The New PDP-12

The PDP-12 is a complete computer system from Digital Equipment Corporation, designed as a simple-to-operate tool for a wide range of research and real-time data-handling applications. It features an optimized hardware/software system that simplifies programming tasks, allowing users to focus on creative aspects of their work.

Key features of the PDP-12 include:

• A unified, display-based programming system.
• Automatic program loading from magnetic tape and program debugging hardware.
• A 7x9 inch CRT display with graphic and alphanumeric capabilities.
• A large existing library of application programs.
• TTL integrated circuit modules and LINCtape for program and data storage.
• A free-standing cabinet and console table.
• 4096 words of 12-bit core memory with a 1.6 microsecond cycle time, expandable up to 32,768 words.
• The ability to execute programs written for both PDP-8 and LINC computer systems.

The PDP-12 is well-suited for diverse applications such as analytical instrumentation (e.g., mass spectrometers, NMR), real-time signal processing (e.g., data averaging, Fourier analysis), and educational uses, where its hands-on interactive nature is particularly valuable. In bio-medical research, it controls experiments, records events, and analyzes data for psychological and physiological studies (e.g., EKG, EEG). For hospital systems, it provides a turn-key solution for clinical chemistry labs, patient monitoring, and patient interviewing, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.

Its robust software ecosystem includes a sophisticated unified display-based operating system with an editor, assembler, and monitor. It also offers 4K and 8K FORTRAN compilers, the conversational FOCAL language, signal averaging programs, fixed-point and floating-point mathematical routines, and various data and utility programs for tasks like data manipulation, frequency analysis, and graphical display. A comprehensive set of diagnostic programs is provided for system maintenance.

Hardware-wise, the PDP-12 is a single-processor system, faster and more powerful than its LINC-8 predecessor, featuring redesigned tape units, a display, and an analog-to-digital converter. It boasts a compatible I/O bus and supports a wide range of peripherals identical to those offered for the PDP-8 family. Optional peripherals include LINCtape controls (TC12, TU55) for high-speed, addressable magnetic tape storage, a LINC scope control (VC12) and VR12 display for interactive graphics, and an analog-to-digital converter and multiplexer (AD12) for 16-channel input. Further expansion options encompass extended memory modules, a real-time clock (KW12), incremental plotters (XY12), DECdisks (DF32, RS08/RF08) for random access storage, incremental tape controls (TR02), card readers (CR12), high-speed paper tape reader/punch (PC12), and the AX08 signal averaging system.

Digital Equipment Corporation also provides extensive support through the Digital Equipment Computer Users Society (DECUS), offering access to a large program library, and maintains a world-wide field service staff for maintenance and support.