Scan Optics System 501 contains an 8K CPU, a journal tape paper transport, magnetictape drive, and I/O console printer and keyboard, with various options available.

New Optical Scanner Reads Journal Tape

Scan-Optics has announced shipmentand installation of the first productionmodel of its System 501, a new opticalscanner designed to read journal tape ortally rolls prepared on adding and book-keeping machines, cash registers, androll paper impact printers.Designed to accommodate a seated

operator, System 501 reads standardOCR fonts (NOF, 1428, 1403, 407, OCR-Aand B alphanumeric) at up to 2000 char-acters per second. Speeds of up to 2000lines per minute are attainable, althoughScan-Optics points out that actual linereading speeds are determined by thenumber of characters read, tape width,and data processing required prior tooutputting to magnetic tape.System 501 contains an 8K CPU (ex-

pandable to 32K), a journal tape papertransport, 7- or 9-track 800 bpi magnetictape drive, an I/O console printer and

52

keyboard with on-line character insertionfeature and 20 character positions. Op-tions include a line printer, card reader,punched paper tape reader and/or punch,and 1600 bpi magnetic tape and com-munication capability.

All Scan-Optics PRL software will oper-ate with the System 501, and it iscompatible with other systems in the linewhich have journal tape reading as anoption. The new system can be upgradedto a System 530 or 540 without loss ofjournal tape reading capability, the com-pany states.

Prices range from $2450 to $2875 permonth on a one- to three-year lease.Monthly maintenance is $750 within Scan-Optics service locations. Delivery is fourmonths ARO.

Reader Service Number 282

Interdata DevelopsNew 16-Bit Software

Interdata has developed a new multi-tasking operating system called OS/16MT2 which optimizes the use of its 16-bitminicomputers in real-time, program de-velopment, and computational applica-tions.The new operating system is resident in

16K bytes of memory and may be installedon any 16-bit Interdata processor, suchas the new Model 6/16, equipped with an

input/output device. It fully supports allInterdata peripheral equipment.Features include a command substitu-

tion system which allows multiple opera-

tions to be executed with only one com-

mand, multiple shared libraries, round-robin scheduling, file protection conform-ing to ISA standards, task-handled traps,systems overlays, and task-to-task com-

munication.User-written tasks with up to 256 prior-

ities are supported by the task manage-

ment feature of OS/16 MT2. Inter-taskcommunications and task-handled trapsare also provided.Memory management features include

a task establisher utility, partitionedmemory, roll-in/roll-out, and multipleoverlay facilities.

File management features include in-dexed and contiguous files and file pro-tection.The user interface features enable OS/

16 MT2 to simplify communication be-tween the user and the system at theprogram and operator level.The new Interdata OS supports several

language processors, software utilities,and optional hardware equipment. Lan-guage processors supported are ExtendedFORTRAN IV, FORTRAN V, ExtendedBASIC, and the Common Assembly Lan-guage Assembler. Supported softwareutilities are OS EDIT, OS AIDS, OSLibrary Loader, OS copy, and ITAM/16for data communications.The one-time charge for OS/16 MT2 is

$1400; it is available on cards and allmagnetic media.

Reader Service Number 285

COMPUTER

editeti byDemetrios A. Michalopoulos

Associate Professor of Computer SciencesCalifornia State University at Fullerton

NEW PRODUCTS

Dual-Beam IC SocketPackage Announced

A low-profile socket package that willnot allow solder wicking has been intro-duced by Berg Electronics, a divisionof the Du Pont Company.The DIP package consists of tin- (or

gold-) plated phosphor-bronze socketterminals inserted into a precision-moldedone-piece glass-filled polyester thermo-plastic housing. The housing has a heightof 0.175 inch (maximum) and its widthof 0.400 inch (mnaximum) allows for side-by-side mounting. The socket terminal isof face-wipe design and provides maxi-mum wiping action with mating leads.Each terminal functions as a free-stand-ing device. A band of solder resist inthe socket terminal prevents solder wick-ing into the contact area, Berg states.The dual-beam IC socket package has a

target area of 0.040 inch by 0.018 inch.According to Berg, its press-fit legs will

New Conographic DisplayTerminal is under $10,000

A new addition to the Conographicgraphic display terminal line, offeringhigh resolution, selective erase, and built-in serial interface has been introduced byHughes Aircraft Company's industrialproducts division.The fully interactive Conographic-9

terminal, with a base price of $9,750, isdesigned to do with hardware what mostterminals require to be done in software.In addition, according to Hughes, itscapability can be greatly expanded witha variety of available options.The unit is intended to provide the

user with a complete electronics packagethat can be plugged directly into a 110-volt outlet and a telecommunicationscoupler, with no additional hardware op-tions required.Standard features include 17-inch 1029-

line-scan video monitor with high screenlight output, built-in zoom/pan, a joystickfor graphics interaction, and a hardwaregraphics processor for scaling graphicsand alphanumerics. Architecture of thesingle-unit desktop terminal embodies a

microprocessor driven by micro-programscontained in read-only memories. A serialinterface connecting the detached key-board to the CRT display eliminates re-

strictions imposed by parallel interfaces.In the Conographic process, curvilinear

information is displayed by convertingall contour data to conic curves. In thisway, the terminal produces smoothercurves than conventional x-y plotting,and accomplishes this with considerablereduction in the data required. Hughesstates that this data reduction resultsin more cost-effective communication bypermitting faster image transmission,higher effective telecommunications capa-

city, and lower storage requirements atthe host computer.

Low-profile, dual-beam socket package contains a band of solder resist in the terminalwhich prevents solder from wicking into the contact area, according to the manufacturer,Berg Electronics.

not allow the package to fall out of theprinted circuit board after insertion. Thehousing has stand-offs to facilitate rins-ing and cleaning of boards and to allow

for air circulation. Housing materialcarries a UL 94-VO rating.

Reader Service Number 289

New addition to Hughes Aircraft Company's Conographic graphic display terminalline offers high resolution, selective erase, high light output, and built-in serial interface,without requiring additional hardware options. Hughes points out that the newConographic-9 terminal displays curvilinear information by conic curve generationrather than by x-y plotting, producing smoother curves with considerable reductionin data required.

Optional extras available with the sys-tem include an enhanced graphics hard-ware package with rotations, reflections,and line-texturing features, and program-mable grey levels for graphics (16 levels)and for digital raster continuous toneimages (256 levels). In addition, parallelinterfaces for a variety of minicomputersare offered, as are interfaces to digitizersfor local data input and control of theinteractive CRT cursor.

The new Conographic-9 generator offersa continuous writing mode and a newcapability which guarantees that writingoccurs only during vertical retrace time.Software programs are available in

FORTRAN IV including a new set ofTektronix-compatible subroutines. Thebasic software package, called CONO-PAC, is available at no extra cost.

Reader Service Number 290

February 1976 53

Intelligent printing system for use in industrial environments prints in variabletype sizes and a variety of bar codes.

Variable-Type-Size Printer Designed for Industrial Environments

Dataroyal's new desktop, medium-speedintelligent printing system (IPS-7) isdesigned for continuous use in adverseindustrial enviromments, providing productidentification and on-line reporting. Barcodes and data describing products ofhigh value, in large volume, or with variablecharacteristics such as weight, size, colors,inspection data, or routing, are printedon up to four copies. Multiple type sizesare positioned anywhere on each page bydot-matrix expandable-character printing.Large type sizes are easily seen at adistance, as in high warehouse stacks.Smaller type, in increments of one-ninthinch, carries details in a small space.According to Dataroyal, one or more units

New 300 CPS PhotoelectricTape Readers Introduced bySuperior Electric

Reading rates of 0 to 300 charactersper second asynchronously and 600 char-acters per second synchronously areavailable in reel and fanfold type Slo-Syn photoelectric tape readers. The newunits, by Superior Electric Co., are TTL,DTL, or CMOS compatible with bothnormal and inverted outputs available.Type 7TRP300 has reels that hold up to

750 feet of standard, 1-inch wide, 8-channel tape having a maximum lighttransmission of 40 percent. Its solid-state LED light source is not subject toaging, Superior Electric states. Fanfoldtype TRP300F has trays for up to 200feet of tape. Tape widths other than 8-channel are available as options.

Reader Service Number 280

are easily added-"plug-in-and-operate"-to existing equipment or designed intonew information-handling systems. Dualelectronic error-checking (LRC and parity)insures that units print what is put in andreject false information.

Reader Service Number 274

Dataram Offers 16K x 12Add-In's for DEC PDP-8Series

Dataram has introduced its DR-118 andDR-118/A single-board 16K core memorysystems for use with DEC's PDP-8 seriesof minicomputers. The systems are Omni-bus-compatible and can be inserted direct-ly into the backboard of the host mini-computer. The DR-118 is compatiblewith the PDP-8/E, F, and M, and theDR-118/A is compatible with the PDP-8/A-400 and the PDP-8/A-500. Both sys-tems are available in either 16K x 12 or8K x 12 configurations.The systems, 16K or 8K, occupy only

two PDP-8 card slots. One slot is usedto interface to the PDP-8 backboard, andthe additional slot is for clearance ofthe core memory stack which plugs intothe back of the memory module. Addressstrapping is achieved by means of a 16-pin IC plug on the memory module.

Single quantity pricing is $2045 and$1590 for the 16K x 12 and 8K x 12systems respectively. Delivery is 30 daysARO. Prior to shipment, all systemsreceive operational burn-in for a minimumof 72 hours, and a one-year warrantyis standard.

Reader Service Number 276

Computer output microfilm (COM) slices$4338 out of this report, according toGE. A 1350 page report, plus 40 copies,costs $248 to print on a high-speed termi-nal, plus an additional $2480 for 10 copieson four-part paper. Additional costs in-cluded $1620 for the paper and $200 fordistribution. GE states the same reportwas produced on six COM microfiche ata cost of $62 for production, $144 for 40additional copies, and $4 for distribution.

COM Available fromGE Information Services

Computer output microfilm (COM) isnow available from General Electric'sMARK III Information Services, bring-ing the advantages of microfilm to theremote batch data processing environ-ment.The company points out that COM can

reduce a 200-page report to one vest-pocket-size microfiche, or a 2000-pagereport to only ten microfiche. It is usefulfor data processing jobs requiring thepreparation of large reports (500 pagesor more) with periodic updating and forreporting jobs requiring multiple copies,timely turnaround, and easy-to-referencematerial.Both the fiche and roll film formats

are available with the new GE service.Users can select either 24X or 42X re-

duction sizes. Retrieval techniques includefixed and variable fiche titles and indexes,"eyeball" characters on fiche and rollfilm, and image control and MIRA-CODEon roll film.COM provides users of a remote batch

data processing service with the inherentadvantages o; microfilm such as ease ofhandling, durability, and easy reversionto paper. The service also saves terminalconnect time since off-line productioncapabilities are utilized. Applications sug-

gested by the company for COM includeinventory status reports, invoices, per-

sonnel inventory, price lists, productdescriptions, schedules, and documentcontrol lists.

Reader Service Number 287

COMPUTER54

Ampex has introduced the first of a newfamily of 13-mil computer memory corefor high speed industrial and militaryapplications. The temperature-independ-ent cores, pictured on the surface of aBicentennial half dollar, can withstandhigh disturb ratios with a 75°C tempera-ture range without compensation of thedrive current, Ampex says.

Beckman's new series of multiplying digital-to-analog converters are available inceramic or metal packages for both industrial and military applications.

13-Bit Multiplying D/A ConverterforT2L Applications

Temperature-independentCores Introduced by Ampex

Ampex Corporation has announced thefirst of a new family of 13-mil tempera-ture-independent Unibit computer mem-ory cores.The 1370 core is a high drive, wide

temperature core which will withstandhigh disturb ratios, according to Am-pex. Designed for high speed industrialand military applications, typical oper-ating parameters are drive current of780 ma, disturbed one output (dV,) of34 mv, disturbed ZERO output (dVz) of4.5 mv, switching time (ta) of 125 nano-seconds, and peaking time (tp) of 65 nano-seconds.Performance is uniform over any 75°C

temperature range without compensationof the drive current, the firm states.With drive current compensation of only0.4 ma/0°C, the performance is uniformover a temperature range of -55 to+110°C.Ampex 1370 temperature independent

Unibit cores are priced in the range of50¢/1000 depending upon quantity andare available for immediate delivery.

Reader Service Number 291

Beckman series 877-69 multiplyingdigital-to-analog converters are primarilydesigned for T'L, low-power, four-quad-rant, multiplying DAC applications inaircraft flight controls, automatic testinstrumentation, graphic display drives,and computational circuits.Features include 13-bit resolution, ex-

ternal AC or DC reference for full four-quadrant operation, AC reference fre-quencies from DC to 10KHz, MSB inver-sion input for "two's" complement oroffset binary arithmetic options, an in-ternal precision thin film resistor chipto assure high accuracy, and two packageoptions for both military and industrialapplications.The 30-pin, dual in-line metal or ceramic

packaged devices are available in twoaccuracy (linearity and gain) code models.Typical accuracy of Model 877-69M-D1

(metal package) is ±.012% at 25°C guar-anteed to ±.025% over a -55°C to+125°C temperature range, or ±.05% at25°C guaranteed to .1% for Model 877-69M-D2.Typical accuracy of Model 877-69C-C1

(ceramic package) is ± .012% at 25 °Cguaranteed to ±.025% over a -25°C to+85°C temperature range, or ±.05% at25 °C guaranteed to ± .1% for Model877-69C-D2.Typical power dissipation of all models

is 400 milliwatts. Per/unit price in 100

30 M-Byte Disk and Controller Combination Sells for $9995

A ten-platter, moving-head disk systemadds storage capacity to Data GeneralNova and Eclipse, Digital computer con-trollers D-116, and Keronix IDS-16 mini-computers. Designated the 4091-N byDatum, Inc., the disk drive and controllersells for $9995 in unit quantities withquantity discounts available.The unit has a storage capacity of 30 x

106 bytes with a recording density of2200 bpi. Average random access time is55ms; data is recorded on 20 surfaces at100 tracks per inch, 203 tracks per sur-face. Transfer data rate is 312K bytes

per second; write frequency is 5 mHz±0.3%. Storage media are IBM 2316-type disk packs which rotate at 2400rpm.The single-circuit board controller is

a fully embedded element in the hostCPU and requires no external interfaceunits. It cables directly with up to fourdisk drives. According to Datum, thesystem is fully compatible with DataGeneral software, complete with diag-nostic and reliability programs.

Reader Service Number 283

quantities is $200 for 877-69M-D1; $152for 877-69M-D2; $128 for 877-69C-D1;and $100 for 877-69C-D2. Delivery isfrom factory stock.

Reader Service Number 278

Production FORTRANAvailable from GE

General Electric Information Serviceshas introduced Production FORTRAN(PFN), a new production-oriented lan-guage, for Mark III Service users.PFN provides computer output identi-

cal to that generated by FORTRAN IV,minus nonessential features for produc-tion-type programs such as line numberreferences in error messages, warningmessages, and subscript checks. The newproduction language employs the samesyntax as FIV.Since FIV is upward compatible with

PFN, PFN may be used on proven, sta-bilized production-type programs current-ly running in FIV core image or objectcode. According to GE, PFN can elimi-nate the unneeded features and reduceprocessing time, thereby reducing costs.And, the conversion is a simple process.For FIV programs in the ASCII mode,

the Mark III system automatically com-piles, loads, and executes a programupon the RUN command. For programsin object code, the RUN command causesthe system to load and execute. On theother hand, programs stored in coreimage avoid the compilation and loadingsteps and advance directly to execution.Saved object code and core image are

frequently used in production applica-tions, and it is in these areas that GEexpects the greatest economic benefits ofPFN. Savings of up to 15 percent maybe realized for object code and up to 30percent for core image, the companyclaims.

Reader Service Number 284

February 1976 55

Vertical wiring system accommodates panels up to 36" x 48".

Automated Vertical Wiring System Wraps Twisted Pairs

The Automated Equipment Division ofSynergistic Products, Inc. has announceda large vertical, automated wiring systemfor applying wire-wrap interconnectionsto circuit panels, including simultaneoustwisted pair or coaxial pair wrapping.The system has a wiring area that willaccommodate panels up to 36" x 48".The system is numerically controlled by

the SPI 1800 Computrol, with absolutepositioning. A punched paper tape pro-gram for each circuit panel automaticallypositions the vertical work table in boththe X and Y axis to each pin position forwiring. A stationary wire-wrap tool, at thecenter of the wiring system, permits theoperator to work at a fixed position whilethe machine positions the panel in both Xand Y axis. The wire-wrap tool may beequipped with a single wrapping bit forinterconnecting single wires or with adual bit for wrapping both wires at oneend of a twisted pair or coaxial pairsimultaneously. Using this technique,twisted-pair throughput is increased100% over single-wire wrap methods, SPIclaims. This dual-wrap system is availablefor all standard wire gauges and pinspacings down to 30 gauge wire and.100" centers.The wire-wrapping bits themselves are

the SPI tear-drop design. These bitspermit both wires to be loaded into alarge tear-drop shaped hole in the side

of each bit. An adjustable, positive stopassures uniform wrap lengths. The outersleeve of the bit is stationary so thatonly the inner portion of the bit rotatesduring the wrap cycle, eliminating theposibility of damaging adjacent wires.

Reader Service Number 288

New Chromatograph DataSystems Announced

Electronic Associates, Inc. has an-

nounced three additions to its "LabPACE"line of computer-based laboratory auto-mation systems. Largest of the three,the LP-1000, is designed to meet the fulldata processing requirements of the qual-ity control, methods development, andresearch chemist, according to the manu-

facturer. Programmed primarily in FOR-TRAN, the system performs all chroma-tographic computation routines aftercompletion of each run, processing disk-stored digitized point-by-point data aftercompletion of each analytical run. Rawdata may be saved for calculations underas many analytical methods as desired.These methods can be edited on-line toadjust peak identification, area allocation,response factor, and other computationalparameters as necessary, eliminating anyneed for sample reruns. User-written pro-

grams may be run in the background atthe same time as the chromatographytask is proceeding the foreground.

The basic LP-1000 system is equippedwith 16 input channels (expandable to64), a solid-state multiplexing systemand analog/digital converter, EAI PACER100 digital computer with 40K words of16-bit memory, 2.2 million word diskbulk memory unit (expandable to 8.8 mil-lion words), and two input/output units-one for foreground GC tasks, one forbackground computation work. A varietyof terminals and peripherals are standardfor the system.The other two new systems are sized

for smaller applications. The LP-25 isdesigned for use with up to eight chro-matographs, the LP-50 for up to 16chromatographs. Both are mounted in a

single console containing digital com-

puter, multiplexer, a/d converter, andI/O teleprinter. LP-50 features a remoteoperator's terminal.

Reader Service Number 292

Intel Introduces Single-Board Display Memory System

A CRT display memory that stores anentire video image on a single boardbuilt with 4K RAMs has been intro-duced by Intel Memory Systems.The Intel in-477 CRT display memory

is built with 4096-bit random-access mem-ory circuits, rather than 1024-bit shiftregisters. The new design is almost fourtimes as compact as conventional displaymemories and can operate at high speedin a variety of modes, according to Intel.The memory locations can be accessed

both randomly and sequentially and atdata rates up to almost 20 million bitsper second, allowing the in-477 to beused in special image processing appli-cations and to refresh CRT displays ofvirtually any size and image format.Each in-477 board stores 256 kilobits

of data in 64 n-channel silicon gate MOS

4K RAMs. This capacity allows one boardto operate a standard television displayof 512 lines with 512 picture elements perline. It can also be used with many othertypes of displays.To create multi-color and gray-scale

displays, or to operate displays requiringgreater storage capacities, boards can beused in parallel. Each in-477 card operatesas a self-contained system. Expansion issimplified by a built-in card-select control.In 100-up quantities, one in-477 costs

$1725, or 0.6¢ per bit, with OEM quantitydiscounts available. The board is 15inches square, operates on standardpower supplies of +5, -5, and +12V,and is compatible with TTL. Maximumpower dissipation is less than 25 watts.

Reader Service Number 277

COMPUTER56

Digital Announces NewFloating Point Processorfor PDP- 1170

Digital Equipment Corporation has an-

nounced a new floating-point processorfor the PDP-11/70 computer. Typical run

times for the new FP11-C processor aver-

age between two and three times thespeed of the previous unit, according toDEC.The processor provides up to 17 deci-

mal digits of accuracy and has 46 hard-wired instructions and six 64-bit accumu-lators. It has been designed to performmore operations in parallel with the PDP-11/70 central processor to increase thetotal computer system's throughput rate.

According to DEC, the FP11-C com-

plements the speed of the central pro-

cessor and the high bandwidth I/O chan-nels for maximum system throughput.Since the floating-point processor is a

separate processor, it can operate inparallel with the CPU. During the actualcomputation time involved in a floating-point operation, the central processor can

proceed to execute non-floating-pointinstructions. This overlap, DEC claims,gives the PDP-11/70 even faster effec-tive computation speeds than would beapparent by an examination of executionspeeds.

First shipments of the FP11-C, pricedat $5900, began in December 1975.

Reader Service Number 279

NCR's new visual display terminal features multiple transmission speeds and threeoperating modes-conversational, page, or message.

Visual Display Terminal Announced by NCR

NCR Corporation has announced a newvisual display terminal featuring upperand lower-case characters, multiple trans-mission speeds, and the ability to insertor delete lines of information.The new NCR 796-401 block/conversa-

tional CRT terminal supplements the

Solid-State Module Cuts Cost of LED Digital Clocks

Manufacturers of digital electronicalarm clocks and clock radios can use anew all-solid-state clock movement to cutthe cost of the electronic clock section,according to National SemiconductorCorporation.The new clock module subsystem,

which comes complete with timing cir-cuitry and 4-digit LED display, will per-mit manufacturers to retail an electronicalarm clock for $19.95, the Santa Clarafirm claims.

The new clock module, MA1001, is con-structed on a 13/4 by 3-inch printed circuitboard. It contains a large-scale MOSintegrated clock circuit, an LED displayof four 1/2-inch high digits, a power supply,and a number of passive components.According to National, users only need toadd a transformer and switches to con-struct a pre-tested digital clock, withoutbuying components and making theirown modules.The module was designed to function

with as few components as possible,National states. The P-channel MOS inte-grated clock circuit, the MM5385N, elimi-nates the need for separate bipolar seg-ment-driver and digit-driver circuits.It also does away with more than 30resistors, as well as the capacitors needed

to filter out the radio-frequency inter-ference generated by multiplexed LEDdisplays.The clock IC eliminates the need to

multiplex the display because it drivesthe LED segments and digits directly.This suppresses most of the RFI. Therest is eliminated by the use of slowtransition time in the output stages-100 microseconds rather than the usualone microsecond.The time-keeping frequency source for

the module can be either 50 or 60 Hz.Display formats of either 12 or 24 hoursmay be chosen. The time is set throughthe use of "fast" and "slow" scanningcontrols.Other features include alarm "on" and

"PM" indicators, blinking colon, "sleep"and "snooze" timers, and variable bright-ness control capability. Alarm clock op-tions include a transistor oscillator cir-cuit for use with a low-cost earphoneaudio transducer. Power failure is indi-cated by continued flashing of the dis-play at a rate of 1 Hz.Large quantities are immediately avail-

able from the factory. When the modulesare purchased in lots .of 100, the priceis $10 each.

Reader Service Number 275

firm's current line of three 796 Seriesvisual display terminals.Through a selection switch, the termi-

nal can operate at 110, 300, 1200, 2400and 9600 baud rates. A total of 1920characters, in 24 lines with 80 charac-ters per line, can be displayed on theterminal's 12-inch screen.With three operating modes-conversa-

tional, page, or message-transmissionsfrom the terminal take place a character,line, or full screen at a time. When in theconversational mode, the terminal tran-mits in either half or full duplex. Trans-mission is in the asynchronous mode.

Printers, which provide hard copy ofthe information on the screen, can also beattached to the basic terminal.The terminal's purchase price is $3100.

It has a monthly rental of $130. It isavailable for immediate customer delivery.

Reader Service Number 281

Features of the new NCR 18-0104 printingcalculator include a direct-access memory,selective and grand totals, item count,and first-factor accumulation. The 12-digit-capacity, four-function calculator ispriced at $419 and is available for immedi-ate delivery. Reader Service Number 286

Feburary 1976 57