Difference between revisions of "LINC-8"
(Note PDP-12 as successor; →External links: create; move tape image link here; link to online Small Computer Handbook)) |
(The PDP-8 CPU model CPU in the LINC-8 was an original PDP-8) |
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| − | The '''LINC-8''' was a computer produced by [[Digital Equipment Corporation|DEC]] for use in laboratory settings; it included both a [[PDP-8]] and a [[LINC]] computer, which shared access to the PDP-8's [[main memory]] (the LINC acted as a [[Direct Memory Access|DMA]] peripheral to the PDP-8, using the PDP-8 [[data break]] mechanism). A combined [[front panel]] allowed control of both | + | The '''LINC-8''' was a computer produced by [[Digital Equipment Corporation|DEC]] for use in laboratory settings; it included both a [[PDP-8]] (the original model's [[Central Processing Unit|CPU]]) and a [[LINC]] computer, which shared access to the PDP-8's [[main memory]] (the LINC acted as a [[Direct Memory Access|DMA]] peripheral to the PDP-8, using the PDP-8 [[data break]] mechanism). A combined [[front panel]] allowed control of both CPUs. |
Like the LINC, it included a video [[display]] (512x512 pixels [[resolution]], but not a [[bit-mapped display]]), analog inputs, and [[LINC tape]] drives (all attached to the LINC); it could also include any of the standard PDP-8 [[peripheral]]s (attached to the PDP-8). | Like the LINC, it included a video [[display]] (512x512 pixels [[resolution]], but not a [[bit-mapped display]]), analog inputs, and [[LINC tape]] drives (all attached to the LINC); it could also include any of the standard PDP-8 [[peripheral]]s (attached to the PDP-8). | ||
Revision as of 22:48, 19 April 2022
The LINC-8 was a computer produced by DEC for use in laboratory settings; it included both a PDP-8 (the original model's CPU) and a LINC computer, which shared access to the PDP-8's main memory (the LINC acted as a DMA peripheral to the PDP-8, using the PDP-8 data break mechanism). A combined front panel allowed control of both CPUs.
Like the LINC, it included a video display (512x512 pixels resolution, but not a bit-mapped display), analog inputs, and LINC tape drives (all attached to the LINC); it could also include any of the standard PDP-8 peripherals (attached to the PDP-8).
Special interrupt-driven code ('PROGOFOP' - 'program of operation') in the PDP-8 allowed code running in the LINC access to PDP-8 resources; the PDP-8 likewise had access to the resources of the LINC (e.g. the display). When the PDP-8 was in control, the LINC was halted until the PDP-8 wanted something done, whereupon an interrupt started the LINC running, to perform the desired action.
It was later replaced as a product for DEC by the PDP-12, which had the same functionality in a more integrated form.
Images
External links
- linc8 - LINC-8 at Bitsavers
- Small Computer Handbook, 1967 edition - has a section with detailed information about the LINC-8
- Images of LAP6 LINCtapes used on a LINC 8 - copies of tape contents
