Asynchronous interface

Asynchronous interface A microprocessor-based communications interface board, the BCAIM (bit character asynchronous interface module) has been announced by Texas Instruments. BCAIM enhances the distributor-network performance of Tl's DS990 computer systems by providing a low-cost communications interface with added flexibility for handling many protocols, speeds and configurations. BCAIM contains an onboard TMS9900 microprocessor and semiconductor memory, both of which act to reduce the workload of the DS990 CPU. The memory includes 8 kbyte of ROM and 2 kbyte of RAM. BCAIM buffers multiple byte data in onboard memory before interrupting the system CPU. The microprocessor does the character processing associated with several protocols. BCAIM supports the bit-oriented SDLC (synchronous data link control) protocols and HDLC (high-level data link control) protocols as well as the characteroriented protocols BSC (binary synchronous communication) and TTY (Teletype). Additional features of the BCAIM card include: speeds up to 9600 bit/s, full duplex, RS232C or local-line connection, full modem control and con-

PLM-86 compiler Albetros (engineers) Ltd have announced that they are developing a PLM-86 crosscompiler for the 8086/8088 microprocessor. The compiler will be available in June 1982. Written in FORTRAN IV, the compiler will run on any host system that supports FORTRAN IV and is compatible with the existing range of 8086 crossassemblers, crosslinkers and simulator/debug software. The user will be able to write/edit independent PLM-86 modules on a host and then submit PLM-86 source modules to the compiler, which will generate ASM-86 modules. (Albetros

(engineers) Ltd, Frances Road, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 3DA, UK. Tel: (0256) 5 7551)

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formity with FCC emissions standards. System software for the BCAIM includes 3780/2780 protocols under the recently announced DNOS (distributed network operating system), batch communications under DXIO 3780/2780, and interactive communications under DX10 3270. The BCAIM board requires a half slot in the DS990 chassis, and interfaces to the CPU bus. A standard BCAIM board's UK price is £650. The BCAIM board with a data-set cable is priced at £700. (Texas Instru-

ments Ltd, Manton Lane, Bedford, MK41 7PA, UK. Tel: (0344) 54471)

IEEE-488 bus analyser WASEC announce the model 4881 GPIB analyser. It should prove valuable for personal computer users who have the IEEE-488 bus. With talker, listener and controller capabilities, it facilitates the development, investigation and troubleshooting of systems incorporating GPIB-compatible processors such as the ABC 80, Apple, PET, Hewlett-Packard HP 85 and Research Machines 380Z. Model 4881 is fully portable, selfcontained and is powered from any 240 V, 50 Hz supply. (Tel: 01-647 3199, UK)

Communication multiplexer The newest member of Emulex Corporation's CSl 1 family of communications multiplexers allows simultaneous concentration of both synchronous and asynchronous communications lines on PDP-11 computers. The new CSl 1/V multiplexer includes all of the capabilities and performance of DEC's own DV11 system. It also provides many additional features such as higher line handling speeds and better overall throughput, in a smaller package and at lower cost. The CSl 1/V offers the capability to connect up to 32 synchronous and asynchronous line devices to a single controller board housed within the CPU backplane. Additional lines may be connected simply by adding another controller card to the CPU and line adapter cards to external distribution panels. Synchronous and asynchronous line interfaces of all types, including current loop as well as RS232C with full modem control as a standard feature, may be mixed in groups of eight lines. The CSl 1/V uses a single hex size circuit board for the CC11/V distribution panels, each of which contains its own integral power supply and either one or two CA11/V line

adapters. These adapters provide the data and modem interface circuitry plus the UART type circuits which provide the serial-to-parallel and parallel-to-serial conversions normally found in these types of devices. Each set of eight lines in a CA11/V line adapter may be operated as either a synchronous or asynchronous group. The UARTs also contain a baud rate generator which provides all commonly used data rates, plus 19 200 baud, for a total composite data rate of up to 50 000 characters/s on a single controller. The CS11/V is software transparent to the DH11, and executes the standard DECZJ 192 diagnostics kits. It is supported under the DECNET-1AS and DECNET-RSX operating systems. RSTS and RSX11M software support is available from third-party vendors. A basic configuration of one controller and one distribution panel, with an adapter for eight communication lines, is priced at $4925. A 16-line subsystem is priced at $6200, with a 24-line subsystem costing $8425 and a full 32-line subsystem priced at $9700. Discounts up to 24 per cent are available with purchases of 50 or more units. (Emulex Corp., 2001 East

Deere A venue, Santa Ana, CA 92705, USA. Tel: (714) 557 7580) microprocessors and microsystems