11/780 Diagnostic System Technical Description. EK-DS780-TD-001
VAX-11/780 Diagnostic System User's Guide. EK-DS780-UG.002
MS780-E MS780-H Memory Subsystem Technical Description. EP-780EH-TD-002
KA780 Central Processor Technical Description. EK-KA780-TD.001
Translation Buffer, Cache and SBI Control Technical Description (VAX-11/780 Implementation). EK-MM780-TD-001
MS780 Memory System Technical Description. EK-MS780-TD-001
FP780 Floating-Point Accelerator. EK-FP780-TD.001
KC780 Console Interface Board Technical Description. EP-KC780-TD-001
KC780 Family Remote Diagnosis Options Technical Manual. KC780, KC782 and KC785. EK-KC780-TM-007
VAX/11/780 Microprogramming Tools User's Guide. AA-H306B-TE
VAX-11/780 Data Path Description. AA-H307B-TE
VAX-11/780 Sofwtare Installation Guide. AA-M545B-TE
CI750 CI780 Computer Interconnects Maintenance Advisory. EP-CIVAX-RM-001
VAX-11/780 Unibus Adapter Technical Description. EK-DW780-TD.001
RH780 Massbus Adapter Technical Description. EK-RH780-TD-001
Guide to VAX-11/780 System Troubleshooting. EY-2217E-SG-0001
KA780 Field Maintenance Print Set. MP00496
DW780 Field Maintenance Print Set. MP00497
KC780 Field Maintenance Print Set. MP00534
11780 Field Maintenance Print Set. MP00539
MS780-H Field Maintenance Print Set. MP01759

References

[1] VAX Hardware Handbook Volume 1 - 1986.
[2] Systems & Options Catalog. European Edition. Spring 1990.
[3] VAX Architecture Reference Manual. Timothy E. Leonard. 1987. EY-3459E-DP. ISBN 0-932376-86-X.
[4] Nothing Stops It! VAX Open VMS At 20.