System Module: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Modules used in early PDP computers}}

'''System Modules''' (also sometimes known as '''System Building Blocks''') were a [[Digital Equipment Corporation|DEC]] modular digital logic family which preceded the later [[FLIP CHIP]]s. They connected to the units they were plugged into via a set of 22 gold-plated discrete pins along one edge.<ref name=SysModvii>"System Modules", pg. vii</ref>

[[File:PDP-1 System Building Block No. 4106.jpg|right|thumb|PDP-1 system module (with a replaced transistor)]]

[[File:Dec SYSTEM BUILDING BLOCKS 1103.jpg|thumb|System Module 1103 hex-inverter card (both sides)]]

'''System Modules''' (also sometimesoriginally known as '''System Building Blocks'''; the name was changed around 1961) wereare a [[Digital Equipment Corporation|DEC]] modular [[digital logic]] family which preceded the later [[Flip Chip (PDP module)|FLIP CHIP]]s.<ref name=DECLogicp56>"Digital Logic Handbook", pg. 56</ref> They connectedconnect to the units they wereare plugged into via a set of 22 gold-plated discrete pins along one edge.<ref name=SysModvii>"System Modules", pg. vii</ref>

They used [[transistor]] inverter circuits, with the transistors operating saturated, to avoid dependence on tight tolerances; they ran off -3V. Intended for prototyping as well as production, they included design features intended to avoid damage. They came with design advice which included loading rules, and wiring instructions.<ref name=SysMod4>"System Modules", pg. 4.1-4.9</ref>

They useduse [[transistor]] inverter circuits, with the transistors operating saturated, to avoid dependence on tight tolerances; they ran offuse -3V and 0V as logic levels. Intended for prototyping as well as production, they includedinclude design features intended to avoid damage. They cameare provided with design advice which includedincludes loading rules, and wiring instructions.<ref name=SysMod4>"System Modules", pg. 4.1-4.9</ref>

They were available in three compatible speed lines:

They were available in threeseveral compatible speed lines:

* 4000-Series: the basic series, speeds ranged from 500 KHz to 1 MHz<ref name=SysMod6>"System Modules", pg. 6.1-6.40</ref>

* 1000-Series: used where extra standard output loads, or -3V sources, were needed<ref name=SysMod7>"System Modules", pg. 7.1-7.16</ref>

* 6000-Series: higher speeds, 5 MHz to 10 Mhz

<ref name=SysMod8>"System Modules", pg. 8.1-8.13</ref>

* 4000-Series: the basicsecond series, speeds ranged fromnominally 500 &nbsp;KHz, tobut some 1 &nbsp;MHz<ref name=SysMod6>"System Modules", pg. 6.1-6.40</ref>

In addition, special modules were available for purposes such as I/O converters (to standard internal voltages), bus drivers, lamp and solenoid drivers, A/D conversion, relays, [[magnetic-core memory|core memory]] drivers, etc.

* 1000-Series: the original series, nominally 5&nbsp;MHz<ref name=SysMod9SysMod7>"System Modules", pg. 97.1-97.6016</ref>

* 6000-Series: higher speeds, nominally 10&nbsp;MHz<ref name=SysMod8>"System Modules", pg. 8.1-8.13</ref>

* 8000-Series: very high speeds, nominally 30&nbsp;MHz<ref>"[http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/modules/8000_series/8000_Series_Sep64.pdf 30 Megacycle Modules"]</ref>

LargerIn assembliesaddition, whichspecial modules were partavailable offor thepurposes samesuch familyas provided[[Input/Output]] core(I/O) memoryconverters testing(to devices,standard andinternal therevoltages), werebus also power suppliesdrivers, mountinglamp panelsand withsolenoid slotsdrivers, for[[A/D theconversion]], modulesrelays, cabinets[[magnetic-core tomemory|core holdmemory]] groups of mounting panels,indicator light panels, etcdrivers, etc.<ref name=SysMod10SysMod9>"System Modules", pg. 109.1-109.3560</ref>

Larger assemblies which are part of the same family provide core memory testing devices. There are also power supplies, mounting panels with slots for the modules, cabinets to hold groups of mounting panels, indicator light panels, etc.<ref name=SysMod10>"System Modules", pg. 10.1-10.35</ref>

==Notes==

;==References used==

;Citations

{{Reflist|30em}}

;Sources

;References used

* {{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/computerengineer00bell|title=Computer Engineering: A DEC View of Hardware Systems Design|last=Bell|first=C. Gordon|last2=Mudge|first2=J. Craig|last3=McNamara|first3=John E.|publisher=Digital Press|year=1978|isbn=0-932376-00-2|___location=Bedford, MA, USA|url-access=registration}}

{{refbegin}}

* {{cite book|title=Digital Logic Handbook|date=1961|publisher=Digital Equipment Corporation|___location=Maynard, Massachusetts}}

* {{cite book|title=System Modules|date=1964|publisher=Digital Equipment Corporation|___location=Maynard, Massachusetts}}

{{refend}}

==External links==

*[https://archive.computerhistory.org/resources/access/text/2013/06/102688924-05-01-acc.pdf DEC Building Block Logic manual from the Computer History Museum, dated September 1960]

*[http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/handbooks/LogicHandbook_Mar61.pdf Digital Logic Handbook, Third Edition, dated March 1961].

*[http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/modules/System_Module_Accessories_Feb64.pdf New Module Accessories, dated February 1964]

*[http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/modules/8000_series/8000_Series_Sep64.pdf 30 Megacycle Modules, dated September 1964]

*[http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/modules/DEC_System_Modules_Jan68.pdf System Modules, dated 1968].

{{Digital Equipment Corporation}}

[[Category:DEC hardware]]

[[Category:Logic gates|*]]