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own 'watchdog' unit. This continuously monitors its operation and the program regularly checks the operation of the multiplexers and other central equipment. Any malfunction initiates both audible and visual warnings. The central equipment is supplied complete with power supply units including a 24 volt DC back-up power supply ensuring that the program will automatically restart following a ship's AC mains failure. The use of locally mounted analogue and contact multiplexer units greatly reduces the overall system cabling in the ship. Some of the optional extras available for comprehensive operating systems include exhaust gas temperature monitoring, data logging, print log, and manoeuvre recording. (GEC-
Elliott Process Automation Ltd. New Parks, Leicester, UK LE3 1UF Tel: (0533) 871331).
Microprocessor applications
More products for OEM computer
Microcomputer
Intel has brought out many new microcomputer products in 1976. Details are given here of three of the more recent devices for use with the SBC-80/10 OEM computer. This card consists of an Intel 8080A CPU, 4k bytes of ROM or PROM, l k bytes of RAM, 148 programmable parallel I/0 lines and a serial communications interface. The SBC-016 16k RAM board contains 32 Intel 2107B dynamic RAMS together with all refresh, control and interface circuitry. Up to four cards can be used with each SBC-80/10. The RAMS are automatically refreshed every 1.5 ms unless a memory or write cycle is in progress; in which case refresh is delayed until the memory reference cycle is complete.
Ampex has introduced a family of microcomputer core memories designed for terminal, peripheral and microprocessor applications. The MCM-1814, provides electrically alterable read-only memory (EAROM) and normal random access memory (RAM) in a single module. Operating in either full word or byte mode, the MCM-1814 gives 400 nanosecond access to 4096 words of up to 18 bits each. The MCM-1814 combines the proved reliability and non-volatility of core with a unique write-protect feature which prohibits alteration of data in one or more 512-word blocks. Thus, a single MCM-1814 module provides both an electrically alterable readonly memory for microprograms or other data and a normal random access memory. As the write-protect feature is controlled by switches, information can be easily changed, or new information stored in the EAROM blocks on site and the blocks again protected. The MCM-4300 memory provides non-volatile storage of 2048, 1024, 512 or 256 four bit data words. Designed specifically for Read-ModifyWrite applications, the MCM-4300 provides data access in 450 ns. A data-save feature is incorporated to prevent loss of data under all conditions of power turn on/off or temporary power failure. The Ampex MCM-1000 memory provides 450 ns access to 1024, 2048, 4096 or 8192 eight or nine bit data words and full cycle operation in 1300 ns. The MCM-1000 memory combines the core's proved reliability and nonvolatility with the enhanced performance margins and uniformity of Ampex temperature independent UNIBIT cores. The MCM family will operate at ambient temperatures up to 55°C without forced air cooling when mounted in an open card rack and up to +70°C with forced air cooling. The modules require minimal current from +5V and +10V (+12V) power supplies. Each module of all models is a completely self-contained memory including timing and control, address and data registers, decoding and drive
A wire link on the board is used to set the address of the first byte of RAM. Read/write buffers on the board provide a TTL compatible interface with the control, address and databases of the system. Read, write and refresh cycle times of the card are 735, 1360 and 735 ns respectively.
The Microprocessor Applications Bibliography covers the period January 1970 to October 1975 and contains 77 references. Each reference includes a 50 to 100 word summary of the original source and full details needed to locate it. The coverage includes journal and conference papers, books, theses, reports and patents published worldwide. This bibliography, the first in a series planned by the lEE Library, has been published in co-operation with I EE's Microprocessor Applications Group and costs £2.50. The Group provides an informal forum for the discussion of techniques associated with the use of microprocessors and of the technical aspects of microprocessor applications. It also identifies areas in which research and development are required. Although sponsored by the lEE, membership of the Group is also open to nonInstitution members. Meetings a.re held at two-month intervals and they usually take the form of short informal talks by invited speakers.
The SBC-406 board contains all the control circuitry to support an additonal 6k bytes of program memory. The sockets for this memory are included on the board. The memory array is divided into two blocks, one of 2k bytes and the other of 4k bytes, and each block can be set at any base address in the memory map, beginning on any 2k boundary. This is done using wire links and switches. The SBC-104 card can be used to increase the memory size and to enhance the I/0 capability of the SBC-80 /10. The card contains an additional 4k of RAM, provides 48 more programmable I/0 lines, adds a second serial communications interface and doubles the program memory size by providing sockets for another 4k bytes of ROM or PROM. The I/0 lines are provided by two Intel 8255 programmable peripheral interface units configured by the system software as input. Interrupt requests may originate from eight sources. (Intel Corp (UK)
(Institution of Electrical Engineers Savoy Place, London WC2R OBL, Tel." 01-240 1871. Telex 261176).
Ltd., Broadfield House, 4 Between Towns Road, Cowley, Oxford 0)(4 3NB UK Tel: 0865 771431).
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memory
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circuits and TTL negative true interface. Multiple modules may be combined in parallel to provide larger capacities. The MCM-181A core memory is designed for terminal, peripheral and microprocessor applications. (Ampex International, 72
Berkeley A venue, Reading, Berks, UK. Tel: Reading (0734) 55341).
Two-faced system
analyzer The ACS-4040MCSA is an inexpensive multi-functional 4040 microcomputer system analyzer for microcomputer applications. The system analyzer can be used as a microcomputer controldisplay panel, or as a tool in development, production check-out, or in field service maintenance. Used as a control-display panel, a full hex display can be provided and control of all ACS-4040MC microcomputer operations. As an aid to program development the analyzer offers a practical alternative to software operating system techniques for developing, troubleshooting, and debugging 4040 microcomputer programs in real time. Up to a 3 to 1 reduction in program development time is said to be attained without requiring memory hardware to store the software operating system nor requiring a teletype for program development. The analyzer costs approximately 1/3 the cost of a teletype and software system memory. Used for production checkout or field maintenance, the analyzer provides cheap customized (with different PROMS) check-out equipment which can be plugged into the production microcomputer mother interconnect board and single-stepped through a resident PROM program to verify proper microcomputer operation or to isolate and debug computer malfunctions. LED-type displays provide true hex dot display of instruction address, instruction, accumulator contents, RAM address, last I/0 port address and LED status of each mode switch. 'Address and instruction' switches provide address selection and instruction input to on-board 256 byte RAM
vol 1 no 1 september 76
program storage. 'Program mode' switch selects one of three program sources. 'RAM mode' switch selects either 'Write' into RAM via instruction switches starting at the memory location defined by address switches, 'Read' out RAM or 'Execute' from RAM. 'Run mode' switch selects either 'Run mode' or 'Single step mode' 'Load RAM address' switch loads starting address of program while 'Load instruction' switch loads sequential program instructions and increments instruction address. The system analyzer control panel can be programmed by the instruction switches to jump to any address in
RAM, check-out PROM or application program, in order to single step through and examine desired program area. The user can also develop and check small software subroutines and programs via the control panels. The microcomputer will function normally with or without the system analyser module plugged in. Other products from Automated Computer Systems include the 4-bit microcomputer model ACS-4040 MC and a cheap microprocessor PCB for applications which include process control and terminal systems. (Auto-
mated Computer Systems, 2361 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, Ca 91107 Tel: (213) 449-0616).
Microcomputer controls communications The GTD-120 Digital PABX is a communications system which will give medium-size organizations more than 60 types of service which normally are available only from the bigger, more expensive systems designed for larger companies. PABX (private automatic branch exchange) systems connect the telephones within a customer's facility and handle calls travelling over trunk lines between that location and the local telephone-company switching centre. Calls are processed in the same digital language as used in computers. Up to 120 separate telephone numbers can be served on one premises. A microcomputer gives the system its versatility and compactness. The microcomputer using an 8-bit microprocessor plugged into a printedwiring card in the equipment cabinet, controls all the PABX's operations. By using a stored-program memory which is easily altered, the GTD-120 permits the ready addition of other features as they become available. At present, the GTD-120 offers 44 stand dard and 19 optional features. The bulk of the system's circuits and devices are contained on 60 printedwiring cards, and a PABX tailored to a customer's particular needs can be provided simply by plugging in the appropriate optional cards. A duplicate of the computer program is stored permanently on
magnetic tape and automatically restores lost information to the memory chips. The attendant's duties are simplified because most of the PABX's functions are carried out by its computer-controlled switching system. A standard set of touch calling pushbuttons and two other rows of pushbuttons are sufficient for processing incoming calls and handling other duties. (GTE Internationalj Central
Way, Feltham, Middlesex, England. Tel: 01-890 1455).
A printed wiring card from the switching system of the GTD-120the operations are controlled by a microcomputer.
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