Small Computer Handbook

Summary

The Small Computer Handbook, 1970 Edition, is a comprehensive technical manual provided by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) for its PDP-8/I and PDP-8/L general-purpose computers.

This document serves as a guide for users, covering the system architecture, operation, programming instructions, and hardware interfaces. It provides detailed information on:

• System Operation: Describes controls, indicators, and manual operating procedures.
• Programming: Details memory and processor operations, including memory reference instructions, augmented instructions, and interrupt synchronization.
• Computer Internal Options: Details technical options like memory extension, parity, power failure detection, and the Extended Arithmetic Element (EAE).
• Input/Output: Describes the interfaces and programming for various peripherals, including Teletypes, card readers, plotters, CRT displays, magnetic tape systems (DECtape and magnetic tape transports), and disk systems.
• Interface Design: Offers technical guidelines for cabling, signal termination, and logical interface design using DEC’s M-Series module logic.
• Installation: Provides requirements regarding space, environment, and power for system planning.

The handbook also contains extensive appendices, including abstract lists for various programs in the DEC library, instruction code tables, and conversion tables for octal and decimal values.