Micro/PDP-11

This document is the "PDP-11 MICRO/PDP-11 Handbook" from 1983-84, published by Digital Equipment Corporation (DIGITAL). It serves as an introduction to the MICRO/PDP-11, positioning it as "The Team Computer" – an inexpensive, multi-user computer system built around a full-fledged PDP-11 microprocessor.

Key aspects highlighted in the handbook include:

• Leveraging a Mature Ecosystem: The MICRO/PDP-11 benefits from over a decade of PDP-11 software development (since 1970) and utilizes the widely accepted LSI-11 bus (since 1975) for broad hardware compatibility and expansion.
• Flexible Configurations: Available in tabletop, floor-mount, and rack-mount versions, the system can be configured with a 10MB Winchester disk, dual 400KB diskettes, and various serial, parallel, and specialized interfaces via its LSI-11 bus slots.

• Comprehensive Software Support:

  • Operating Systems: Users can choose from six families optimized for different applications: RSX-11 (multi-programming, real-time), RSTS/E (interactive timesharing), RT-11 (single-user, real-time), CTS-300 (commercial DIBOL applications), MicroPower/Pascal (real-time development), and UNIX V7M-11 (multi-user programming).
  • High-Level Languages: A wide array is supported, including FORTRAN (IV, 77), BASIC (BASIC-11, BASIC-PLUS, BASIC-PLUS-2), COBOL-81, CORAL-66, C, DIBOL, and MUMPS.
  • Software Tools & Applications: Utilities like FMS-11 (forms management), DATATRIEVE (query/reporting), and various word processing, accounting, and graphics packages are available.

• Extensive Networking & Communications:

  • DIGITAL Network Architecture (DNA): Provides a layered framework for communication among DIGITAL systems (DECnet) and with other manufacturers' equipment (Internet, Packetnet via X.25).
  • Connectivity Options: Supports asynchronous (RS-232C, RS-422, RS-423) and synchronous (DDCMP, BISYNC, HDLC) serial lines, as well as high-performance Ethernet local area networks (LANs).
  • Personal Computer Integration: Facilitates file transfer and terminal emulation with DIGITAL's personal computers (Professional 300, DECmate II, Rainbow 100).

• PDP-11 Architecture: The document delves into the core architectural elements including memory organization (64KB virtual, 4MB physical addressing with memory management), various registers (general, stack, program counter, floating-point accumulators), diverse data representations (integers, floating-point, character, decimal strings), and a flexible instruction set with multiple addressing modes.

• Service and Support: DIGITAL provides comprehensive hardware and software services, including on-site repair, carry-in/mail-in repair programs, and telephone support.

The MICRO/PDP-11 is presented as a cost-effective solution offering the power and proven software base of the larger PDP-11 family, with significant expandability and connectivity for a wide range of team-oriented, real-time, and data acquisition applications.