Difference between revisions of "LINC-8"

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The '''LINC-8''' was a computer produced by [[DEC]] for use in laboratory settings; it included both a [[PDP-8]] and a [[LINC]] computer, which shared access to the PDP-8's memory (the LINC acted as a DMA peripheral to the PDP-8, using the PDP-8 data break mechanism). A combined console allowed control of both [[CPU]]s.
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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 [[Central Processing Unit|CPU]]s.
  
Like the LINC, it included a video display (512x512 pixels), 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).
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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).
  
Special interrupt-drive 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.
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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.
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==Images==
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[[Image:LINC-8 RCS'RI.jpg|400px|LINC-8 at the Retro-Computing Society of Rhode Island]]
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==

Revision as of 15:28, 9 January 2021

The LINC-8 was a computer produced by 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 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.

Images

LINC-8 at the Retro-Computing Society of Rhode Island

See also

Further reading

Detailed information is given in:

  • "Small Computer Handbook", 1967 edition