PDP-11 VAX-11 Product Summary Apr-Sep 1980

This document is a product summary from Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) for its PDP-11 and VAX-11 micro and minicomputer lines, covering the period of April-September 1980. Its primary purpose is to provide concise descriptions and configuration information for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) customers, highlighting products designed to maximize performance while minimizing system cost.

Key Highlights from the Period:

• Introduction of the PDP-11/44, Digital's newest UNIBUS PDP-11 family member, featuring a large cache memory, memory management for up to 1 Megabyte of RAM, a microprocessor-controlled ASCII console, and the new TU58 DECtape II mini-cartridge subsystem.
• A new fully configured LSI-11/2 product, the SB11, designed for local/remote communication and Lab/Instrumentation applications.
• The PDT-11/153, a new version of intelligent PDT (Programmed Data Terminal) products.
• Expanded DECnet Phase III support under RSX-11M, RSX-11M-PLUS, and RSX-11S operating systems, introducing new computer networking capabilities.
• A general price increase on all Digital hardware and software products announced on March 4, 1980.

The summary is organized into three main sections:

1. Microcomputers, Minicomputers, and Packaged Systems:

   • PDP-11 Family: Details various models including the LSI-11 based SB11 and PDT-11, and the UNIBUS-based PDP-11/03, /04, /23, /34A, /44, /60, and /70. Descriptions cover core features (e.g., general-purpose registers, memory management, instruction sets, self-test capabilities), available memory (MOS and Core), expansion space, power requirements, bus loads, and typical packaging (small box, large box, or complete packaged systems with CPU, memory, disk, and console terminal). The PDP-11/70 is noted for its high memory capacity (up to 4MB) and MASSBUS support for high-speed peripherals.
   • VAX-11/780: The flagship VAX system is described with features such as virtual memory management, large cache, high-precision real-time clock, integral diagnostic console (LSI-11 based), and options for multiport memory for shared access.

2. Add-on Options and Peripherals: This section covers a wide range of compatible hardware to expand system capabilities:

   • Mass Storage: Floppy disk, cartridge disk, disk pack, and magnetic tape subsystems.
   • Input/Output: Hardcopy terminals (DECwriter series), video terminals (VT100 series), and various line printers.
   • Communications: Single and multi-line asynchronous/synchronous interfaces, multiplexers, and local/remote network link modules (DMC11, DQ11).
   • Real-Time I/O: Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, parallel interfaces, and real-time clocks for industrial and scientific applications.
   • Industrial Products: Specialized microcomputers and I/O subsystems for industrial control and distributed plant management (DPM) systems, including related modules and accessories.

3. Operating Systems and Additional Software: This part details the comprehensive software available:

   • Operating Systems: Key systems include RT-11 (disk-based, single-user real-time), RSX-11M (multiprogramming, event-driven real-time), RSX-11M-PLUS (high-performance RSX-11M for advanced CPUs), RSX-11S (memory-based subset of RSX-11M), RSTS/E (multi-user timesharing), IAS (multi-function, real-time, timeshared, and batch), and VAX/VMS (virtual memory OS for VAX).
   • Programming Languages: A broad selection including FORTRAN (IV, IV-PLUS), BASIC (11, PLUS, PLUS-2), COBOL (11, 74), APL-11, CORAL 66, MACRO-11, BLISS-32, and PASCAL.
   • Utilities and Tools: Software for record management (RMS), data querying and reporting (DATATRIEVE), database management (DBMS), sorting (SORT), networking (DECnet), remote job entry (RJE/HASP), and microprogram development (KMC11 TOOLS). Specialized graphics and real-time support packages are also listed.

The document serves as a comprehensive catalog, guiding customers through DEC's extensive offerings for building and configuring micro and minicomputer systems in mid-1980.