Microcomputer terminal A dual processor terminal has been released by Cifer Systems, UK. Incorporating two Z80 microprocessors and an internallymounted mini floppy disc drive, the 2684 terminal can be used as a remote intelligent terminal linked to a large mainframe computer, or as an intelligent workstation on a multiuser system or network. One Z80 processor system is devoted to VDU functions and contains 32 kbyte of RAM. The other CPU is devoted to runningthe user's application software (disc system) and holds 64 kbyte of RAM. The 2684 features a 100 key noncontact keyboard, a 9 X 7 dot character set and antiglare screen in
Dual processor terminal a choice of white, green or orange phosphors. (Cifer Systems Ltd., Avro Way, Bowerhill, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6TP, UK. Tel: (0225) 702364/ 704502) []
Teletext and viewdata A family of devices compatible for both teletext (Ceefax/Oracle) and Prestel receivers has been announced by Semiconductor Specialists, UK. Three chips are currently available in the General Microelectronics Teleview chip set: • the AY-3-9710 data acquisition chip provides the essential interface into the system for both teletext and Prestel reception, • the AY-3-9725 video generator chip provides the interface from the teleview system to the display medium, either directly or indirectly via a modulator for aerial connection, • the PIC 1650 Z-517, 518, 532 controller chip (a single chip microcomputer) is primarily the interface between the operator and the system: there are several versions of this chip 0 517 this variant is a 7-bitASCII control chip developed for use with keyboards without strobe line,
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o 518 this variant is for the simplest application using a standard 4 X 4 matrix keypad with 16 keys, o 532 the latest version of the 8-bit-ASCII and remote control device, which will work with any standard full character set ASCII keyboard and also has facilities for 8-bit parallel input remote control such as the AY-3-8470. Other allied circuits provide additional features, such as infrared remote control, Viewdata modem, Autodialler and Terminal Identifier and various TV digital tuning systems. (Semiconductor Specialists (UK) Ltd., Carroll House, 159 High Street, Yiewsley, West Drayton, Middx. UB7 7XB, UK. Tel: (08954) 45522, Tx: 21958) []
Minicomputers Two models have been added to Sperry Univac's V77 mini-
computer range. Known as the V77-500 and V77-700, these 16bit microprogrammable minicomputers have been designed for upgrading in the field. The V77-500 and V77-700 are to be used as nodes in distributed data processing networks, and both models are fully compatible with Sperry Univac's commercial and networking software. This includes transactions processing and database systems, as well as distributed communications architecture (DCA), which provides packetswitching interfaces. As general purpose 16-bit microprogrammable minicomputers, the 500 and 700 systems feature highspeed central processors, memory mapping and control, error detection and correction, hardware multiply and divide and direct memory access. Both models offer optional writable control store (WCS) of 2 kwords; each word of 48 bits in length. Up to 2 048 kbytes of MOS errorcorrecting memory can be installed in the 700, while for the 500 the maximum is 1 024 kbytes. Memory cycle time is 600 ns. An additional feature of the V77700 is an optional floating point processor which accelerates Fortran program execution. Vortex II is the standard operating system offered with the V77 family, including the two new systems. This is a multiprogramming system with special features designed for real-time applications. Programming languages supported by the operating system include: Fortran IV, Cobol, RPG II and Micro and Macro assemblers. A range of standard software products is available for use with the V77 family, including packages for transaction processing, remote job entry, database management, remote batch terminal emulation and telecommunications access. (Sperry Univac, Remington House, 65 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1P lAB, UK. Tel: 01 236 1010, Tx: 884403) []
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