- Email: [email protected]
M-68K
LISP for CP/M-68K UK software house Metacomco has released CAMBRIDGE LISP 68000 for computers that use the CP/M-68K operating system. This implementation of the symbolic language LISP includes an interpreter and a compiler. It allows a complete LISP workstation for program development to be achieved for £3000, says Metacomco. In interpretive mode, the programmer is allowed to interrupt the program to examine and change the variables. CAMBRIDGE LISP 68000 is available for a number of microcomputers including the TDI Pinnacle, Sord M68, U-MAN series 1000, Sage, Stride, and Sinclair QL with memory expansion. (Metacomco, 26 Portland Square, Bristol BS2 8RZ, UK. Tel: (0272) 428781. Telex: 265871 MONREF G)
Z80 CP/M development A MODULA-2 development system for 8-bit designs has been introduced by Swiss firm Hochstrasser Computing. The so-called 'MODULA-2 System for Z80 CP/M' consists of a compiler, linker, support programs and a library of utility modules. The resulting Z80 native code is ROMable and reentrant. The Sieve benchmark program (Byte version) is less than 1200 byte long, and executes in 19s on a 4 M H z Z80, says Hochstrasser. The system supports chaining and shared data between programs. The library modules provide an interface which is portable among implementations of MODULA-2, adds the firm. The library also includes more machine-dependent services (operating system access, disc I/O etc.). The price for the system is Sw Fr 400 (about $150). (This price includes a licence to sell programs produced with the system without royalty fees.) (Hochstrasser Computing AG, Leonhardshalde 21, CH-8001 Zurich, Switzerland. Tel: 01-47 55 48)
vol 9 no 4 may 1985
System testing is application specific FRG company Robert Bosch has produced a test system which, it says, is capable of testing analogue and digital components, printed circuit boards, assemblies and complete systems. PAD (programmable analogue and digital) is a modular system intended for functional incircuit test, and overall functional test, of printed circuit boards. Components and systems can be subjected to application-specific tests, says Bosch. The system uses its own programming language BOSlC (Bosch symbolic instruction code). User input is menu driven. The optional external switching network (EKO) allows automatic checking of up to
528 nodal points, says Bosch, to ensure that the test points are reliably connected. Faults that occur when testing printed circuit boards for short or open circuit are stored in the EKO and displayed at the end of the test sequence on the VDU or via log or tape printers. Data can also be stored on floppy discs. PAD also incorporates a standard IEC bus interface. (Robert Bosch GmbH, Test Equipment & Technology Division, Postfach 1129, 7310 Plochingen, FRG. Tel: (49) 7153 66 214. UK distributor: Everett/ Charles Test Equipment (UK) Ltd, 56 Wilbury Way, Hitchin, Herts SG4 OTP, UK. Tel: (0462) 31341)
Virtual-memory Unix V.2 will suit MicroVAX Virtual-memory Unix system V.2 with full demand paging has been announced by UK firm The Instruction Set. The firm's implementation, called Nuxi 2.1, has a maximum program size of 16 Mb. Available now for the VAX 725,730, 750, 780 and 785, Nuxi 2.1 is currently under development for MicroVAX and VAX 8600 support as well. The Instruction Set's implementation includes shared libraries, automatic configuration and standalone software.
'This marks the end ofthe line for 4.2 BSD in commercial environments,' said the firm's technical director Andy Rutter. 'The last remaining unique feature in 4.2 is the Berkeley networking, which will soon be overtaken by system V.3 streams.' Software using streams will be available for both OSI and SNA environments, added Rutter. (The Instruction Set Ltd, 152-156 Kentish Town Road, London NWl 9QB, UK. Tel: 07-482 2525. Telex: 8951182 GECOMS)
STEbus development systems use Z80A Development systems for STEbus have been announced byArcom of the UK. The ARC80 series of microcomputers are also intended for use in realtime target applications or general-purpose laboratory computing. The ARC80A contains a Z80A tuning C P / M + with 64 kbyte of dynamic RAM. Floppy disc control, two serial ports, and twin 3 in or 3.5 in discs are also provided. Up to nine card slots are left free for expansion. Expansion modules available include an EPROM pro-
grammer, VDU drivers, a realtime clock with extra memory up to 48 k, and A/D and D/A converter cards. The ARC80B's CPU board also uses a Z80A CPU. There is 128kbyte of dynamic RAM, and four 28-pin memory sockets. The system comes with a floppy disc controller card. Seven slots are provided for expansion. Prices for both systems start at under £2000. (Arcom Control Systems Ltd, Unit 8, Clifton Road, Cambridge CB7 4WH, UK. Tel: (0223) 242224. Telex: 817114)
211
Z80 CP/M development A MODULA-2 development system for 8-bit designs has been introduced by Swiss firm Hochstrasser Computing. The so-called 'MODULA-2 System for Z80 CP/M' consists of a compiler, linker, support programs and a library of utility modules. The resulting Z80 native code is ROMable and reentrant. The Sieve benchmark program (Byte version) is less than 1200 byte long, and executes in 19s on a 4 M H z Z80, says Hochstrasser. The system supports chaining and shared data between programs. The library modules provide an interface which is portable among implementations of MODULA-2, adds the firm. The library also includes more machine-dependent services (operating system access, disc I/O etc.). The price for the system is Sw Fr 400 (about $150). (This price includes a licence to sell programs produced with the system without royalty fees.) (Hochstrasser Computing AG, Leonhardshalde 21, CH-8001 Zurich, Switzerland. Tel: 01-47 55 48)
vol 9 no 4 may 1985
System testing is application specific FRG company Robert Bosch has produced a test system which, it says, is capable of testing analogue and digital components, printed circuit boards, assemblies and complete systems. PAD (programmable analogue and digital) is a modular system intended for functional incircuit test, and overall functional test, of printed circuit boards. Components and systems can be subjected to application-specific tests, says Bosch. The system uses its own programming language BOSlC (Bosch symbolic instruction code). User input is menu driven. The optional external switching network (EKO) allows automatic checking of up to
528 nodal points, says Bosch, to ensure that the test points are reliably connected. Faults that occur when testing printed circuit boards for short or open circuit are stored in the EKO and displayed at the end of the test sequence on the VDU or via log or tape printers. Data can also be stored on floppy discs. PAD also incorporates a standard IEC bus interface. (Robert Bosch GmbH, Test Equipment & Technology Division, Postfach 1129, 7310 Plochingen, FRG. Tel: (49) 7153 66 214. UK distributor: Everett/ Charles Test Equipment (UK) Ltd, 56 Wilbury Way, Hitchin, Herts SG4 OTP, UK. Tel: (0462) 31341)
Virtual-memory Unix V.2 will suit MicroVAX Virtual-memory Unix system V.2 with full demand paging has been announced by UK firm The Instruction Set. The firm's implementation, called Nuxi 2.1, has a maximum program size of 16 Mb. Available now for the VAX 725,730, 750, 780 and 785, Nuxi 2.1 is currently under development for MicroVAX and VAX 8600 support as well. The Instruction Set's implementation includes shared libraries, automatic configuration and standalone software.
'This marks the end ofthe line for 4.2 BSD in commercial environments,' said the firm's technical director Andy Rutter. 'The last remaining unique feature in 4.2 is the Berkeley networking, which will soon be overtaken by system V.3 streams.' Software using streams will be available for both OSI and SNA environments, added Rutter. (The Instruction Set Ltd, 152-156 Kentish Town Road, London NWl 9QB, UK. Tel: 07-482 2525. Telex: 8951182 GECOMS)
STEbus development systems use Z80A Development systems for STEbus have been announced byArcom of the UK. The ARC80 series of microcomputers are also intended for use in realtime target applications or general-purpose laboratory computing. The ARC80A contains a Z80A tuning C P / M + with 64 kbyte of dynamic RAM. Floppy disc control, two serial ports, and twin 3 in or 3.5 in discs are also provided. Up to nine card slots are left free for expansion. Expansion modules available include an EPROM pro-
grammer, VDU drivers, a realtime clock with extra memory up to 48 k, and A/D and D/A converter cards. The ARC80B's CPU board also uses a Z80A CPU. There is 128kbyte of dynamic RAM, and four 28-pin memory sockets. The system comes with a floppy disc controller card. Seven slots are provided for expansion. Prices for both systems start at under £2000. (Arcom Control Systems Ltd, Unit 8, Clifton Road, Cambridge CB7 4WH, UK. Tel: (0223) 242224. Telex: 817114)
211