VAX Hardware Handbook Volume 2

This VAX Hardware Handbook, Volume 2, published by Digital Equipment Corporation in 1986, details the latest hardware additions to the VAX family of computer systems.

The document primarily covers seven newly introduced VAX systems:

• High-performance: VAX 8800 (multiprocessor) and VAX 8700 (uniprocessor, upgradeable to 8800).
• High-performance/Mid-range: VAX 8650.
• Mid-range/Compact: VAX 8550 and VAX 8500.
• Mid-range/Entry-level: VAX 8200 (single processor) and VAX 8300 (multiprocessor).

For each of these systems, the handbook provides in-depth information on their physical configurations, processor organization (CPU, memory, I/O), console subsystems, and key components.

Key technological advancements and common features highlighted include:

• VAXBI Bus: A new 32-bit synchronous I/O bus designed for high performance and reliability, integral to the new generation of VAX systems.
• VAXcluster Architecture: Enables multiple VAX processors and shared mass-storage subsystems to form high-capacity computing environments.
• Operating Systems: Support for the VMS operating system, with ULTRIX-32 as an option for some models.
• Networking: Standard Ethernet ports on base configurations.
• Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAMP): Features like Error Correction Code (ECC), parity checking, environmental monitoring, and remote diagnostics are emphasized.

The handbook also introduces new mass storage products, specifically the HSC70 and KDB50 intelligent controllers, and the TA81 and TU81-Plus magnetic tape drives, all adhering to Digital's Storage Architecture (DSA) for enhanced data integrity and performance. It includes detailed technical specifications and block diagrams for various components and systems. This volume acts as a continuation of the VAX Hardware Handbook series, building on basic VAX concepts from Volume 1.