DZ11 User's Guide

This document is a user's guide for the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) DZ11 asynchronous multiplexer, designed for PDP-11 computer systems.

It provides detailed information on the DZ11's physical description, technical specifications, installation procedures, and programming aspects.

Key features and contents include:

• Functionality: The DZ11 enables interfacing a PDP-11 processor with eight (or sixteen, using two modules) asynchronous serial lines. It supports both EIA RS232C and 20 mA current loop signaling at speeds up to 9600 baud, catering to various applications like time-sharing and communications processing.
• Hardware: Hardware components include hex SPC modules (M7819 for EIA, M7814 for 20mA), distribution panels, and associated cables, with static filters for electrostatic discharge protection. Different configurations (DZ11-A to -F) are detailed.
• Specifications: Comprehensive parameters such as operating mode (full-duplex), data format (asynchronous, character length, stop bits, parity), supported baud rates (50 to 9600), power requirements, environmental conditions, and maximum cable distances are provided.
• Installation: Instructions detail unpacking, setting device and vector addresses, connecting cables (including use of specific test connectors for diagnostics), and running initial diagnostic tests.
• Programming: The programming section outlines the various control registers (Control and Status, Receiver Buffer, Line Parameter, Transmit Control, Modem Status, Transmit Data), their bit functions, and how to configure communication parameters (baud rate, character length, stop bits, parity). It also explains interrupt handling (receiver, silo alarm, transmitter), data transmission/reception, and data set control (for EIA models), supplemented with programming examples.
• Variations: The document consistently differentiates between the EIA and 20 mA current loop options, noting differences in features such as modem control capabilities and specific cabling requirements.