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Unix-based ‘supermicro’ systems use 68010 and 68020
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Two US-based manufacturers have announced what they describe as 'supermicro' systems. Both computers run under the Unix operating system. The AM-1192 from Alpha Micro is a 68010-based range which uses Unimos, Alpha's implementation of Unix. The standard model includes: an AM-100L processor with 16-bit 68010 CPU, a memory management unit and two serial ports; 1 Mbyte of memory; a 400 Mbyte disc; and either a 0.25 in (6.4 mm) streamer (AM-1192S-23 version) or 0.5 in (12.7 mm) magnetic tape (AM1192M-43 version). Hardware options comprise 128 kbyte or 512kbyte memory, up to four 400 Mbyte discs, up to three serial I/O ports, printers, workstations and IEEE FORTRAN77. The 3068 microcomputer from Altos Computer Systems uses the 32-bit MC68020 CPU and runs under Unix system V. It is designed to be used either as a standalone computer or as a node in a distributed network. On its own, the basic system will accomodate up to ten users but this number can be expanded up to 30, says Altos. The 3068 includes as standard 1 Mbyte of RAM, a 20 Mbyte hard disc and a 1.2 Mbyte floppy disc drive. RAM can be expanded to 16 Mbyte and hard discs upgraded to 240 Mbyte (unformatted). A streamer unit option provides up to 60 Mbyte of backup storage per cartridge. According to Altos, the 3068 can be networked with the company's other multiuser systems via the TeamNet local area network, and
Zilog reprices chips Zilog is to release repackaged versions of its Z8603 and Z8613 microcomputer prototype emulators (ROMless versions of the Z8611 in 40-pin format). The Z8603TS and Z8613TS will reportedly cost less than half as much as the presently
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with mainframe computers via 3270 bisynch, systems network architecture, X.25 and 3780 communications protocols. The system design includes eight board slots, of which four are available for custom configuration. A range of test and diagnostic options, including remote fault diagnosis, are provided. Alpha's AM-1192S-23 and AM-1192M-43 (UK prices around £40000 and £50000 respectively) are now available. The Altos 3068 is
itNlg aml IN20 scheduled for introduction in July (UK prices 'below £8000' in OEM quantities). (Alpha Micro, 17881 Sio/park North, PC) Box 18347, Irvine, CA 92713, USA. Alpha Microsystems GB Ltd, Berkshire House, 56 Herschel Street, Slough, Befits SL1 1PY, UK. Tek " (0753) 821922. Altos Computer Systems, 2641 Orchard Park Way, San Jose, CA 95134, USA.Altos Computer Systems Ltd, Manhattan House, High Street, Crowthorne, Berks, UK. Teh (0344) 777911)
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The 3068 microsystem accomodates up to 30 users, says manufacturer Altos
available ceramic-packed versions (priced around £60-70) due to a packaging method similar to that used in watch and clock modules: the dice is bonded directly onto a glassfibre substrate, with a 24-pin EPROM socket formed from turned pin connectors set into the board. (Zilog Inc., 10460 Bubb Road, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA)
User-programmable versions are among additions to Hitachi's HD6305 family of 8-bit microcomputers. The H D6305V microcomputer has 4096 byte of ROM, 192 byte of RAM, 31 bidirectional I/O lines and a serial communications interface. An 8-bit timer/counter with a 7-bit prescaler and a 15-bit timer are provided on the chip. A variant of this device, the HD63705V has the same features and functions, but uses an onchip EPROM as the program memory. Again, 4096 byte of storage is available, but this can be programmed by the user with standard E P R O M programming equipment. Two versions of the chip are available: the 63705VOC, housed in a ceramic package with a quartz erasure window; and the 63705VOP, a less costly plastic-encapsulated device which can be programmed only once by the user. All three chips are fabricated by Hitachi's complementary-MOS process and operate from a single 5 V supply. Three special modes ('wait', 'stop' and 'standby') are designed to reduce power consumption in applications where the CPU can be stopped but data or register conditions must be held. (Hitachi Electronic Components (UIO Ltd, Hitec House, 221-225 Station Road, Harrow, Middx HA1 2XL, UK. Tel: 07-861 7414. Telex: 936293 HITEC G)
microprocessors and microsystems
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Two US-based manufacturers have announced what they describe as 'supermicro' systems. Both computers run under the Unix operating system. The AM-1192 from Alpha Micro is a 68010-based range which uses Unimos, Alpha's implementation of Unix. The standard model includes: an AM-100L processor with 16-bit 68010 CPU, a memory management unit and two serial ports; 1 Mbyte of memory; a 400 Mbyte disc; and either a 0.25 in (6.4 mm) streamer (AM-1192S-23 version) or 0.5 in (12.7 mm) magnetic tape (AM1192M-43 version). Hardware options comprise 128 kbyte or 512kbyte memory, up to four 400 Mbyte discs, up to three serial I/O ports, printers, workstations and IEEE FORTRAN77. The 3068 microcomputer from Altos Computer Systems uses the 32-bit MC68020 CPU and runs under Unix system V. It is designed to be used either as a standalone computer or as a node in a distributed network. On its own, the basic system will accomodate up to ten users but this number can be expanded up to 30, says Altos. The 3068 includes as standard 1 Mbyte of RAM, a 20 Mbyte hard disc and a 1.2 Mbyte floppy disc drive. RAM can be expanded to 16 Mbyte and hard discs upgraded to 240 Mbyte (unformatted). A streamer unit option provides up to 60 Mbyte of backup storage per cartridge. According to Altos, the 3068 can be networked with the company's other multiuser systems via the TeamNet local area network, and
Zilog reprices chips Zilog is to release repackaged versions of its Z8603 and Z8613 microcomputer prototype emulators (ROMless versions of the Z8611 in 40-pin format). The Z8603TS and Z8613TS will reportedly cost less than half as much as the presently
260
with mainframe computers via 3270 bisynch, systems network architecture, X.25 and 3780 communications protocols. The system design includes eight board slots, of which four are available for custom configuration. A range of test and diagnostic options, including remote fault diagnosis, are provided. Alpha's AM-1192S-23 and AM-1192M-43 (UK prices around £40000 and £50000 respectively) are now available. The Altos 3068 is
itNlg aml IN20 scheduled for introduction in July (UK prices 'below £8000' in OEM quantities). (Alpha Micro, 17881 Sio/park North, PC) Box 18347, Irvine, CA 92713, USA. Alpha Microsystems GB Ltd, Berkshire House, 56 Herschel Street, Slough, Befits SL1 1PY, UK. Tek " (0753) 821922. Altos Computer Systems, 2641 Orchard Park Way, San Jose, CA 95134, USA.Altos Computer Systems Ltd, Manhattan House, High Street, Crowthorne, Berks, UK. Teh (0344) 777911)
uw.m
Jdio
on the market
The 3068 microsystem accomodates up to 30 users, says manufacturer Altos
available ceramic-packed versions (priced around £60-70) due to a packaging method similar to that used in watch and clock modules: the dice is bonded directly onto a glassfibre substrate, with a 24-pin EPROM socket formed from turned pin connectors set into the board. (Zilog Inc., 10460 Bubb Road, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA)
User-programmable versions are among additions to Hitachi's HD6305 family of 8-bit microcomputers. The H D6305V microcomputer has 4096 byte of ROM, 192 byte of RAM, 31 bidirectional I/O lines and a serial communications interface. An 8-bit timer/counter with a 7-bit prescaler and a 15-bit timer are provided on the chip. A variant of this device, the HD63705V has the same features and functions, but uses an onchip EPROM as the program memory. Again, 4096 byte of storage is available, but this can be programmed by the user with standard E P R O M programming equipment. Two versions of the chip are available: the 63705VOC, housed in a ceramic package with a quartz erasure window; and the 63705VOP, a less costly plastic-encapsulated device which can be programmed only once by the user. All three chips are fabricated by Hitachi's complementary-MOS process and operate from a single 5 V supply. Three special modes ('wait', 'stop' and 'standby') are designed to reduce power consumption in applications where the CPU can be stopped but data or register conditions must be held. (Hitachi Electronic Components (UIO Ltd, Hitec House, 221-225 Station Road, Harrow, Middx HA1 2XL, UK. Tel: 07-861 7414. Telex: 936293 HITEC G)
microprocessors and microsystems