F15D PDP1 Handbook Oct63

This document is the PROGRAMMED DATA PROCESSOR-1 (PDP-1) HANDBOOK published by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) between 1960 and 1963.

It provides a comprehensive overview of the PDP-1, a high-speed, solid-state digital computer. Key aspects covered include:

1. Introduction and Architecture: Describes the PDP-1 as a single-address, stored-program computer with an 18-bit word length, a 5-microsecond magnetic core memory cycle time, and a computation rate of 100,000 additions per second. It highlights its modular design, ease of installation, and minimal environmental requirements. The core system includes a Central Processor (for control, arithmetic, and memory addressing) and a memory buffer register.
2. Memory System: The standard magnetic core memory holds 4096 18-bit words, expandable up to 65,536 words. It also supports magnetic tape transports.
3. Programming: Details the PDP-1's powerful programming features, such as multiple-step indirect addressing, Boolean operations, twelve variations of arithmetic and logical shifting, conditional skip instructions, subroutine calling, built-in multiply/divide, and a fixed-point binary number system using one's complement.
4. Operation and Controls: Explains the console's manual controls (toggle switches, indicator lights) for operator interaction, debugging, and system monitoring.
5. Standard and Optional Equipment:
   • Standard: Perforated tape reader and punch, and an alphanumeric on-line typewriter.
   • Central Processor Options: Memory expansion modules, programmed multiply/divide, and memory extension control for increased addressing capabilities.
   • Input-Output Equipment Options: A wide range of peripherals, including various CRT displays (with light pens and symbol generators), card readers and punches, multiple types of magnetic tape controls (programmed, automatic, high-density), automatic line printers, multiplexed A-D converters, and high-speed data channels.
   • Sequence Break System: A multi-channel priority interrupt system allowing concurrent operation of multiple I/O devices with the main program.
6. Program Library: Outlines the standard software provided, which includes the MACRO Assembly Program, DDT (DEC Debugging Tape) symbolic debugger, an on-line text editor ("Expensive Typewriter"), and a suite of utility programs and maintenance test tapes.

The document serves as a handbook for users, detailing the computer's capabilities, instruction sets, and how to operate and program it effectively.