PDP-9 User Handbook

This document is a comprehensive user handbook for the PDP-9 programmed data processing system. It details the system's features, including its hybrid integrated circuits, low cost, reliability, simple input/output (I/O) capabilities, and extensive software.

The handbook covers:

• System Introduction: Characteristics, design, and various configurations of the PDP-9, including its memory expansion capabilities (from 8192 to 32,768 18-bit words), power failure protection, automatic read-in, built-in test programs, and I/O transfer mechanisms.
• Software System: A detailed overview of the PDP-9's software, including BASIC and ADVANCED software packages, compilers (FORTRAN II, FORTRAN IV), assemblers (Symbolic Assembler, Macro Assembler), debugging tools (DDT), editors (Symbolic Tape Editor, Symbolic Editor), utility programs (PIP-9, Linking Loader), and monitors (IOPS, Input/Output Monitor, Keyboard Monitor).
• System Organization: In-depth explanations of the central processor unit (registers, core memory), and input/output facilities.
• Peripherals: Descriptions of various standard and optional I/O devices such as teletypes, paper tape readers/punches, card readers, line printers, plotters, oscilloscope displays, light pens, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, multi-station teletypes, relay buffers, interprocessor buffers, and data communication systems.
• Auxiliary Storage Systems: Information on DECtapes, magnetic tapes, and the Disk System.
• Addressing and Instructions: Explanations of different addressing modes and a complete instruction set, including memory reference, augmented, operate, and extended arithmetic element (EAE) instructions (e.g., shifts, normalize, multiply, divide).
• Data Formats and Arithmetic: Details on signed data notations (sign and magnitude, 1s complement, 2s complement), data word formats (single and double precision), floating-point formats, fixed-point arithmetic, and scaling techniques.
• Input/Output Considerations: Mechanisms for program-controlled transfers, program interrupt control (automatic priority interrupt), data channel transfers, add-to-memory capabilities, and real-time clock functions.
• Controls and Interfacing: Descriptions of operator console controls, indicators, marginal check panels, and the physical/logical aspects of interfacing with the I/O bus.
• Installation Planning: Guidelines for physical configuration, option placement, environmental requirements, power, cabling, and special interfaces.

The document serves as a comprehensive technical reference for anyone working with the PDP-9 computer system.