Difference between revisions of "PDP-9"

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| logic type = PNP [[Transistor]] [[FLIP CHIP]]s
 
| logic type = PNP [[Transistor]] [[FLIP CHIP]]s
 
| design type =  [[microcode]]d
 
| design type =  [[microcode]]d
 
 
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The '''PDP-9''' was [[Digital Equipment Corporation|DEC]]'s third 18-bit computer, and the first DEC [[Central Processing Unit|CPU]] to use [[microcode]]. A little over 400 were built.
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The '''PDP-9''' was [[Digital Equipment Corporation|DEC]]'s fourth 18-bit computer, and the first DEC [[Central Processing Unit|CPU]] to use [[microcode]]. A little over 400 were built.
  
 
Its principal intended use was for [[real-time system]]s, including data recording and process control. A variety of models were offered; the basic system provided 8K words of [[core memory]], and the PDP-9/L was a cost-reduced system with cheaper peripherals and 4KW of memory.
 
Its principal intended use was for [[real-time system]]s, including data recording and process control. A variety of models were offered; the basic system provided 8K words of [[core memory]], and the PDP-9/L was a cost-reduced system with cheaper peripherals and 4KW of memory.
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[[Instruction]]s had a 4-bit opcode, 1 bit of indirect, and 13 bits of address. It was a [[load-store architecture]], with a single [[accumulator]]. Multiply/divide was a hardware option, the KE09A, which also performed shifting.
 
[[Instruction]]s had a 4-bit opcode, 1 bit of indirect, and 13 bits of address. It was a [[load-store architecture]], with a single [[accumulator]]. Multiply/divide was a hardware option, the KE09A, which also performed shifting.
  
Use of more than 8KW of [[main memory]] required the Memory Extension Control, KG09A. A memory relocation option, the KX09A, which included a boundary register to set the boundary between protected and un-protected memory, and two modes for the CPU, was available.
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Use of more than 8KW of [[main memory]] required the Memory Extension Control, KG09A. A memory management option, the KX09A, which included a boundary register to set the boundary between protected and un-protected memory, and two modes for the CPU, was also available.
  
 
A large range of peripherals were available, including [[DECtape]] (via the TC02 controller), [[magnetic tape]] (via the TC59), [[drum]] (RM09 controller) and [[fixed-head disk]] (RB09).
 
A large range of peripherals were available, including [[DECtape]] (via the TC02 controller), [[magnetic tape]] (via the TC59), [[drum]] (RM09 controller) and [[fixed-head disk]] (RB09).
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* "PDP-9 User Handbook"
 
* "PDP-9 User Handbook"
  
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[[Category:Computers]]
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[[Category:DEC Systems]]
[[Category:DEC Computer Systems]]
 

Revision as of 17:16, 20 October 2018


PDP-9
Manufacturer: Digital Equipment Corporation
Year First Shipped: 1966
Form Factor: minicomputer
Word Size: 18 bits
Logic Type: PNP Transistor FLIP CHIPs
Design Type: microcoded
Memory Speed: 1 μsec
Physical Address Size: 15 bits (32K words)
Virtual Address Size: 13 bits (direct), 15 bits (extended)
Memory Management: bounds register
Predecessor(s): PDP-7
Successor(s): PDP-15
Price: US$30K (8KW system)


The PDP-9 was DEC's fourth 18-bit computer, and the first DEC CPU to use microcode. A little over 400 were built.

Its principal intended use was for real-time systems, including data recording and process control. A variety of models were offered; the basic system provided 8K words of core memory, and the PDP-9/L was a cost-reduced system with cheaper peripherals and 4KW of memory.

Instructions had a 4-bit opcode, 1 bit of indirect, and 13 bits of address. It was a load-store architecture, with a single accumulator. Multiply/divide was a hardware option, the KE09A, which also performed shifting.

Use of more than 8KW of main memory required the Memory Extension Control, KG09A. A memory management option, the KX09A, which included a boundary register to set the boundary between protected and un-protected memory, and two modes for the CPU, was also available.

A large range of peripherals were available, including DECtape (via the TC02 controller), magnetic tape (via the TC59), drum (RM09 controller) and fixed-head disk (RB09).

Further Reading

(All available online through BitSavers.)

  • "PDP-9 User Handbook"