Data Control Type 136 Instruction Manual

This document serves as a comprehensive instruction manual for the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) Data Control Type 136, detailing its installation, operation, and maintenance. The Data Control Type 136 is a programmable buffer unit designed to interface with the PDP-6 processor, offloading data formatting and timing requirements for efficient input-output (I/O) transfers.

The system is capable of handling up to six I/O devices, supporting bidirectional 6-bit, unidirectional 6-bit, and variable character-length devices (12, 18, or N-bit characters, where N is 1 to 36). Its architecture includes 36-bit Data Buffer (DB) and Data Accumulator (DA) registers for data manipulation, a 16-bit Control Status Register (IC) which manages character counting, shifting, error detection, and operational status, and mechanisms for priority interrupt assignment.

The manual provides a detailed theory of operation covering the processor interface, device selection, data transfer logic, and explicit sequences for both output and input cycles. Practical sections guide users through site selection, unpacking, inspection, and cable connections during installation, along with preoperational checkout procedures. Operating instructions describe system controls, indicators, and processor instruction coding, supplemented by sample programs illustrating data control usage with and without priority interrupts. Additionally, the document includes maintenance guidelines, information on equipment layout, preventive maintenance, and a list of recommended spare parts.