VAX 11/750 Level II Student Workbook

This VAX-11/750 Level II Student Workbook provides an in-depth technical overview of the VAX-11/750 computer system, covering its architecture, operation, programming, and maintenance.

The document begins with a System Introduction, detailing the VAX-11/750's characteristics, modes of operation (Native VAX VMS, Compatibility PDP-11), and its key hardware components such as the CPU (Data Path Module, Memory Interconnect Module, Control Store, Unibus Interface) and memory modules. It highlights the use of LSI gate arrays for reliability and size reduction.

A significant portion is dedicated to System Operation and Diagnostics, explaining the Console Command Language, the bootstrap process, and various levels of diagnostics (microdiagnostics, macrodiagnostics, remote diagnostics via the RDM). Error codes and boot failure reports are also detailed.

The workbook then delves into the Internal Architecture and Functionality, providing comprehensive analysis of the CPU's core components:

• Microcode: Explores microcode structure, control, and its relationship with hardware, including microsequencer and control store subsystems.
• Data Path: Describes data flow, scratch pad registers, rotator logic, and the Arithmetic and Logic Processor (ALP).
• Memory Interconnect (CMI): Details the CMI structure, protocol, and address/data transfer mechanisms, linking the CPU, memory, and I/O.
• Memory Address Logic, Translation Buffer, and Cache: Explains virtual-to-physical address translation, Page Table Entries (PTEs), memory management exceptions, and the design and operation of the system's cache.
• Data Routing and Alignment & Execution Buffer: Covers how data is routed and aligned for CPU use and the role of the execution buffer in prefetching instructions.
• Unibus Interface: Describes the Unibus structure, data paths, priority arbitration, and CPU interaction with Unibus devices.
• Interrupts and Exceptions: Explains different types of interrupts and exceptions, their handling, and associated microcode routines.
• Console and TU58 Interfaces: Provides details on communication with the console terminal and the TU58 tape unit.
• Condition Codes: Discusses the logic and hardware implementation behind setting and checking condition codes.

Finally, the document covers the Memory Subsystem, the optional Writable Control Store (WCS) for custom microcode, and the Power Systems of the VAX-11/750. Appendices include summaries of console commands and error codes for troubleshooting.