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ICROC PU-rER
DIGES-r
Volume 2, Number 4

October, 1975

&NATIONAL

CDPI800 pP COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE

ROCKWELL

RCA Solid State Division has announced
commercial availability of the CDP1800 microprocessor family, including the CDP1801 CMOS
8-bit microprocessor, the Microkit hardware
support kit, microprocessor manuals, and software development packages, according to Bernard V. Vonderschmitt, vice president and
general manager. "The CDP1800 family includes
the previously described, but not commercially
available COSMAC microprocessor, now designated as the CDP1801," Mr. Vonderschmitt said.
(cont'd on page 2)

Rockwell International and National Semiconductor have signed a comprehensive agreement making each an alternate competitive
source for the other's microprocessors. The
move bolsters the product line of each while
enlarging the total sales potential of their
combined products in the microprocessor marketplace, which is expected to be as much as
a half-billion dollar annual market by 1980,
according to the companies.
(cont'd on page 3)

IBM

ENTERS MICROCOMPUTER MARKET

IBM has pounced on the juicy microcomputer
market with the introduction of their Model
5100 portable desk-top computer. The computer
includes the CPU, video display, keyboard and
cartridge tape unit and a toggle switch that
allows the machine to be programmed in either
BASIC or APL.
(cont'd on page 3)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES' long awaited 8080
second source device is now available. Story
on page 7.
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORP. introduces newest
floppy disc microcomputer system. Story on
page 7.
MOSTEK offering their second-sourced F-8 micro in a $297 kit. Story on page 8.
COURSES--Upcoming microcomputer courses for
November, December and January on page 19.
GNOSTIC CONCEPTS new multiclient study forecasts 11. 3% growth for 1976. Story on page 20.
EUROPEAN MICROCOMPUTER USAGE seen to explode
60-fold by 1984. Story on page 21.

cI

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

pP 2ND SOURCE PACT

LSI-II CHIPS OPEN To THE PUBLIC
Western Digital has announced that the
three chip microprocessor used in Digital
Equipment's LSI-II microcomputer system will
now be available to all customers. The MCS
600 microprocessor will be priced at $250 in
100 quantities. The set consists of a control chip for logic decoding, a data register
chip, and a control ROM of 512 x 22 for the
microinstructions. The LSI-II microcoded instruction set will not be included. Instead,
Western Digital will offer each customer
three options.
(cont'd on page 4)

MICROCOMPUTER DEVELOPMENT SERIES
By Hal Elgie, Stanford University
Ease of application is the precept of Intersil Corp.'s recently introduced 6900 series of microcomputer development aids. Based
on their new IM6100 CMOS microprocessor, the
6900 series features software and hardware
compatibility with the popular PDP 8/E minicomputer.
Presently, the 6900 series consists of
three PC cards, 4K x 12 CMOS RAM, CPU/TTY and
a control panel. Four more cards are slated
for introduction in the fourth quarter of
this year.
(cont'd on page 4)

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LI lLiAN lAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY lEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Page
SPECIAL FEATURES
-1'-CDP1800 uP Commercially Available
IBM Enters Microcomputer Market ••••.•• 1
Rockwell & National uP 2nd Source Pact. 1
LSI-II Chips Open To The Public ••••..• 1
Microcomputer Development Series •..•.• 1
WESCON--Micro Wrap Up ..•..••••.••••••• 5
TECHNOLOGY
AMD Marketing 8080 Replacement ••.•••.• 7
Motorola Drops 6800 Prices 60% .•••••.• 7
Signetics Adds To Bipolar uC Line •.••• 7
SOS uP Seen By Year End ••••••••••••••• 7
MICROCOMPUTER-BASED PRODUCTS
DEC Unveils Under $lOK Disc System •••• 7
IMP Used In Global Navigation System .. 7
$297 Mostek F-8 Kit •••••••.•••••••••.• 8
Modular Microcomputer Kit ••.••••••..•• 8
HP Designs Custom 16-Bit uP Chip •••.•. 8.
4-Bit uC Less Than $100 •.•.••.••.••..• 8
New MMI Division Offers 3 Systems •.••• 8
NCR Uses Custom uP In New Terminals •.• 8
Industrial Altair 8800 •••••.••••••••.• 9
uC Keyboard Printer Terminal •••.••.•.• 9
New Twist In Sewing Machines ..•••••••. 9
Ma Kettle Should See This! ••••••.••••• 9
Computer Terminal Monitor ••••.••••..•. 9
High Speed Bare Circuit Board Tester .• 9
8080 Data Entry System ••.•••.•••..•••• 10
Microcomputer Controlled Keypunch ••••• 10
uC In Measurement Subsystems •......... 10
General Automation Unwraps uC Family •. 10
Programmable Logic Controller ..•.•...• 10
Electronic Crane Uses Micro ....•••.•.• 10
Data Logger Family IntrJduced ••..••••• 11
PPS-Based SpectrophotoIT:ter ...••..•••• 11
uC For Education & Sysiem Development. 11
PLAN Gets Smart •...•• ~
11
MICROCOMPUTER SOFTWARE
Tymshare Expands tiC ~)oftware ..•.•••... 11
UCS & GE Add 6800 Capability .•......•• 12
8080 One Pass Assembler •.•••••••.•.•.• 12
8080 Resident Assemblers •••..•.•..•••• 12
Two-Pass FORTRAN Compiler .•••.•.•••••• 12
Cross Assemblers For Intel Line .•...•• 12
Process Control Compiler ...••.....•.•• 12
MIL- 80 80 Software •..•••..••••••.•••••. 13
Mycro-Tek Offering Cross Assembler .••• 13
MEMORIES AND PERIPHERALS
MOS Tech 6530 Peripheral Driver ••••..• 13
PROM & Programmer Announced •••..•••••• 13
I

cliI~

•

•

Volume 2, Number 41 October, 1975

2

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

••

PO BOX 1167. CUPERTINO. CA 95014 •

Floppy Disc Controller Chip
AMI Drops 6605 RAM .••••••••••.••••••••
National Sampling 4K RAM •.••••••••••••
Intersil Adds Two 4KPROMs ••..••••••••
CCD Analog Shift Register •..•••••••.••
Intersil Introduces 4K RAM •••.•.•.••••
M6800 Floppy Disc System •.••.••.••••••
IMP-16 & PACE Core Memories ••...•••.••
5203 & 1702A PROM Programmers •••••••••
MicroPac PROM Programmer •••.••••••••••
Support Boards For Altair ••.•••••••.••
$110 Modem Kit •••••••••••••••••..•••••
Data Acquisition Module •••.•.••••••••.
D/A Converter Specifically For uC •.••.
PEOPLE, LITERATURE AND EVENTS
Module Products Group Formed .•••.•..•.
TI Expands European Effort ..••..••••••
ICS Conducts Philips Course .....••••••
FC&I To Purchase Xincom •..•.....•...•.
People On The Move ..•.••••..•..•••••••
Tymshare To Acquire Quelex Data •••.•••
Byte Magazine ••..•..•...••.....•....•.
Electronics Book Series ..•••..••..••••
Practical System Design Course .••.••••
Altair Users Group Newspaper .•..•••.••
IEEE Repository Index ••••••.•.•.•.•••.
Recent Literature .•.••••••••.•.••.•.••
EDUCATION
Microcomputer Courses, Seminars And
Conferences for Nov. thru Jan •.•••••••
FINANCIAL
11.3% Growth For 1976 ..•..•....••••.••
European Microcomputer Usage ••.•••••••
British Computer Sales UP •.•....••••••
COMPANY ADDRESSES FOR THIS ISSUE ..•...•.
MICROCOMPUTER STUDIES AVAILABLE •....•.•.
MICROCOMPUTER PRODUCTS/SERVICES ..••.•...

Page
13
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15
16
16
16
16
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17
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17
17
18
19
20
21
21
21
22
23

SPECIAL FEATURES:
CDP1800 ~P COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE
(from page 1)
The CDP1801 architecture permits simple,
fast, mostly. one byte instructions, all executed in a single instruction cycle. The sixteen, 16-bit registers on-chip can be used as
program counters, data pointers or for data
storage. One register serves as a built-in
data pointer for DMA, an unusual feature
among available microprocessors.
The traditional CMOS low-power requirement
of this microprocessor (60 mW typically at

(4081 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.0Q per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARREll D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN lAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY lEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

2MHz) permits use of a single unregulated
power supply of 3 to 15 volts. Supply voltage tolerance of CMOS permits use in batterypowered systems, making the CDP1801 particularly appropriate to automotive and portable
equipment applications. CMOS noise immunity,
or tolerance to ambient electrical interference, typically amounts to 45% of supply
voltage. The CDP1801 is able to operate over
the full temperature range of -55° to +125 0 C.
The Microkit is a hardware support kit
containing the CPU, lK RAM, 512 words ROM,
space for additional memory and user-designed
interface cards, I/O decoders, and I/O interface for a TTY or other terminal, and power
supply. The kit is thus a complete prototyping system. A Microkit with a resident editor, assembler and debug board option with a
user-supplied terminal provides a complete,
independent system for producing debugged
programs.
More powerful software development aids
are available that offer assembly, editing,
simulation and debugging. This program is
available either on the General Electric timesharing network or as a FORTRAN IV tape for
installation on an interactive computer.
A microprocessor manual, describing the
CDP1801's architecture, instruction set, I/O
interfacing, and programming techniques is
available as well as manuals on the various
software design aids.
The CDP1800 family is now available from
stock, with the CDP1801 full-voltage (15V)
chips available at $56 and the CDP1801C 5V
chips at $40 in single quantities.

IBM

ENTERS MICROCOMPUTER MARKET

(from page 1)
The memory is expandable from 16K to 64K
in 16K increments. The purchase price ranges
from $9,000 to $20,000 depending on memory
and options.
The CPU card consists of a single chip MOS
microprocessor whose architecture is similar
to the company's system 360 mainframe. The
unit is a stored program processor and implementation of APL and BASIC is made in a single 48K ROM chip.
A 3M-type cartridge in the tape unit can
store up to 204K characters of data and permit exchange of data and programs between

cltI;

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

Volume 2, Number 41 October, 1975

3

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST

other 5100 Portable Computers using the same
programming language. A standard feature
provided on the 5100 permits users to attach
external TV monitors for displaying information to~groups in large offices, conference
rooms and business work areas.
Hard copy output is provided from the IBM
5103 optional printer at 80 cps in a 132-print
position matrix~ The printer handles single
sheets, multiple copies or continuous single
or multipart paper. The 5100 CRT features
a 16 x 64 display which includes all the special characters used in both APL and BASIC.

ROCKWELL

&NATIONAL

pP 2ND SOURCE PACT

(from page 1)
Charles V. Kovac, vice president and general manager of Rockwell's Microelectronic
Device division, and E. Floyd Kvamme, National's vice president and general manager of
the Semiconductor division, jointly announced
the agreement in New York on Sept. 3, 1975.
The agreement covers all current microprocessor products of each firm; provides options
on second-sourcing modifications, and establishes machinery for periodically reviewing
new microprocessor developments toward possible additional agreements.
Termed a "supported, alternate source"
agreement, the pact is believed to be one of
the most comprehensive consummated to date in
the microprocessor field.
In addition to establishing competitive
second sources for their microprocessors, the
agreement provides each company with the
broadest microprocessor line in the industry,
ranging from 4-bit, low cost systems to high
performance 16-bit systems.
Rockwell is in volume production with its
PPS-4 microprocessor and is beginning volume
manufacturing of its PPS-8 system.
Additionally, Rockwell has developed a
modification of its 4-bit system, designated
PPS-4/2, which the company descr,ibes as a
"very low cost" design for electronic retail
systems and process controllers.
National was the first to offer a single
chip 16-bit microprocessor, the PACE. The
firm also has a bit-slice microprocessor, the
IMP family, available in 8- and 16-bit configurations. National is ~lso developing
(cont'd next page)

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. Lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LI LLiAN LAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Apolications Technical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

4

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST
their GP/CP, CMp... 8 and SCAMP, all8-bit microprocessors aimed at specific market segments.
Each firm will provide the other with complete applications support for their lines,
including extensive software documentation
and training programs.
Both firms also produce an extensive number of associated I/O circuits and memories
and these are expected to complement each
other's microprocessor lines. The agreement
does not include the National FIPS microprocessor which is a second source device for
Intel's 4040.
The microprocessor market is estimated at
$80 to $90 million for 1975, and is expected
to grow to between $350 and $500 million by
1980.

LSI-II CHIPS OPEN To THE PUBLIC
(from page 1)
The instruction set can be microcoded to
emulate other machines, or the customer can
design their own instruction set or use a
standard instruction set that Western Digital
will introduce shortly.
The standard instruction set will be in a
special minicomputer language similar to the
one used by Data General. It will be supported by cross assemblers and other software
aids. A PROM simulator will be provided to
those customers that choose to develop their
own instruction sets.

DEVELOPMENT SERIES
(from page 1)
The 6902 CPU/TTY interface board incorporates the IM6100 microprocessor and all the
necessary logic required to interface it to a
standard TTY. The processor executes th.e !Same
instruction set as the PDP 8/E. In addition,
it provides a subset of the 8's omnibus signals allowing all regular programmed I/O
transfers and program interrupt transfers for
the PDP 8/E to operate without any hardware
or software modification. The DMA structure
of the IM6l00 is similar but not compatible
with that of the PDP 8/E. The only other
deviation from PDP 8 compatibility is the unavailability of the Extended Arithmetic Element (EAE) and the User Flag (UF).
The 6901 4K x 12 CMOS RAM board provides
the designer with a non-volatile system mem-

cI~~

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

Volume 2, Number 41 October, 1975
ory. Three penlight nickel cadium batteries
are included on the board to power the memory
when the main supply is turned off. This
feature frees the designer from reloading a
program whenever he wants to work on it. It
also protects against power failure.
The 6900 system features an extremely versatile control panel (functioning identically
to that of the PDP 8/E). The 6903 is a dedicated, completely independent control panel
with its own memory. Unlike most microcomputer control panels, Intersil's requires no
main memory to operate. The user system does
not "see" the control panel; consequently,
the panel can be connected or disconnected at
will.
The 6903 is also supplied with a PROM containing a bootstrap loader for a paper tape
reader, and other software can be implemented
very easily since any software resident on
the control panel is executed using RAM on
the panel, leaving the main memory undisturbed.
This "transparent" control panel should be
extremely useful in maintaining microprocessor based production systems with limited
control panels. One control panel would be
enough to service many dedicated systems.
All of the 6900 series cards run off of a
single +5 V supply, with a minimum system
consisting of a 6901, a 6902 and a 6903 drawing around 2A. The cycle time of this system
is 1 us, thus a memory-to-accumulator add
(TAD) instruction is executed in 5 us.
The introduction of several new cards is
planned by year end. A 4K x 12 NMOS RAM
board will provide an inexpensive, but volatile main memory. Since only 4K words of
memory are directly addressable by the processor, a memory extender board will be available. This option allows expansion of the
main memory from 4K to a maximum of 32K. Two
boards will facilitate program storage. The
first is a high speed paper tape reader/punch
interface. The other is a DEC compatible
floppy disc interface, using standard IBM
formatting.
The IM6100 is part of an all-CMOS family
of Intersil ICs. Already available are the
IM6508 1024 x 12 ROM and the IM6403 UART for
serial interface applications. Intersil
plans to introduce the IM6l01 Parallel Inter(cont'd next page)

(4081 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcompute,r Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. Lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN LAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circul~tion Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

5

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST
face element (PIE) to simplify interfacing to
the Omnibus I/O structure of the IM6100.
An all-CMOS microcomputer system offers
several advantages over other designs. A single unregulated supply between +4 and +11 V
is all that is required to power such a sys~
tem. A CMOS microcomputer with the IM6100,
lK of RAM, lK for ROM, a UART and a PIE draws
only 40 mW at +5 V. Another cost saving feature of the IM6100 is the inclusion of an onchip oscillator. An external crystal is the
only component required to clock the processor.
A unique application area is that of telephone line powered instruments/peripherals.
The telephone line provides about 40 V of 20
rnA, more than enough to power a CMOS system.
Line powered microcomputers may also find application in telemetry and security systems
as well as in the telephone system itself.
The designer will have no problem in finding software for the 6900 system. Practically
any program that will run on a PDP 8/E will run on Intersil's development system. DEC
maintains a program library of over 700 programs for the 8/E, ranging from assembly language routines to operating systems. DEC's
sophisticated operating system, the OS/8,
will run on the 6900 system without modifica~
tion. Three versions of FORTRAN IV and two
versions of BASIC are also available. All
DEC programs are thoroughly debugged and documented. The designer can also write his
own routines in widely used PDP 8 assembly
language and assemble it using one of several
assemblers available.
T~e basic 6900 board set with a 6901 4K
x 12 CMOS RAM card, a 6902 CPU/TTY card and
a 6903 control panel is priced at $3050. Individual card prices are $1860 for the 6901,
$775 for the 6902, $765 for the 6903, $254
for the 6904 (INT), $49 for the 6905 (wirewrap), and $95 for the 6906 (extender). Deliveries are within two weeks.

WESCON-MICRO WRAP 'UP
WESCON 75, the 24th annual Western Electronic Show and Convention, was held September 16-19 at Brooks Hall and Civic Auditorium
in San.Francisco, CA. This year's show gave
evidence to the industry's recovery following
an extended economic recession. The entire

cit!;

PO BOX 1167. CUPERTINO. CA 95014 •

Volume 2, Number 41 October, 1975
WESCON exhibit space was sold out weeks in
advance to more than 300 U.&. and overseas
manufacturers who demonstrated their new
equipment in 500 displays. Attendance was
officially tagged at 30,300, WESCON's highest
since 1969, and the highest ever for a WESCON
presented in San Francisco.
The show was highlighted by numerous dazzling displays of microcomputer products,
which included the following.
General Instruments kicked off their marketing of the now commercially availafule CP1600 microprocessor with the introduction of
the Series 1600 Microprocessor System. The
system is a complete hardware and software
development system for the CP-1600.
MOS Technology demonstrated their newly
announced 8-bit microprocessor priced at $20
in s ingle unit quant it ies. The family includes
the 6501 and 6502 microprocessors which are
pin compatible with the M6800.
WESCON was the first u.S. public display
of Panafacom's new three chip 16-bit microprocessor.
And right on the heels of Intersil's
introduction of the IM6100 microprocessor,
Douglas Electronics Inc. introduced the LSI80 built around Intersil's IM6100. The microcomputer looks like a PDP- 8 to us er' s programs
and peripherals. The LSI-80 is available in
either system or card form. The CPU board is
priced at $350.
Representatives from Fairchild, Motorola,
RCA, General Instrument, Rockwell, Intersil,
MOS Technology and MOSTEK demonstrated their
development systems and microcomputer cards
at the overcrowded booths of Semiconductor
Specialists, Hamilton/Avnet and Elmar Electronics.
The $249 JOLT microcomputer was demonstrated by Microcomputer Associates. The kit
is a new fully-tested microcomputer complete
with an on-board DEbug MONitor (DEMON) program. The JOLT CPU includes an 8-bit MOS
Technology 6502 microprocessor, which requires no clock, can directly address 65K of
memory, has two index registers, 58 instructions with 11 addressing modes, two interrupts and includes both· single step and address halt capability.
Cramer Electronics and Microcomputer Tech(cont'd next page)

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights ~eserved. M.R. lemas, Pre~ident ..Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARREll D. CROW, Editor; LI lLiAN lAU, ASSOCiate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Ap'Jlications Technical Advisor; MANNY lEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

nique, Inc. shared a booth and demonstrated
their Cramerkits. The kits are a ~omplete
package of components, software and design
documentation for building microcomputers.
based on-the 8080 or M6800 microprocessors.
E & L Instruments demonstrated their Mark
80 microcomputer system which is directed at
the product development and educational markets. The company publishes Bugbook III, an
instructional text providing the fundamentals
of microcomputer architecture interfacing, and
programming using the Mark 80 as an instrument for teaching.
RAMTEK chose WESCON to debut their MM80,
an In Circuit Emulator (ICEBOX) for the 8080
microprocessor. The system replaces the 8080
in the user's system and allows the designer
to examine, alter and control the 8080 system.
Micro Gen, demonstrated by Interface Technology, is a programmable microcomputer and a
digital word generator which provides a complete data control signal interface for the
users logic chip, card or system. Memory is
expandable from 64 to 4K words, and the word
width is expandable from 16- to 64-bits.
Three microcomputer-based instruments were
unveiled at the WESCON show by Dana Labs.
They include the Model 55 Gerieral Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) which translates parallel
information into an ASCII code format that
can be transmitted~via an interface bus; the
new Series 9000 Microprocessing Timer/Counter
at a base price of $2995 that is capable of
measuring frequencies up to 100 MHz. The
Model 9035 has a base price of $3495 and a
frequency range of up to 512 MHz.
On display at the Johl Fluke booth was the
second instrument in the Jumma II series of
Data Loggers using micr0computer control.
The Summa 2200A logs u? to 60 channels in the
mainframe and up to 100 channels with a scanner extender chassis. Features include a
scan counter with interval scanning from 1 to
99 minutes. Range, function and channel-skip
can be programmed for 10 individual channels
or in blocks of 10 to 100 channels. Prices
begin at $2865.
Fluke also exhibited their new 11 MHz signal generator, Model 6011A, which uses a microcomputer to enable the user to set and
recall frequencies faster and with a higher

clcI~

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

Volume 2, Number 4 I October, 1975

6

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST

degree of accuracy than conventional oscillators, counters and level meter set ups.
Macrodyne, Inc. used a microcomputer in
their ERDAC, a self-contained electronic
transient-capture and tape recording system
that captures, digitizes, records, displays,
measures, and recalls multiple electrical
signals., in one ins trument •
A digital cassette data terminal, Model
5000 which uses the Intel 4040 microcomputer,
was exhibited by MFE Computer Access Systems.
The unit can store up to 155,000 characters
per cassette and has selectable baud speeds
from 110 to 24000, asynchronous.
Electronic Products Associates displayed
their Micro-68 system that uses the Motorola
M6800 microprocessor. The system was designed
primarily for training, prototype and system
design uses. Th-e Micro-68 comes complete with
its own power supply, keyboard and display.
The full system including 512 words of PROM
and 128 words of RAM is priced at $430.
Burr-Brown Research Corp. displayed their
Microcomputer I/O Systems which were introduced last June, and Micromux, a remote data
acquisition system designed for process control industries. Micromux is ideally suited
to monitoring thermocouples, environmental
variables, equipment maintenance functions,
levels, pressures and other process signals.
The 16-channel system is priced at $2790.
The Norland Instruments NI 2001 was .demonstrated for the first time on the West Coast.
It is the first programmable calculating oscilloscope controlled by a microcomputer. The
scope requires no computer instructions or
programming experience. Pre-programmed fixed
function buttons on the keyboard perform
exact calculations of rise times, integrals,
differentials, peak areas, RMS value~, peakto-peak measurements, n-point averaging, frequency and square roots.
Data I/O had their entire line of PROM
programmers on display which included System
III, V and VI; and X. The programmers are
universal PROM programmers which can be made
to handle different PROM types by changing
one PC board in the chassis. The System X is
Data I/O's new PLA programmer.
Fairchild Systems Technology division introduced a semiconductor test system that
(cont'd on page 23)

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserve.d. M.R. lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.0Q per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARREll D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN lAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

7

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST

TECHNOLOGY:
AMD MARKETING

8080 REPLACEMENT

The AM9080A is AMD's pin-for-pin plug-in
replacement for the Intel 8080-and Texas Instrument 8080 microprocessor. Advanced Micro
Devices is now marketing the device at $29.95
in 100-piece quantities.
The 9080A meets MIL-STD-883 requirements
and AMD is offering a host of peripheral
chips that they claim is faster than Intel's.
A company spokesman said the 9080A can be
used with all existing software and 8080based systems.

MOTOROLA DROPS

6800 PRICES 60%

Motorola has cut prices on their M6800 microprocessor and clock oscillators. The 6800
has been reduced to $69 for all quantities
under 100 and the MC-6870 oscillator was dropped
to $33 in single unit quantities. The MC687lA,
MC687lB and Kll17A oscillators were halved to
$36 in single unit quantities.

SIGNETICS ADDS To BIPOLAR

pC

LINE

Signetics has added two devices to their
line of bipolar microcomputer products which
they are second sourcing from Intel. They are
the N300l Microprogram Control Unit (MCU) and
the N3002 2-bit slice Central Processing Element (CPE). Both devices feature a 45 ns
clock cycle time and significantly cooler operation.
Pricing in the 100 to 999 lot for the
N3001 is $22.50 and $12 for the N3002. The
company is also offering complete 8~bit and
16-bit designers evaluation kits for $100 and
$172 respectively.

SOS pP SEEN By YEAR END
Although Rockwell and Inselek have aborted
their plans for an SOS CMOS microprocessor,
Solid State Scientific reports a target date
by year end for their processor. The device
is patterned after GE's 8-bit CRD TTL/MSI
microprocessor (see MD, March 1975).
.SSS reports that their as yet unnamed microprocessor will be sampled in the fourth
quarter of this year with production quantities by the middle of next year.
The microprocessor, which is being developed for in-house use by GE, will also be

cI~~

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

Volume 2, Number 4 I October, 1975
offered commercially. The microprocessor
features a 350 ns cycle time at 5 V. It has
a microprogrammed architecture and typical
instruction execution time is less than 2 us.
The chip can address up to 65K of memory and
treats I/O as memory. The instruction set
consists of 249 commands.
The SOS processor uses silicon-gate, deep
deplet ion mode proces.s ing for high funct ional
density. SSS will also introduce a host of
SOS support chips, including 4K ROM, RAMs and
a DMA chip.

MICROCOMPUTER-BASED PRODUCTS:
DEC UNVEILS UNDER SIOK DISC SYSTEM
A new $9,950 disc-based microcomputer system has been unveiled by Digital Equipment
Corp. at WESCON. Based on the LSI-II microcomputer, which uses the instruction set of
the PDP-Il/40, the PDP-IIV03 includes dual
floppy disc drives as a mass storage device,
offers a choice of either an LA36 keyboard
terminal printer or a VT52 video terminal as
an input/output communication device, and
comes with the RTII real-time operating system. Users can add FORTRAN IV or BASIC.
The VT52 video terminal features full cursor control, full upper and lower case ASCII
character set, 24-line screen, adjustable
baud rate from llO to 9,600, dot matrix and
a separate numeric pad. The terminal sells
for $1,360 in lots of 100.
The LA36 Decwriter II terminal printer can
be attached to any central processor with a
current loop or RS232C interface. The terminal features output characters in upper and
low~r case, 30 cps output, a catch up feature
that stores characters during a line feed and
causes the head to print at 60 cps until the
storage has been emptied. One hundred lot
pricing is $1,310 each.

IMP USED IN GLOBAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM
Airborne Navigation Corp. has incorporated
an IMP-16 microcomputer from National Semiconductor into what is probably the most sophisticated global-scaled navigation system
for aircraft in the general aviation class.
Operating on very-low-frequency signals
from ten transmitters strategically located
around the world, the IMP-16 monitors the
(cont'dnext page)

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. Lemas, President. Published monthly. ~ubscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN lAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Apolications Technical Advisor; MANNY lEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.
\

8

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST
signals and determines which are usable. Then,
utilizing at least three signals, it determines an accurate position by measuring phase
displacement from the respective stations and
calculates the vector diagram. Navigation
quality is a function of how many stations
are being ~eceived, their locations and signal strengths.
The microcomputer recomputes the aircrafts
position over 100,000 times a second to assure an accurate position recording.

$297 MOSTEK

F-8 KIT

Mostek Corp. has introduced their F-8 microcomputer design kit for $297 each. The kit
includes the MK3850 CPU, MK3851 program storage unit and the MK3853 memory interface. It
also includes a lK x 8 RAM, two CMOS buffers
and a 2 MHz crystal.
The design kit is fully documented. The
program storage unit contains the Designer's
Development Tool (DDT-I) program which permits program loading, storing, modification,
debugging and hexadecimal arithmetic when
used with a teletypewriter.

MODULAR MICROCOMPUTER KIT

Volume 2, Number 41 October, 1975
cal printer elements such as stepping, ribbon
and hammer motors. The microprocessor calculates each character positioning using a new
HP developed technique. The printer can justify left or right and can also double as a
precision plotter, positioning any character
within 1/120th of an inch horizontally and
1/96th of an inch vertically. The printer is
priced under $4000 with deliveries beginning
in November.
The N-channel MOS microprocessor is being
manufactured at their Loveland, CO semiconductor facility.

4-BIT pC LESS THAN $100
Quoting prices under $100, Pro-Log Corp.
is marketing their PLS-401A, 4-bit 4004-based
microcomputer card designed for use in dedicated control and data processing.
The card includes the 4004 microprocessor,
crystal-controlled clock, an 80-character RAM
with 320 character capacity, external poweron reset, 16 TTL input lines, 16 TTL and 4
MOS output lines. Up to four 256 word instruction PROMs with 1024-word capacity may
be purchased with each card.

NEW MMI DIVISION OFFERS

3 SYSTEMS

A modular microcomputer kit based on the
Intel 8008 microprocessor and priced at $440
is now available from Scelbi Computer- Consulting. The microcomputer is constructed
using a basic set of PC cards and can be interfaced to a wide variety of peripherals.
These include an oscilloscope display driver,
ASCII keyboard and an aUdio-type recorder.
The $440 chassis kit includes five boards:
CPU, data buffer, input card, front panel
controller and a 256 x 8 memory card. The
memory is expandable to 16K. Available programs include peripheral support, calculator
packages, assemblers and editors.

Monolithic Memories' new microcomputer
division will be offering three microcomputer
families. These include the System 100 which
will compete in the slow microprocessor market with CPU card prices at less tnat $250.
The System 300 will be software compatible
with Data General's Nova series. The companies System 600 will consist of the same
software and performance as the System 300,
but will be packaged in the 15" x 15" form
factor of existing minicomputers. All three
systems will be software compatible with each
other.

HP DESIGNS CUSTOM 16-BIT pC CHIP

NCR USES CUSTOM

Hewlett-Packard has designed their own 16bit.microprocessor to control their latest
9817A printer/plotter. The instrument is a
companion to the firm's new 9815A calculator
which uses a Motorola M6800 microcomputer and
is priced at $2900.
HP is said to have designed its own microprocessor because off-the-shelf devices were
not fast enough to handle all electromechani-

NCR Corp. has announced the 7200 Modell
data entry terminal, the first in a new line
of microcomputer-based terminal families.
The terminal has a 9-inch CRT screen which
displays the standard 64 ASCII character set.
The top half of the screen can accommodate
128 characters. The lower half is used for
operator messages or system status messages.
The terminal can be ordered with either a

cliI~

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

pP

IN NEW TERMINALS

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.0Q per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARREll D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN lAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY lEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

9

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST
keypunch or typewriter-style keyboard.
Cassettes used with the terminal are ANSIcompatible and can be read into the full line
of NCR computer systems, starting with the
NCR 299 Series up through the Century Series.
Each data cassette can store over 300~OOO
characters. The recording density is 800 bpi.
The single-chip microprocessor used in the
terminal features a 5 us instruction cycle,
four addressing modes and a repertoire of 78
hardware commands. The microcomputer directs
all buffer allocation, data formatting, and
input/output traffic between the terminal and
its peripherals, error interception, operator
guidance and data verification.
The terminal is being manufactured by NCR's
Terminal Systems Division. Prices begin at
$5,300 and deliveries are scheduled for November.

INDUSTRIAL ALTAIR 8800
Mits, Inc. has introduced their Altair
8800 Industrial Development System, a complete software development and PROM programming system built around the Intel 8080 microprocessor.
The unit is equipped with the 8080, 8K
dynamic RAM memory, teletype or standard
RS232 interface, PROM programmer, 256 x 8
PROM memory card, loader on PROM, slots for
two additional plug-in cards, room available
in the basic unit for eight added slots, and
software on cassette or punched tape.
Software in the 8800-IDS includes a resident assembler, text editor, system monitor,
BASIC and diagnostic.
The price is $2,800 FOB Albuquerque. Delivery is in 60 days ARO.

pC KEYBOARD PRINTER TERMINAL
An Intel 8008 microcomputer based keyboard
printer terminal has been introduced by Anderson Jacobson. The terminal sell$ for
$3,700 and leases for $185 on a month to
month lease.
Features of the AJ 830 terminal include
electronic keyboard, 10 or 12 pitch capability, high-speed, daisy-wheel printing, and
can operate at either 30 cps or 45 cps. The
printer can provide up to five copies of the
original hardcopy output.

cI

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

Volume 2, Number 41 October, 1975

NEW TWIST

IN SEWING MACHINES

At the heart of the new Sin&er Athena 2000
sewing machine lies a cold and 'calculating
microprocessor. The 8-bit device controls
all machine settings and automatically adjusts to the selected stitch length and width
and the fabric in use. The microprocessor
replaces as many as 350 mechanical parts.
Hugh Morris, director of communications at
American Microsystems, Inc., says that the
Singer designed chip is being manufactured
exclusively by AMI.

MA KETTLE SHOULD SEE THIS!
A new family of washing machines controlled
by a microcomputer is about to be introduced
by ITT Semiconductors in Great Britain. The
Model 7150 is the first of a line of microcomputer controlled automatic home appliances
being planned by the company.
The 28-pin microprocessor utilizes up to
20 programming and timing combinations for
nine machine programs that are standard in
Europe. The 7150 is mask-programmable and
is used with two ROMs. The chip is priced
in volume at $6, and $10 to $20 for a complete system.

COMPUTER TERMINAL MONITOR
A dedicated computer terminal monitor that
uses a microcomputer to process and store
transaction information is now available from
Questronics Inc. An optical coupler system
permits attachments near the terminal without
internal connections and without interference
with terminal operation. A 4-digit LED display indicates response times or number of
transactions and an LED indicator warns of
power loss. The time base is a crystal oscillator.

HIGH-SPEED BARE CIRCUIT BOARD TESTER
Algorithm Technology, Inc., manufacturers
of high speed bare circuit board testers, announced the introduction of a new high speed
microcomputer-based:controlled wiril}-g analyzer for back plane panels, card racks, cables
and harnesses, and other wired assemblies.
The unit is expandable in 64 node increments.
The 65,000 test-point system is fast and
(cont'd next page)

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. Lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LI LLiAN LAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA l. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Ap'Jlications Technical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

10

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST
provides GO/NO-GO indications of good or bad
assemblies in less than one second for a
50,000 point back panel or other wired unit.
Programming takes approximately ten seconds
for the 50,000 point assembly.
The system can be programmed from an optional cassette or from other external sources,
but a known good unit or the cassette input
is required. Error listing is done at the
rate of 1 to 40 errors per second depending
on the optional printer selected.
Prices begin at $13,120 and vary according to configuration. Delivery is 90 to 120
days.

8080 DATA ENTRY SYSTEM
Citing second source capabilities and lowvolume production prices, Mr. Donald Feddersen, president of Entrex, has announced the
company will introduce a new data entry system in January using the 8080 microprocessor
from Int el.
Feddersen declined to say what the microcomputer would do other than a variety of
control functions including terminal, communications and peripheral controls. He did
note that it will have more capability than
the company's System 580, now at the high
performance end of the Entrex line.

MICROCOMPUTER-CONTROLLED KEYPUNCH

Volume 2, Number 41 October, 1975
stages. Included are a 4040-based load cell
manipulating subsystem, a 4040-based lowspeed data acquisition and control system,
and an 8080-based multichannel data acquisition system.
The company said they expected to release
the products toward the end of the year and
were not yet prepared to disclose prices.
The systems will be standard products for the
company.

GENERAL AUTOMATION UNWRAPS

pC

FAMILY

General Automation has unveiled a new
series of microcomputers. The boards are
based on a single chip N-channel MOS silicon
gate microprocessor manufactured by Synertek
Inc., a partially owned subsidiary.
The GA-16/110 cycles in 450 ns and sells
for $585. The Model 220 uses the same CPU
board, but adds a second board for hardwired TTY interface and special I/O. The
220 price is $975. The Model 330 cyc~es in
400 ns and is implemented on large boards as
a minicomputer with 4K x 16 core memory. The
330 is priced at $3,250. The top model, 440,
lists for $8,950, cycles in 240 ns with 16bit memory and is designed to speed up processing in high level languages. This board
can address up to one million words of memory
and uses $chottkey devices.

PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER

Incorporat ing art opt ional RS 23 2C int erface,
a microcomputer-controlled 80 column keypunch
device has been introduced by Tab Products.
The TAB 501 data entry microcomputer is
capable of data transmission through a modem
or cable, and can be tiec" into any type of
data entry or processing system. Depending on
the options, the 501 can ~ead, punch, print,
verify and interpret ei-cher on-line or offline. Features includ8 up to 220 columns of
constants from memory, up to 28 program levels with automatic sequencing, instant verification, automatic error correction and
high-speed character duplication.
Pricing for the microcomputer based keypunch begins at $6,285.

Eagle Signal has introduced the first microcomputer-based programmable logic controller. The system is built around an Intel
8080A microprocessor. The firm has developed
their own control language that allows users
to communicate in PLC languages, which rely
on relay symbols.
The microcomputer can be programmed by
either a mini-based CRT terminal or a manual
programmer which is also built around an 8080
microcomputer. Set points can be entered
through an integral data-entry and display
unit without ,changing the program and the
unit can handle up to 2,048 inputs and outputs.

pC

ELECTRONIC CRANE USES MICRO

IN MEASUREMENT SUBSYSTEMS

Analogic has selected Intel microprocessors for three of their newest measurement
subsystems currently in final development

cI~~

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

The Martin-Decker Company has incorporated
a microcomputer in their new electronic Crane
Load Moment Indicator (CLM) system. The mi(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. Lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.OQ per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN LAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

crocomputer monitors the crane load and computes and displays all crane operating data
for the operator. The microcomputer is custom programmed to define the load limit parameters of each customer's specific make and
model of crane, along with diff~rent combinations of boom length and load block reeving.
Up to 15 crane-configuration tables, one for
each boom length and reeving combination, can
be stored by the micro.

DATA LOGGER FAMILY INTRODUCED
A new Fluke line of data loggers uses microcomputers to control the systems instrument operation and provides users with programmable features.
The first unit, Summa II, 2240A can scan
60 channels in the mainframe and up to 1,000
with extender options. Resolution can be to
1 uV and' O.loC or F. Keyboard entry allows
the user to program range, function, skip,
alarm limits, data/time, time interval and
fixed data, all from the front panel.
The data logger has several alarm scan
modes. When pre-programmed values are exceeded, the data logger generates an alarm
output. Scan int"ervals range from 1 second
to 24 hours. Intervals are keyboard-selec~
table, thus the unit can be programmed to
begin scanning at any chosen moment in a 24
hour period. Similarly, output devices can
be set to record ~ll data, interval data, or
alarm only data.
Prices begin at $4,295 and delivery is 60
to 90 days ARO.

PPS-BASED SPECTROPHOTOMETER
A microcomputer-based Infra-Red spectrophotometer built with Rockwell International's
PPS-4 4-bit microprocessor has been introduced by Perkin-Elmer.
The company used the microcomputers to
increase accuracy and test repeatability of
the instruments while increasing the ranges
of possible analyses. The microcomputer
uses 4K words of memory and can operate in a
stand-alone mode or be interfaced with an external computer.
The units are priced at $16,400 each and
delivery is 10 weeks ARO.

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

Volume 2, Number 4 I October, 1975

11

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST

pC

FOR EDUCATION

&SYSTEM

DEVELOPMENT

Designed to be used as both a learning ~aid
and a microcomputer development system, the
Micro Primer 4/8 can be used for any 4- and
8-bit microprocessor on the market.
The Primer 4/8 consists of the microprocessor, memory circuits for program and data
storage, and a front panel with controls and
indicators to address and display the memory
contents and conditions of the microprocessor.
The user can enter memory address and instructions in machine language and display
contents on the front-panel as well as increment, decrement or force-load of program
memory address. The system includes single
step operations.
Conversion from a 4-bit unit to an 8-bit
microcomputer is accomplished by changing the
PC board containing the microprocessor and
changing the front panel harness assembly.
The Primer is manufactured by Technitrol and
is priced at $2000. Delivery is 4 to 6 weeks.

PLAN GETS SMART
Zentec Corp. has announced that they will
supply a number of their microcomputer video
display terminal/printer systems to Stanford
University for use in the California "Public
Library Automation Network" (PLAN).
The 9002B microcomputer terminal will retrieve any record in the library's data base
by Library of Congress card number; all personal names in the record, including series
authors; any word in all corporate and conference entries; and any word in the title,
series title, or added title. Subject headings and call numbers can also be used to
retrieve titles that have been cataloged by
the Stanford University Libraries.

MICROCOMPUTER SOFTWARE:
TYMSHARE EXPANDS pC SOFTWARE
Tymshare, Inc. has expanded the microcomputer programming software available over the
company's international data communications
network, TYMNET. The new software includes
an assembler/simulator for the T1 TMSIOOO,
TMS8080 and the Motorola ·M6800 microprocessors. The microchip programming aids, devel(cont'd next page)

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. Lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN LAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Ap'JlicationsTechnical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

12

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST
oped by TI, run on Tymshare 's TYMCOM-370 while
the Motorola assembler/simulator package was
designed for the TYMCOM-X systems.

UCS &GE ADD 6800 CAPABILITY
The following M6800 software support is
available through the United Computing Systems, Inc. Network, General Elect/ric Information Services International Network and the
Motorola Timeshare Service.
o MPCASM--A cross assembler that converts
symbolic source code to machine-language with
listings;
o MPSSIM--An interactive simulator which
simulates the execution of machine-language
instructions assembled with MPCASM;
o HELP--Provides real-time documentation
of the software, including abbreviated operating procedures; and
o MPBVM--A "build virtual-machine" program
for simplifing file management operations.

8080 ONE PASS ASSEMBLER
MicroSystems Software has developed a one
pass assembler that runs in resident mode in
an 8080 development system. This program
assembles a compatible subset of the Intel
language and generates machine code directly
into memory for immediate execution if desired. The assembler occupies less than 2000
bytes of memory and can be placed in either
ROM or PROM.
The assembler may be customized to the
particular user environment prior to delivery.
The resident assembler is priced at $495 and
delivery is within one week.

8080 RESIDENT ASSEMBLERS
Two resident assemblers for the Intel 8080
based systems have been introduced by Extensys Corp. They include a full assembler compatible with Intel's 8080 assembly language,
and a basic assembler without MACROs or operand expressions. Both assemblers can be ordered with options for producing relocatable
code or run-time symbolic debugging. The
basic assembler runs in 1300 bytes and the
full assembler occupies less than 2K bytes
of memory. Both of the assemblers operate
in one pass.
The symbolic debugging option makes it
possible to insert code patches, breakpoints

cI~;

PO BOX 1167. CUPERTINO. CA 95014 •

Volume 2, Number 41 October, 1975
and data, using familiar symbolic designations without remembering absolute hex codes
and addresses.
In addition to the two assemblers, a deassembler is offered which produces assembly
level listings of Intel programs and serves
as a useful tool for cleaning up or redocumenting old programs.
Future products include resident assemblers
for the Motorola 6800, resident PL/M compilers and FORTRAN and BASIC interpretive systems.
Price for the basic assembler is $300 and
for the full assembler $450. The relocation
and symbolic debugging options are $50 and
$100 respectively. The de-assembler is priced
at $175.

TWO-PASS FORTRAN COMPILER
Mini-Software, Inc. is marketing a resident two-pass FORTRAN compiler which executes
in any 16K Intel 8080 microcomputer system.
The compiler, a subset of FORTRAN IV, supports integer variables that are 5 bytes each
and floating-point variables that are 6 bytes
each.

CRoss-AsSEMBLER FOR INTEL LINE
Optimum Systems, Inc. has announced the
availability of a new microprocessor cross
assembler for the Intel 4004/4040 and 8008/
8080 chips. Access to the cross assembler
is provided through low-speed or h~gh-speed
terminals around the clock. The company
claims cost savings of more than 50% over
competitive services as a result of low terminal connect charges and efficient assembly
language coding of the assembler.
Features include improved diagnostics,
improved ability to patch the object code,
cross-reference listing and statement numbering, simple user interface and powerful SUPERWYLBUR text editing capability.

PROCESS CONTROL COMPILER
The Comstar Microcomputers group of the
Warner & Swasey Co. has introduced a new version of its process control compiler which
handles the instruction set for their System
4A and B microcomputers. The new compiler
may be used for data entry through a TTY, a
Silent 700 Dual Cassette ASR Terminal, or

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. Lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LI LLIAN LAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circul~tion Editor; RAY 'HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

13

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST
similar terminals.
Eight new compiler commands have been created specifically for compilation from a data
terminal to permit such functions as the creation on tape of an entire PCL program or the
adjustment of the amount of delay following a
carriage return.
The basic compiler is priced at $3~595 and
delivery is 30 days ARO.

MIL-8080 SOFTWARE
Robert Swartz, a business executive and
amateur programmer, is offering, for $20, a
package containing MIL's Monitor-S software
listing, debugging hints, schematics, parts
placement lists and a cassette interface
schematic and software.
The Monitor-S is a 2~1/2K mnemonic assem~
bIer and editor for the SOSO compatible device once manufactured by now-defunct Micro
International Ltd.
Another Canadian-based firm, Space Circiuts, continues to supply PC boards for the
MIL-SOSO device. Price for a set of seven
boards, including CPU, I/O, RAM and ROM is
$S6.70 per set, or $13 each. A backplane
board, priced at $24.75 is also available
which interconnects with the other boards
and contains PROM programming electronics.

MYCRO-TEK OFFERING CROSS ASSEMBLERS
An ANSI standard FORTRAN IV cross assembler for SOSO-based microcomputer systems has
been introduced by Mycro-Tek, Inc. The program can be executed on any l6-bit or larger
computer whose compiler supports this language.
The cross assembler generates an assembled
program listing and a hexadecimal object tape,
compatible with Intel's MCS-SO. The major
features of the assembler are: no disc access
required; will run on an SK machine; accepts
ANSI standard FORTRAN IV logical unit numbers
for I/O devices; two-pass assembler; and complete documentation. The price for the assembler is $300 and delivery is 30 days ARO.

MEMORIES AND PERIPHERALS:
MOS TECH 6530 PERIPHERAL DRIVER

Volume 2, Number 41 October, 1975
mabIe timer. The NMOS 6530 can interface
with either the MOS Technology 6500 series or
Motorola's M6S00 microprocesso~s.
Although the device can beused with either
of the above, wheneMer a customer switches
CPUs, the ROM sections will need to be recoded. The 6530's timer is settable under
the microprocessor's program in increments of
up to 256 times the basic time interval. The
basic time interval is programmable as 1, S,
64 or 1024 times the basic clock speed.
The 6530 is intended to drive TTYs, card
readers and tape cassettes. Complex systems
will require additional 6530 drivers.

PROM

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

ANNOUNCED

Nippon Electric Co. 's new MU PD 454D PROM
features a typical access time of 450 ns.
Writing in the PROM is accomplished by injecting hot electrons, and erasing by injecting positive holes into the ROM device. The
company reports that typical erase time has
been cut to 30 seconds with the new method.
Initial sample prices are set at $50 each.
PROM programming equipment will be sold between $667 and $1000.

FLOPPY DISC CONTROLLER CHIP
Rockwell International Corp. has introduced
a new LSI floppy disc controller (FDC) chip
as part of its PPS-S microprocessor series.
The 40-pin chip can be used with eight PPS-S
microprocessors, and 'about ten additional LSI
and discrete devices to form an IBM-compatible floppy disc control system for around
$200 in 1,000 lots.
The FDC chip itself is priced at $125 in
1-24 quantities, $100 in 25-99 quantities and
$SO in 100-999 quantities. Prototype chips
are now available with production quantities
scheduled for next month.
The disc controller can operate at either
single or double density and can easily be
used in products already based on the firm's
PPS-S. The firm reports that one or mo~e
floppy discs can be connected to existing
PPS-S-based equipment using the FDC chip at
a cost of less than $75 in 1,000 quantities.

MOS Technology has introduced a peripheral
driver IC containing a lK ROM, 64 bytes of
RAM, 16 programmable I/O pins and a program-

clcS;

&PROGRAMMER

#

#

#

#

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARREll D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN lAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY lEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

14

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST

Volume 2, Number 41 October, 1975

AMI DROPS 6605 RAM

CCD ANALOG SHIFT REGISTER

American Microsystems Inc. has revealed
that they are dropping their 6605 4K RAM, a
second source device for Motorola's RAM. AMI
said this was due to the die's large size
which resulted in poor yields. However, Intersil has quickly announced that they will
second source the 6605. Their agreement with
Motorola includes reducing the size of the
die.
AMI is currently second sourcing the TI
and Mostek 4K RAMs. Intersil reportedly plans
to introduce a l6-pin design of their own
early next year.

Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corp. has
introduced a new charge-coupled analog shift
register, the CCD311, a 130/260-bit integrated
circuit which performs the function of a
wide-range variable analog delay line. Delay
is determined solely by the frequency of an
external clock signal. The circuit eliminates
the need to convert analog signals to digital
form for delay within digital delay systems
and then to reconvert to analog form.
The CCD3ll is available now from factory
stock. Pricing for 100 to 999 quantities is
$49, with production volume pricing as low
as $15.

NATIONAL SAMPLING

4K

RAM

National Semiconductor reports that their
new 18-pin MN5270 4K RAM has been successfully sampled by two large computer users. The
4096 x 1 device uses a fully decoded N-channel silicon gate process and features tristate lines, common input and output lines.
The RAM is TTL compatible and access time is
200 ns with cycle time at 400 ns. Power requirements are -12 V, -5 V and Gnd.
National is currently entering production
on the RAM with prices and deliveries soon to
be announced. The company is also offering
the RAM in a 22-pin configuration.
A spokesman for the company noted that National is on the verge of announcing blue and
green I/O and peripheral support chips for
the PACE microprocessor. The chips will be
quite similar to the series marketed for the
IMP microprocessors.

INTERSIL ADDS

Two 4K PROMs

Two 4K PROMs have been added to Intersil's
product line of TTL programmable ROM memories,.
The 512 x 8 IM5605 has open collector outputs
and the IM5625 is tri-state. Typical read
cycle time for.both memories is 45 ns at 25°C.
Both devices are available over the commercial (OOC to +75 0 C) temperature range in
ceramic DIP packages. Pricing is $40.05 (124); $32.05 (25-99); and $26.70 (100-999).
The PROMs are in volume production and available from stock.

cI

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

INTERSIL INTRODUCES

4K

RAM

The IM7507 is a new 4096 x 1 dynamic Nchannel MOS RAM being introduced by Intersil,
Inc. It is direct pin-for-pin replacement
for TI's 4060, and Intel's 2l07A and 2l07B.
The RAM is available in three speed options.
Pricing for the 22-pin DIP RAM in 100-999
quantities is $24.95.

M6800 FLOPPY DISC SYSTEM
A low-cost floppy disc system, which plugs
directly into Motorola's M6800 EXORciser with
all of the necessary hardware and software to
permit immediate operation, is now in production at iCOM.
The system, which consists of from, one to
four floppy disc drives, an IBM compatible
formatter/controller and a desk-top cabinet
with power supplies, cooling and cabling, is
completely compatible with the M6800.
With iCOM's FDO$, it is possible to immediately perform such operations as disc-todisc edits, disc-to-disc assemblies, program
load and go, program merge, disc-to-paper
tape, paper tape-to-disc and more. All software (FDOS, assembler and editor) are provided on an IBM diskette so that no media
conversions are required.
The unit quantity price is $2350 for a
single disc system and $3000 for a dual unit.
Lot prices in small OEM quantities are as low
as $1840. Delivery is 30 days ARO.

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer ,Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARREll D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN lAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY lEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

IMP-16

&PACE

$110 MODEM KIT

CORE MEMORIES

Magnetic core memories specifically designed for National Semiconductor's IMP-16
and PACE microprocessors are now available
from the Litton Memory Products Division in
either 4096 x 16 or 8192 x 16 configurations.
Cycle t irne is 1.4 us and access time is 550 ns.
Principal advantages of using core over
semiconductor memories are greater reliability in industrial environments and the protection it offers from loss of data caused by
power swings or uncontrolled shut-downs.

5203

&1702A

PROM PROGRAMMERS

Two MaS PROM programmers priced at under
$1000 have been announced by PROM Programmers
Inc. The production models introduced are
the MM5203 and 1702A. Both offer read/modify/
write modes priced at $850 and copy/verifY
modes at $650. Interactive temperature sensing is provided on the MM5203. Delivery is
30 days ARO and all units are warranteed for
one year for parts and labor.

MICROPAC PROM PROGRAMMER
Process Computer Systems, Inc. has introduced a new low-cost independent PROM programmer for use with the company's MicroPac
microcomputers. Packaged in a self-contained
desktop enclosure, the PBIOOO PROM programmer
is able to program one PROM chip from RAM or
duplicate from another PROM. Programming
time is typically two minutes. No price or
delivery dates were given by PCS.

SUPPORT BOARDS FOR ALTAIR
Process'or Technology Co. is offering plug
compatible memory and I/O boards for the Altair 8800 microcomputer system. The boards
are available in both kit and assembled versions. A 2K PROM module retails as a kit for
$50 and assembled for $75. A 4K byte, low
power, static RAM memory is $215 for kit and
$280 assembled. Kit prices for the assembly
language operating system firmware module is
$250, simulator expansion module $95, video
display module $160, and extender board module $35. Delivery is from stock to three
weeks ARO.

cI

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

Volume 2, Number 41 October, 1975

15

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST

The Ven-Tel Company is marketing a modem
kit for $110. The heart of the kit is an LSI
hybrid chip which consists of all the EIA inputs and outputs, 20 ma current loop input
for direct connection to TTYs, and all functions for operating a D/A device. The kit
includes the chip, acoustic coupler hardware
and schematics.

DATA ACQUISITION MODULE
A 16-channel data-acquisition module compatible with microcomputer products is being
marketed by Analogic Corp. The module consists of a 12-bit A/D converter with automatically trimmed resistors, a temperaturecompensated sample and hold, differential
amplifier, and programmable logic. The MP6812
is priced at $295 in unit quantities and $180
in one hundred lots. Delivery is off-theshelf.

D/A CONVERTER SPECIFICALLY FOR pC
Analog Devices has begun marketing its
first D/A converter specifically built for
microcomputer applications. The AD 7522 10bit CMOS converter follows the company's previously announced AD7570 ratiometric A/D converter.
Double buffered digital inputs enable the
device to output an analog signal while the
microcomputer is loading a new value into
the 7522's front buffer either serially or in
parallel.
The 7522 is a 28-pin DIP device and is
available in nine different versions for variations in voltages, bit capacity and temperature ranges. Prices begin at $19.50 in unit
quantities.

PEOPLE 1 LITERATURE AND EVENTS:
MODULE PRODUCTS GROUP FORMED
National Semiconductor Corp. has formed a
Module Products Group under the direction of
Martin J. Oudewaal. The Group will produce
standard and custom modules of electronic
subsystems that use National's LSI circuits,
microcomputers, optoelectronic displays, keyboards, transducers, discrete transistors,
(cont'd next page)

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. Lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN LAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

Volume 2, Number 4 I October, 1"975

16

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST
memory circuits, and hybrid microcircuits.
The modules will be sold to manufacturers of
home appliances, entertainment systems, automotive products, telecommunications systems
and military equipment.

memory test systems. Xincom Division will
remain in Chatsworth, CA. The work force
will remain substantially intact, with former
president Brian Sear as division general manager.

TI EXPANDS EUROPEAN EFFORT

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Texas Instruments has established a European Digital Systems Division headquartered
in Nice, France with operating and marketing
activities parallel to those of the u.S. Digital Systems Division. PIERRE CLAVIER has
been appointed division manager for the European operations and reports to Mr. J. D. Zimmerman, group vice president.

ICS CONDUCTS PHILIPS COURSE
Philips, a $10 billion electronic company,
is taking a lead in introducing microcomputer
devices in their consumer and electronic products. As evidence of this commitment.,
Philips has engaged Integrated Computer Systems (ICS) to conduct a series of in-house
courses on microcomputer technology.
The courses include a Manager-Level Overview of Microprocessors, Microcomputers and
Minicomputers; Microprocessors and Microcomputers--A Comprehensive Technical Introduction and Survey; Software Development and
Applications Techniques for Microcomputers;
and a special microprocessor seminar for corporate management.
The series of courses were conducted in
the week of August 25, 1975 for over 250
Philip's pe~sonnel. Instructors were Dr.
David Collins, president of ICS, Eric Garren,
vice president; Stan Brannan, president of
Mycro-Tek; and Manny Lemas, president of Microcomputer Associates Inc.
This move represented a continuation of
the heavy prior commitment to microcomputer
technology by Philips. The company has already developed several designs for applications utilizing a wide range of microprocessors. Philips' recent acquisition of Signetics provides them with in-house MOS and bipolar microprocessor capabilities.

FC&I To PURCHASE XINCOM
Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corp. has
purchased substantially all of the assets of
Xincom Corp., a manufacturer of semiconductor

cltI;

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

JOSEPH J. McDOWELL, one of the original
founders of Monolithic Memories, Inc. has
joined American Microsystems, Inc. as director of Microcomputer Products.
PHILLIP M. DRAYER, formerly manager of
Memory Product Engineering at Texas Instruments, has joined AMI as manager of the firm's
4K RAM Product Engineering.
MICHAEL PAYNE has been appointed LSI engineering manager at the Transitron Electronic Corp. He will be responsible for a new
bipolar memory product line and a 16-bit bipolar microprocessor scheduled for introduction later this year.
THOMAS A. LONGO, group vice-president of
Fairchild Camera & Instrument Corp., will
head the newly formed Memory and Logic Group,
comprised of the Bipolar Memory, MOS Products
and Digital Products divisions. He also has
. the charter to enter into end-product areas
utilizing Fairchild's memory and logic technology.
GEORGE WELLS has been named group vice
president of Fairchild's Analog and Discrete
Products Group consisting of the Linear Integrated Circuits, Automotive, Diode and
Transistor divisions.
MARTIN J. OUDEWAAL has been appointed head
of National Semiconductor's new Module Products Group.
FRANK T. LYNCH is National's new marketing
manager for high-performance microprocessors.
He comes from Harris Computer System division
and will report to Phil Roybal at NSC. One of
Lynch's responsibilities will be the CMP-8
microprocessor.
JOHN A. TITUS is the new general manager
of Tychon, the newly formed microcomputer
system research, development and consulting
division of E & L Instruments. The new division will concentrate on research and development of new microcomputer and peripheral
products as well as provide users with consulting aid in the integration of their microcomputer-based systems.

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. Lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN LAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

17

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST

Volume 2, Number 41 October, 1975

JACK MATTIS has switched from Signetics to
Fairchild to assume the position of marketing
manager for the F-8. He will report to ALAN
GREGORY, general manager of Fairchild's MOS
division, who is also from Signetics.
STEVEN J. ANDEL MAN has been promoted as
product marketing manager for Analog Devices
systems development group. The group is reportedly working on an 8080-based data acquisition system.
THOMAS P. CUTLER has joined Dialog Systems
as the new marketing vice president in charge
of the company's speech word recognition system which can be built around either an LSI11 microcomputer or a PDP-ll/04 minicomputer.
ALBERT NAUMANN, assistant general manager
of Lockheed Electronics Co., Inc.'s Aerospace
Systems division, was elected 31st president
of the Instrument Society of America.
CHUCK TROIANI has joined National Semiconductor as manager of interface product marketing. He held a similar position at Fairchild'~
Semiconductor Division.
HANK BODIO has joined Monolithic Memories
Inc. 's new MMI/Systems division as director
of engineering. He was formerly Intel's engineering manager.
BILL SLAYMAKER has also joined MMI/Systems
as product marketing manager for the 600,
300, and 100 microcomputer systems.
FRANK YATES III has been appointed regional manager for the central region for General
Instrument's rotating memory products division.

Practical system design using the Intel
8080 and the Motorola 6800 is the subject of
the ACM Fall 1975 Study-Course #1. The twoday course will be held on Oct. 18 and 25 at
Rickeys Hyatt House in Palo Alto, CA. Floyd
Nordin, microprocessor systems consultant,
will be the instructor.
Participants should be familar with the
two microprocessors and assembly language.
Tuition is $20 for members of the Bay Area
chapters of the ACM and $25 for non-members.
For reservations call Dave Kelly, Programming
Methods Inc., (415) 964-9900.

TYMSHARE To ACQUIRE QUELEX DATA

ALTAIR USERS GROUP NEWSPAPER

Tymshare, Inc. has announced it has reached
an agreement in principle to acquire all of
the assets and specified liabilities of Quelex Data Systems, Inc. for an initial cash
payment of approximately $1,500,000 and additional payments based upon the combined per~
formance of the acquired business and Tymshare's Valcomp division over a period of
three years. The transaction is subject to
the execution of a definitive agreement and
to certain conditions to be fulfilled prior
to closing.

Mits Inc. has announced that they are publishing an Altair Users Group newspaper called
Computer Notes. The newspaper will keep
readers abreast of new developments in the
Altair computer line as well as helpful hints
in the form of articles written by Mits engineers and programmers. Subscriptions are
$10 a year.

BYTE
A new magazine exclusively aimed at the
home computing market has gained wide accep~
clcI~

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

ance. BYTE is an excellent publication, full
of good articles for the microcomputer hobbyist as well as a commercial marketplace for
those selling hobby kits, systems and components. The magazine is published by Wayne
Green, who also publishes a popular magazine
for radio hams. Subscription for BYTE is
$12 a year.

ELECTRONICS BOOK SERIES
Electronics Magazine is offering a collection of their past articles bound in a single
volume and organized to present the design
and application of microprocesso;ps. The book,
priced at $8.95, contains practical information on available microprocessors, technology,
end-products and application notes.
(Ed Note: MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST will review
this book in an upcoming issue.)

PRACTICAL SYSTEM DESIGN COURSE

IEEE REPOSITORY INDEX
A cumulative index to the IEEE Computer
Society Repository has just been published
and is available from the society's publications office. The volume contains an author
and subject index of nearly 1600 papers, reports and documents from 1966-1973.

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. Lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN LAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

The Repository is a collection of techni~
cal papers and documents relating to computer
science and engineering that is maintained
as a service to the information processing
community. It is presently growing ata rate
of about 300 entries per year. Updates to
the index are planned at appropriate intervals.
The cumulative index is priced at $12 for
IEEE Computer Society members and $16 for
non-members.

RECENT LITERATURE
i'When To Use Higher-Level Languages -In Microcomputer-Based Systems"
Jim Gibbons, Ryan-McFarland Corp.
Electronics August 7, 1975
This article discusses the use of compilers versus assembly programming to generate
code for microcomputers. The author feels
that the time is quickly approaching when it
will be cheaper to develop a compiler and
hand it to the customer along with the microcomputer for the customer to develop his own
program. He maintains that excessive costs
in assembly programming cannot be justified
in applications where only a few products are
produced. A cost analysis of using a compiler versus an assembler is given alOng with
a few suggestions on designing a compiler for
microcomputers.
"Basic uP Test To"ol: The Portable Debugger"
Jim Barnes, Verne Gregory, Motorola Semiconductor
EDN August 20, 1975
Tpe authors have described a very basic
low cost microprocessor tester that can be
used even when the microprocessor is in the
user's product. The particular tester described was used for the M6800, but the principles applied can be easily adopted to any
microprocessor. The article concerns itself
mostly with features needed for such a tester
along with limitations imposed by low cost
systems. This particular test instrument was
constructed with less than $50 in parts.
"European Industrial Robots"
Frost & Sullivan, August 19~5
This lengthy report analyzes the European
market for current and advanced industrial
robots from 1975 to 1985 and contains infor-

cI~;

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

Volume 2, Number 4 I October, 1975

18

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST

mation obtained through interviews, questionnaires, product data and R&D data from laboratories in the U.S., UK and Japan. The report identifies market areas, robot applications and machine evolution. Microcomputers
are noted to be used in the artificial intelligence of these systems, however it is
not a discussion of design criteria. The report is useful for identifying possible microcomputer applications in future robots.
"Using A Microprocessor: A Real-Life Application
Part 1"
.
James D. Logan, Paul S. Kreager, Washington
State University
Computer Design September 1975
A very enlightening article that presents
the complete implementation of a microcomputer-based system. This is the first of two
parts and describ,es the hardware required,
along with the microcomputer, the interconnections and functions of other components.
Although the article is based on the M6800,
the details on its implementation and accompanying description of how problems encoun-::
tered in its development were overcome should
prove helpful to those developing their own
systems, whether based on this microprocessor
or on others.
"Design Your Own Microcomputer By Using Bipolar/LSI Processor Slices"
David C. Wyland, Monolithic Memories
Electronic Design 20 September 27, 1975
An excellent article describing the design
of a l6-bit microprogrammable microcomputer
that uses 24 ICs. It has an instruction set
of 18 commands, cycle time of 300 ns and instruction execution time of 0.9 to 1.2 us.
Mr. Wyland's discussion centers mostly around
microprogramming the bipolar slices. The
particular chip used in the example is MMI's
6701 4-bit microcontroller. .

#

#

#

#

Check to make s·ure you have entered your
subscription. You'll not want to miss the
major second source agreement coming next
month •.

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. Lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN LAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

19

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST

Volume 2, Number 4 I October, 1975

EDUCATION:

17-20

MICROCOMPUTER COURSES, SEMINARS, CONFERENCES.
Date, title, cost, location, sponsoring organization (addresses on page 20).

Advanced Programming $395
National Semiconductor

17-20

IMP-16 PACE Applications $395 Santa
Clara CA National Semiconductor

October

18

6800 vs 8080--A Side by Side Comparison $135 Boston MA Integrated Computer Systems

18

1975 Western Microcomputer Show
Alto CA Contact W. R. Dunn

27- 7

LSI-II Training Course Maynard MA
Digital Equipment Corp.

November
2- 7

3

Miami FL

Palo

Microcomputers--Principles and Applications $595 Oak Brook IL National
Engineering Consortium Inc.

18-20

How To Design With Programmed Logic
$300 Denver CO PrO-Log Corp.

18-20

PROM Programming--A Systems Approach
Free San Jose CA Data I/O Corp.

Microcomputer Application Workshop
San Diego CA Naval Electronics Lab

19-21

How To Put Microprocessors To Work For
You $395 Long Island NY Microcomputer Technique Inc.

3- 5

SEMICON/Europa Zurich Switzerland
Golden Gate Enterprises Inc.

3- 6

Microprocessor Fundamentals $395
Miami FL National Semiconductor

19-21

Military Microprocessor Systems $395
Boston MA Integrated Computer Systems

3- 7

Advanced Programming $395
National Semiconductor

Dallas TX

19-21

1975 Systems Engineering Conference
Las Vegas NV American Institute of
Industrial Engineers

3- 7

MicroPac 80 Workshop
PCS Inc.

Flint MI

24

5- 7

How To Put Microprocessors To Work For
You $395 CleVeland OH Microcomputer
Technique

6800 vs 8080--A Side by Side Comparison $135 Ottawa Onto Integrated
Computer Systems

25-27

Military Microprocessor Systems $395
Boston MA Integrated Computer Systems

5- 7

$400

Microprocessor Software Development
$395 Glendale CA R. V. Weatherford
Co. Contact your local branch.

December

6- 7

MCS-80 Workshop Los Angeles CA
ton/Avnet Electronics

10-13

IMP-16 PACE Applications $395
FL National Semiconductor

10-13

Microprocessor Fundamentals $395
Santa Clara CA National Semiconductor

11

6800 vs 8080--A Side by Side .Comparison $135 Dalias TX Integrated Computer Systems

PROM Programming--A Systems Approach
Free San Jose CA Data I/O Corp.

1- 4

Advanced Programming $395 Santa
Clara CA National Semiconductor

1- 4

IMP-16 PACE Applications $395
TX National Semiconductor

Miami

12-14

How To Put Microprocessors To Work For
You $395 Palo Alto~A Microcomputer
Technique Inc.

12-14

Military Microprocessor Systems $395
Dallas TX Integrated Computer Systems

cI

1

Ham il-

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

1- 4

Dallas

Microp~ocessor

Miami FL

Fundamentals $395
National Semiconductor

1- 5

How To Design With Programmed Logic
$300 Monterey CA Pro-Log Corp.

3- 5

How To Put Microprocessors To Work For
You $395 Philadelphia PA Microcomputer Technique

8-11

Advanced Programming $395
National Semiconductor

Dallas TX

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARREll D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN lAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

20

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST
8-11

IMP-16 PACE Applications $395
FL National Semiconductor

8-11

Microprocessor Fundamentals $395
Snata Clara CA National Semiconductor

8-12

MicroPac 80 Workshop
PCS Inc.

8-19
10-12

14-19

$400

Miami

Flint MI

How To Put Microprocessors To Work For
You $395 Denver CO Microcomputer
Technique
Microprocessors & Minicomputers--Interfacing and Applications $325-$360
Blacksburg VA American Chemical Society

15-18

Advanced Programming $395
National Semiconductor

Miami FL

15-18

IMP-16 PACE Applications $395 Santa
Clara CA National Semiconductor

January
PROM Programming--A Systems Approach
Free San Jose CA Data I/O Corp.

5- 8

Advanced Programming $395 Santa
Clara CA National Semiconductor

5- 8

Microprocessor Fundamentals $395
Dallas TX National Semiconductor

12-15

IMP-16 PACE Applications $395
TX National Semiconductor

19-22

Advanced Programming $395
National Semiconductor

19-22

Microprocessor Fundamentals $395
Miami FL National Semiconductor

26-29

Hamilton/Avnet Electronics, Dick O'Melveny,
10950 Washington Blvd, Culver City CA 90230
(213) 558-2665
Integrated Computer Systems Inc., 4445 Overland Ave, Culver City CA 90230 (213) 559-9265
Microcomputer Associates Inc., 10440 N Tantau
Ave, Cupertino CA 95014 (408) 247-8940
Microcomputer Technique Inc., 11227 Handlebar
Rd, Reston VA 22091 (703) 620-9676
National Engineering Consortium Inc., Oakbrook
Executive Plaza #1, 1301 W 22 St, Oak Brook
IL 60521 (312) 325-5700

PCS Inc., 5467 Hill 23 Dr, Flint MI 48507
(313) 767-8920
Pro-Log Corp., 852 Airport Rd, Monterey CA
93940 (408) 372-4593

FINANCIAL:

11.3%

Miami

SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS AND CONTACTS
American Chemical Society, Educational Activities Division, 1155 16th St. NW, Washington
DC 20036 (202) 872-4508
American Institute of Industrial Engineers,
25 Technology Park/Atlanta, Norcross GA 30071
(404) 449-0460

cI

Golden Gate Enterprises Inc., 1333 Lawrence
Expy, Santa Clara CA 95051 (408) 241-7400

Naval Electronics Lab, W J Dyka, Code 4050
San Diego CA 92152 (714) 255-6454

Dallas

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

Digital Equipment Corp., Phil Landry, Educational Services Dept., 146 Main St, Maynard
MA 01754 (617) 897-5111 X4900

National Semiconductor Corp., Microprocessor
Training Center, 2900 Semiconductor Dr, Santa
Clara CA 95051 (408) 732-5000 X7l83

Dallas TX

IMP-16 PACE Applications $395
FL National Semiconductor

Data I/O Corp., 990 E Arques, Ste 106, Sunnyvale CA 94086 (408) 732-8246

Dunn, W R, 3855 Corina Way, Palo Alto CA
94303 (408) 984-4499

LSI-II Training Course Maynard MA
Digital Equipment Corp.

5

Volume 2, Number 41 October, 1975

GROWTH FOR

1976

The electronic industry should pullout of
the current recession in 1976 to an 11.3% upsurge, according to Gnostic Concepts Inc. 's
new517-page electronic industry econometric
forecast. The upsurge should be fe£t by
nearly all sectors in the electronic industry.
Briefly:
o Military electronics should grow 7.6% in
1976 with a significant decline in 1977-78,
o Industrial electronics should begin to
grow in 1976 to wind up the year with a 16.48%
increase,

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. Lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LILLIAN LAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

21

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST

o Instrumentation should show a 12.7%
growth,
o Telecommunications will remain weak in
the first part of 1976,
o Microcomputers and minicomputers should
. finish 1975 with a 10% increase to be topped
by a 30% growth in 1976,
o No growth in medium mainframes are expected,
o Large frame computers should increase 8%,
o Business/retail electronics should recover s.tronglY by the fourth quarter of 1976,
and
o IC sales are projected to increase by
$75 million to a total of $550 billion for
1976.
Although Gnostic Concepts reports a strong
growth for 1976, the forecast does issue a
warning that real growth would probably disappear in 1978, reflecting another recession
and a return to double-digit inflation.

EUROPEAN MICROCOMPUTER USAGE
Microcomputer usage in Europe, at a $10
million level in 1974 will explode 60-fold to
become a $600 million market by 1984, according to a new study by Frost & Sullivan, Inc.
It was noted that cumulative shipments over
the decade will tally $2.5 billion. Of that
total, microprocessor components will account
for $1 billion; memories for $850 million
with ROM memories at 29%, RAM memories at 71%;
I/O interfaces for $550 million; and other
ancillary circuits for $75 million.
The two-volume, 622-page study concludes
that the microcomputer market is currently
dominated by u.s. designs, but the first European and Japanese units are now becoming
available, with:the Japanese companies, in
particular, promising to offer serious competition in Europe after 1975.

BRITISH COMPUTER SALES UP
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has reported
that computer and related equipment sales in
Britian were $1 billion for 1974 with an expected 15% increase forecasted for 1975. Exports were $505 million and imports were $830
million. The minicomputer and microcomputer
are expected to grow about 20% annually.

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

Volume 2, Number 4 I October, 1975

COMPANY ADDRESSES FOR THIS ISSUE:
Advanced Micro Devices Inc., 901 Thompson PI,
Sunnyvale CA 94086 (408) 732-2400
Algorithm Technology Inc., P a Box 1910,
Prescott AZ 86301 (602) 445-8180
American Microsystems Inc., 3800 Homestead
Rd, Santa Clara CA 95051 (408) 246-0330
Analogic Corp., IG Audubon Rd, Wakefield MA
01880 (617) 246-0300
Analog Devices, Rt 1, Industrial Pk, Norwood
MA 02062 (617) 329-4700
BYTE, Green Publishing Inc., Peterborougn NH
03458 (603) 929-3873
Dedicated Computer Systems, 750 Westmount Rd
West, Kitchener, ant. N2M lS3 Canada (519)
576-3808
Digital Equipment Corp., 1 Iron Way, Marlboro
MA 01752 (617) 897-5111
Eagle Signal, 73G Federal St, Davenport IA
52803 (319) 326-8111
E & L Instruments, Derby CT 06418
735-8774

(203)

Entrex, Inc., l68G Middlesex Tnpk, Burlington MA 01803. (617) 273-0480
Extensys Corp., 1114 Abby Wood Ct, Los Gatos
CA 95030 (408) 378-3460
Fairchild Integrated Circuits Group, 464
Ellis St, Mountain View CA 94042 (415)
962-3816
Frost & Sullivan, Inc., 106 Fulton St, New
York NY 10038 (212) 233-1080
General Automation, 1055 S East St, Anaheim
CA 92805 (714) 778-4800
Gnostic Concepts Inc., 27l0G Sand Hill Rd,
Menlo Park CA 94025 (415) 854-4672
Hewlett-Packard, 1501 Page Mill Rd, Palo Alto
CA 94304 (415) 493-1501
IBM, 44 Montgomery St, 15th Fl, San Francisco
CA 94104 (415) 545-2263
iCOM, 6741 Variel Ave, Canoga Park CA 91303
(213) 348-1391

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARREll D. CROW, Editor; LI lLiAN lAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY lEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

22

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST

Volume 2, Number 4 I October, 1975

Integrated Computer Systems Inc., 4445 Overland Ave, Culver City CA 90230 (213) 559~9265

Questronics, Inc., 3596 S 300 St West, Salt
Lake City UT 84115 (801) 262-9923

Intersil, 10900 N Tantau Ave, Cupertino CA
95014 (408) 257-5450

RCA Solid State Division, Box 3200, Rt 2,
Somerville NJ 08876 (201) 722-3200

John Fluke Manufacturing Co., POBox 7428,
Seattle WA 98133 (206) 774-2211

Rockwell International, 3370 Miraloma Ave,
Anaheim CA 9.2803 (213) 647-5000

Litton Memory Products, 8020G Deering Ave,
Canoga Park CA 91304 (213) 884~4600

Scelbi Comput:er Consulting, 1322 Rear, Boston
Post Rd, Milford CT 06460 (203) 874-1573

Microcomputer Associates Inc., 10440 N Tantau
Ave, Cupertino CA 95014 (408) 247-8940

Signetics Corp., 811 E Arques Ave, Sunnyvale
CA 94086 (408) 739-7700

Micro Systems Software, 335 W Olive #216,
Sunnyvale CA 94086 (408) 735-1650

Solid State Scientific Inc., Commerce Dr,
Montgomeryville PA 18936 (717) 855-8400

Mits Inc., 6328 Linn NE, Albuquerque NM 87108
(505) 265-7553

Tab Products Co., 2690 Hanover St, Palo Alto
CA 94304 (415) 493-5790

Monolithic Memories Inc., 1165 E Arques Ave,
Sunnyvale CA 94086 (408) 739-3535

Tymshare Inc., 10340 Bubb Rd, Cupertino CA
95014 (408) 247-6550

MOS Technology, Inc., Valley Forge Corporate
Center, 950 Rittenhouse Rd, Norristown PA
19401 .. ( 215) 666-7950

Ven-Tel, 1190 (K) Dell Ave, Campbell CA 95008,
(408) 374-1363

Mostek Corp., 1215 W Crosby Rd, Carrollton
TX 75'006 (214) 24.2-0444

Warner & Swasey Co., Comstar Division, 30$00
Solon Industrial Pky, Solon OH 44139 (216)
368-6200

Motorola Semiconductor, POBox 2953, Phoenix
AZ 85062 (602) 244-4826

Western Digital Corp., 3128 Red Hill Ave,
Newport Beach CA 92663 (714) 557-3550

Mycr6-Tek, 6631 E Kellogg, Suite 214, Wichita
1<8 67207
,
. (316) 686-3311
Nat~Onal Cash Register, 5225 Springboro Pike,
Dayton OH 45439 (513) 449-2000

Zentec Corp., 2390 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara CA
95050 (408) 246-7662

Nationa). Semiconductor Corp., 2900 Semiconductor 'Dr, Santa Clara CA 95051 (408)
732-5000

Microcomputer Digest

Systems, Inc., 2801 Northwestern Pky,
Santa, Clara CA 95051 (408) 987-4444

Optim~

Corp., Main Ave, Norwalk CT
(203) 762-4786

Perkin~Elmer

06856

Process Computer Sys.tems, G-4025 S Center Rd,
Flint MI 48507 (313) 744-0225
Processor Technology Co., 2464 Fourth St,
Berkeley CA 94710 (415) 549-0857
Pro-Log Corp., 852 Airport Rd, Monterey CA
93940 (408) 372-4593
PROM Programmers, Inc., POBox 4608, Mountain View CA 94040 (415) 967-2353

.cI

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

MICROCOMPUTER STUDIES AVAILABLE:
EDN Microprocessor Design Series $6~95
Microprocessor Reprints, EDN Magazine, 221
Columbus Ave, Boston MA 02116
$28

Microprocessors: Economics/Technology/Applications Arthur D. Little Inc., 25 Acorn Pk,
Cambridge MA 02140 (617) 864-5770
Microprocessors, Electronics Book Series
$8.95 McGraw-Hill Publications Co., 1221
Ave of the Americas, New York NY 10020
Microprocessor Field Survey & Data Book
$495 for first copy, $55 each additional
copy. AH Systems Inc., 9710 Cozycrbft Ave,
Chatsworth CA 91311 (213) 998-0223
Microprocessor Handbook $24.95 Texas Instruments, POBox 5012, Dallas TX 75222
(214) 238-2011

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. Lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARRELL D. CROW, Editor; LI LLiAN LAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY LEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

23

MICROCOMPUTER DIGEST
Minicomputer & Microcomputer $595
Industrial Market For Microcomputers $445
Lucy Hendry, Frost & Sullivan, Inc., 106 Fulton St, New York NY 10038 (212) 223-1080
New Components and Subsystems for Digital
Design $75 Technology Service Corp., 2811
Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica CA 90403 (213)
829-741l
Programmed Learning Course On Microcomputers
$99.50 Six volume set. Iasis Inc., 770
Welch Rd, Suite 154, Palo Alto CA 94304
Bob Warr (408) 329-0110

MICROCOMPUTER/PRODUCTS SERVICES:
EUROMICRO--The European Association for Microprocessing, quarterly newsletter covering
activities of interest in microprocessing.
Annual membership $7. Rodney Zaks, Chairman
Universite de Technologie Compiegne, BP233,
60206 Compiegne, Franc.e
MICROCOMPUTER-BASED custom product development, hardware, software, production, publication available. Send for free price list.
Microcomputer Associates Inc., 10440 N Tantau
Ave, Cupertino CA 95014
CUSTOM LSI, Relieve the uP of the mundane
I/O problems while retaining system simplicity. Lincoln Semiconductor, 175 San Gabriel
Dr, Sunnyvale CA 94086 (408) 736-0550
MICROCOMPUTER SOFTWARE, specializing in resident assemblers, high-level languages and
applications for small uC systems. Sam Holland, 1114 Abby Wood Ct, Los Gatos CA 95030
(408) 378-3460
SYSTEMS APPROACH TO PROM PROGRAMMING: A free
monthly course designed to answer the hows
and whys of PROM programming and programming
equipment, Data 1/0,960 E Arques, Suite 106,
Sunnyvale CA 94086 (408) 732-8246
MICRO SYSTEMS SOFTWARE, 355 W Olive #216,
Sunnyvale CA 94086 (408) 735-1650. George
Fraine, Richard Ware. uP system support progr9JIls (assemblers, simulators, etc.), engineering applications programming for uC.
RIGHTS AVAILABLE to general purpose system
for debugging microprocessor-based hardware.
Also product development service. Arthur D.
Little Inc., Acorn Pk, Cambridge MA 02140

cl6f~

PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

Volume 2, Number 4 I October, 1975

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS ENGINEER--To teach
microcomputer short courses in the U.S.,
Canada and Europe. To develop uC software
and hardware. Exp. in designing with uC and
lecturing preferred. Integrated Computer
Systems, Box 2368, Culver City CA 90230
(213) 559-9265 Ms. Morgan

WESCON-MICRO WRAP

Up

(from page 6)
utilizes multiprocessor techniques. The Sentry II tests microprocessors and equivalent
memory components. The company has booked 14
orders for the $250,000 to $350,000 systems.
This is the second such tester announced by
Fairchild.
'
Data Products Memories Ltd. exhibited
their high speed core memory systems with 8K
and 16K capacities and a medium speed.. line
printer for micro-and minicomputers, communications systems and general purpose computers.
OEM Morsco presented their 4K x 8 memory
card, capatible with the Altair 8800 and the
8080A bus system. The card features a 400 ns
access time and a $200 price tag.
Speed and versatility in printing and plotting computer generated data electrostatically was demonstrated with the 5200 Electrostatic printer/plotter by the Instrument Systems division of Gould Inc.
Algorithm Technology, Inc. demonstrated
their microcomputer-controlled wiring analyzer for back plane panels, card racks, cables,
harnesses and other wired assemblies expandable in 64-node increments. The unit is
priced at $13,120.
The Digitrend 220 Data Logger that incorporates an Intel 8008 microcomputer was displayed by Doric Scientific Corporation along
with four new options: Key temp Model 4304
remote manual access keyboard; Satellite
Booster Option 266 for sensors over 3,000
feet away; RTD Multiplexing Option 52 for 4wire bridge inputs; and Alarm-Store Option
Group for setting up to 4,000 individual
alarm set points in a 1,000 point scanning
system. Doric also introduced their latest
LSI Series 400 digital temperature trendicator.

(408) 247·8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARREll D. CROW, Editor; LI lLiAN lAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY lEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.

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PO BOX 1167, CUPERTINO, CA 95014 •

Rockwell And AEG 2nd Source Agreement
Motorola To 2nd Source AMD2901 Family

(408) 247-8940

Copyright © 1975 by Microcomputer Associates Inc., All Rights Reserved. M.R. lemas, President. Published monthly. Subscription
$28.00 per year, overseas $40.00 per year. DARREll D. CROW, Editor; LI lLiAN lAU, Associate Editor; PATRICIA L. DREISBACH,
Circulation Editor; RAY HOLT, Applications Technical Advisor; MANNY lEMAS, Applications Technical Advisor.



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