Difference between revisions of "MicroVAX 3100 series"

From Computer History Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Re-org VAX cats)
(Expand considerably; add some docs)
Line 7: Line 7:
 
| clock speed = ??? ns
 
| clock speed = ??? ns
 
}} -->
 
}} -->
[[Image:MicroVAX 3100-80.jpg|150px|thumb|right|MicroVAX 3100-80]]
+
[[Image:MicroVAX 3100-80.jpg|150px|thumb|right|A MicroVAX 3100-80]]
  
The '''MicroVAX 3100 series''' was an entry-level line of desktop [[minicomputer]] [[VAX]]en (for interactive [[time-sharing]] usage), all using a [[microprocessor]] VAX on a [[motherboard]]. They shared their [[mounting box]] and motherboard with the [[VAXserver 3100 series]] and [[VAXstation 3100 series]].
+
The '''MicroVAX 3100 series''' was a line of entry-level desktop [[VAX]] systems, all using a [[microprocessor]] VAX on a [[motherboard]]. (Several different VAX microprocessor implementations were used, over the life of the series.) Although they all had some [[input/output|I/O]] [[peripheral]] upgrades available, the list is limited; the 3100 was not built around a standard [[bus]]. Although technically available for interactive [[time-sharing]] usage (as a [[minicomputer]]), the standard inclusion of a [[display]], [[keyboard]] and [[mouse]] on them indicates that they were primarily geared toward use as a [[personal computer]] (in the generic sense).
  
Models:
+
The [[CPU]] used was the [[KA41 CPU]], [[KA45 CPU]], [[KA47 CPU]], [[KA50 CPU]], [[KA51 CPU]], [[KA55 CPU]], [[KA56 CPU]] or [[KA59 CPU]], depending on the model. Additional [[main memory]] was carried on [[daughter-board]]s in initial models; later [[Single Inline Memory Module|SIMMs]] were used.
 +
 
 +
All models of the series supported [[Small Computer System Interface|SCSI]] for [[mass storage]], as well as [[Ethernet]] and several [[asynchronous serial line]]s. Additional [[main memory]], asynchronous serial lines, and [[synchronous serial line]]s, were available as options.
 +
 
 +
A desktop [[mounting box]] was used across the 3100 line. All could run either [[VMS]] or [[ULTRIX-32]].
 +
 
 +
The models in the series were:
  
 
* [[MicroVAX 3100 Model 10/20|MicroVAX 3100 Model 10]]
 
* [[MicroVAX 3100 Model 10/20|MicroVAX 3100 Model 10]]
Line 28: Line 34:
 
* [[MicroVAX 3100 Model 98]]
 
* [[MicroVAX 3100 Model 98]]
  
The Model 10 and Model 20 are very similar; the latter has a slightly larger [[mounting box]].
+
The Model 10 and Model 20 were very similar; the latter had a slightly larger mounting box.
 +
 
 +
The 3100's shared their motherboard and mounting box with the [[VAXserver 3100 series]] and [[VAXstation 3100 series]].
 +
 
 +
==Further reading==
  
All models support [[Small Computer System Interface|SCSI]] for [[mass storage]], as well as [[Ethernet]] and several [[asynchronous serial line]]s. Additional [[main memory]], asynchronous serial lines, and [[synchronous serial line]]s, are available as options.
+
* [http://www.dtjcd.vmsresource.org.uk/pdfs/dtj_v04-03_1992.pdf ''The Design of the VAX 4000 Model 100 and MicroVAX 3100 Model 90 Desktop Systems], [[Digital Technical Journal|DTJ]], Vol. 4, No. 3, Summer 1992 (pp. 75-83 of the PDF; a system block diagram on pg. 78 of the PDF)
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
Line 36: Line 46:
 
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/3100/ VAX 3100] - documentation at [[Bitsavers]]
 
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/3100/ VAX 3100] - documentation at [[Bitsavers]]
 
** [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/3100/EK-A0371-OM-002_MicroVAX_3100_and_VAXserver_3100_Owners_Manual_Aug89.pdf MicroVAX 3100 and VAXserver 3100 Owner's Manual] (EK-A0371-OM-002) - covers Models 10 and 20
 
** [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/3100/EK-A0371-OM-002_MicroVAX_3100_and_VAXserver_3100_Owners_Manual_Aug89.pdf MicroVAX 3100 and VAXserver 3100 Owner's Manual] (EK-A0371-OM-002) - covers Models 10 and 20
 +
* [https://www.vaxhaven.com/EK- EK-] - contains a considerable number of rare (online) 3100 manuals
 +
** [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/4/49/EK-M3100-SM.B01.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 85, 90, 95, 96 KA50/51/55/56 CPU System Maintenance] (EK-M3100-SM.B01) - has a system block diagram on pg. 18 of the PDF (technical documentation on the 3100's is ''very'' scarce)
 +
** [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/3/38/EK-A0513-MG.001.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Platform KA45 CPU System Maintenance] (EK-A0513-MG.001) - has a system block diagram on pg. 18 of the PDF
 +
** [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/6/65/EK-A0514-MG.001.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Platform KA47 CPU System Maintenance] (EK-A0514-MG.001) - has a system block diagram on pg. 16 of the PDF
 +
** [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/f/fb/EK-A0372-IP-003.pdf MicroVAX 3100/VAXserver 3100 Illustrated Parts Breakdown] (EK-A0372-IP-003)
 +
** [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/b/b7/EK-A0519-MG.001.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Platform Options] (EK-A0519-MG.001)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/antonio/dec/a0574hr1.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Platform CPU Reference Information] (EK-A0574-HR.001)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/antonio/dec/a0574hr1.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Platform CPU Reference Information] (EK-A0574-HR.001)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/mds-199909/cd1/vax/a0519udd.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Platform Options Supplement] (EK-A0519-UD.D01)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/mds-199909/cd1/vax/a0519udd.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Platform Options Supplement] (EK-A0519-UD.D01)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/mds-199909/cd1/vax/424aats1.pdf MicroVAX 3100 and VAXserver 3100 Options Installation Guide] (EK-424AA-TS-001)
 
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/mds-199909/cd1/vax/424aats1.pdf MicroVAX 3100 and VAXserver 3100 Options Installation Guide] (EK-424AA-TS-001)
 +
* [https://lastin.dti.supsi.ch/VET/sys/VAX/MicroVAX-3100-80/EK-AO525-TD-001.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 40 and Model 80 Customer Technical Information] (EK-A0525-TD.001)
 +
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/vax/3100/EK-A0718-TI_MicroVAX_3100_85_95_Customer_Technical_Information_Jun94.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 85/95 Customer Technical Information] (EK-A0718-TI.B01)
 +
* [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/7/70/EK-A0718-TI.C01.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 85/95/96 Customer Technical Information] (EK–A0718–TI.C01)
 +
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/antonio/dec/MDS-2000-01/cd1/VAX/M3148SIA.PDF MicroVAX 3100 Models 30/40/80 Supplement] (EK–M3148–SI.A0)
 +
* [https://www.vaxhaven.com/images/b/bc/EK-M3185-UP-A01.pdf MicroVAX 3100 Model 40/80 to Model 85 CPU Upgrade Guide] (EK–M3185–UP. A01)
 +
* [https://manx-docs.org/collections/antonio/dec/MDS-2000-01/cd1/VAX/A0612UP1.PDF MicroVAX 3100 Model 40 to Model 90 Upgrade Guide] (EK-A0612-UP.001)
 +
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/brochures/DEC-MicroVAX-3100+VAX-4000.pdf MicroVAX 3100 and VAX 4000 Desktop Servers] - marketing brochure
  
 
{{Nav VAX}}
 
{{Nav VAX}}
  
 
[[Category: VAX Families]]
 
[[Category: VAX Families]]
 +
[[Category: DEC VAX systems]]
 
[[Category: Personal VAX Systems]]
 
[[Category: Personal VAX Systems]]
 
[[Category: MicroVAX 3100 Systems]]
 
[[Category: MicroVAX 3100 Systems]]

Revision as of 18:27, 30 May 2024

A MicroVAX 3100-80

The MicroVAX 3100 series was a line of entry-level desktop VAX systems, all using a microprocessor VAX on a motherboard. (Several different VAX microprocessor implementations were used, over the life of the series.) Although they all had some I/O peripheral upgrades available, the list is limited; the 3100 was not built around a standard bus. Although technically available for interactive time-sharing usage (as a minicomputer), the standard inclusion of a display, keyboard and mouse on them indicates that they were primarily geared toward use as a personal computer (in the generic sense).

The CPU used was the KA41 CPU, KA45 CPU, KA47 CPU, KA50 CPU, KA51 CPU, KA55 CPU, KA56 CPU or KA59 CPU, depending on the model. Additional main memory was carried on daughter-boards in initial models; later SIMMs were used.

All models of the series supported SCSI for mass storage, as well as Ethernet and several asynchronous serial lines. Additional main memory, asynchronous serial lines, and synchronous serial lines, were available as options.

A desktop mounting box was used across the 3100 line. All could run either VMS or ULTRIX-32.

The models in the series were:

The Model 10 and Model 20 were very similar; the latter had a slightly larger mounting box.

The 3100's shared their motherboard and mounting box with the VAXserver 3100 series and VAXstation 3100 series.

Further reading

External links