System Module: Difference between revisions

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

[[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''' (originally known assas '''System Building Blocks'''; the name was changed around 1961) are 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 connect to the units they are plugged into via a set of 22 gold-plated discrete pins along one edge.<ref name=SysModvii>"System Modules", pg. vii</ref>

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

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They were available in several compatible speed lines:

* 4000-Series: the second series, nominally 500 &nbsp;KHz, but some 1 &nbsp;MHz<ref name=SysMod6>"System Modules", pg. 6.1-6.40</ref>

* 1000-Series: the original series, nominally 5 &nbsp;MHz<ref name=SysMod7>"System Modules", pg. 7.1-7.16</ref>

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

* 8000-Series: very high speeds, nominally 30MHz30&nbsp;MHz<ref>"[http://bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/modules/8000_series/8000_Series_Sep64.pdf 30 Megacycle Modules"]</ref>

In addition, special modules were available for purposes such as [[Input/Output]] (I/O) converters (to standard internal voltages), bus drivers, lamp and solenoid drivers, [[A/D conversion]], relays, [[magnetic-core memory|core memory]] drivers, etc.<ref name=SysMod9>"System Modules", pg. 9.1-9.60</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>

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*[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]]