PDP-8/E
| Manufacturer | Digital Equipment Corporation |
|---|---|
| Product family | Programmed Data Processor (PDP) |
| Generation | 6th Generation |
| Release date | 1970 |
| Introductory price | $6,500 |
| Operating system | OS 8 |
| Website |
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The PDP-8/e was designed by the Digital Equipment Corporation to be a general purpose computer that inexpensively met the needs of the average user while also being capable of modular expansion to meet the more specific needs of advanced user.[1] The first was built in 1970 and was among the first ever mini computers and this one was small enough to fit in the back seat of a Volkswagen Beetle Convertible.[2] It originally sold for $6,500 but after 18 months the price dropped to $4995 to make it the only computer under $5000 available at that time. [3]
The standard -8/e included a processor, core memory, a data terminal, a tape control and drive, a programmers table, a line printer, software operating system and when purchased included installation, training and maintenance as part of the purchase agreement.[4]
The PDP-8/e featured a processor with single-address fixed word length, parallel transfer computer using 12-bit, two's complement arithmetic. The 1.2/1.4 microsecond cycle time provides a computation rate of 385,000 additions per second. It was built to be versatile and has a high capacity input/output that supports more than 60 types of peripherals.[1] It could be used for a variety of tasks, from keeping score at Fenway Park to monitoring stimuli to the brain during brain surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. [5]
Models and Versions
There are 12 different versions of the PDP-8 if the LINC-8, PDP-12, Intersil 6100, and Harris 6120 are included with an estimated 300,000 machines sold. The following models were manufactured:
- PDP-8
- PDP-8/S
- PDP-8/i
- PDP-8/l
- PDP-8/f
- PDP-8/m
- PDP-8/A
- PDP-8/e
Peripherals
Processor Options
- Extended Arithmetic Element - Enables the performance of complex arithmetic at high speeds
- FPP-12 Floating Point Processor - Provides a dual-processor capability for faster calculations
- Power Fail and Automatic Restart - Restores operation automatically after a power failure and protects the operating program
- Real-Time Clocks - Programmable, line frequency, or crystal controlled intervals
Mass-Storage Devices
- Disk Files
- Paper Tape Readers and Punches - Punches up to 50 characters a second, reads up to 300 characters per second
- Card Readers - Marked or punches cards read at 300 cards per minute
Display Devices
- Video and Writing Tablets - Alphanumeric and graphic display point-plot displays; light pens; telephone line transmission
- Hard-Copy Devices - incremental plotters; line printers with 64- or 96-characters sets, 165 characters per second or 356 lines per minute
Data-Communications Devices
- Synchronous Communications - Modem interface for Bell 201- and 300-series modems or equivalent
- Asynchronous Communications - Serial-line interface at various send/receive Baud rates; single or double buffered interfaces\
- Automatic Calling Units - 10-Channel multiplexer
Laboratory Devices
- Analog to Digital Converters
- Digital to Analog Converters
- Programmable Real-Time Clock
- Digital I/O
Terminals
- CRT and Data-Entry Terminals - Alphanumeric 16-character keyboards; standard telephone line transmission
- Teletype Terminals - send and receive only; synchronous read and punch
- Hard-Copy Terminals - Serial or parallel interfaces
References
- 1 2 Digital Equipment Corporation (1971). PDP-8/E : Small Computer Handbook. University of California: Digital Equipment Corporation. p. 2–1.
- ↑ "Exhibits - Living Computer Museum". www.livingcomputermuseum.org.
- ↑ "PDP-8/E and PDP-8/M Computer Information". www.pdp8.net. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
- ↑ Newest Members of the Worlds most Popular Minicomputer Family. Maynard, Massachusetts: Digital Equipment Corporation. 1973.
- ↑ "DEC’s Blockbuster: The PDP-8 - CHM Revolution". www.computerhistory.org.