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C13-242-101
Processors

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II and 3690
Communications Processors

(

A family of communications processors
which. while functioning as replacements
for the IBM 3705. also support a variety of
peripherals and stand-alone operation.
The high-end model supports up to 512
communications lines and up to eight
channel attachments to IBM 360/370 or
compatible hosts. Most common communications modes. facilities and protocols
(including IBM BSC and SOLC) are supported. Numerous software packages provide varying degrees of support. and may
include IBM 270X or 370X emulation. NCP
operation. and SNA networking compatibility.
A low-end 3650 with 64K bytes of memory.
and support for 1 6 asynchronous lines can
be purchased for $42.645. or leased on a
two-year basis for $1.362 per month. including maintenance. A high-end 3690 with
256K bytes of memory. and support for 32
mixed asynchronous and BSC lines can be
purchased for $136.580. or leased for
$4.279 per month. including maintenance.

The Comten 3690, above, represents the top of the Comten IBM
3705-replacement line. Its basic 256K bytes of memory is expandable to over four megabytes and, unlike the 3705, peripherals such
as disk and magnetic tape storage are supported.

MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
Comten delivered its first IBM plug-compatible communications processor shortly after the initial IBM 3705
announcement in 1972, and has since become one of the
leading manufacturers of front-end and remote communications processors.
Comten's current IBM-compatible products (the 3650 II,
the 3670 II, and the 3690) closely parallel the operation of '
IBM's 370X Communications Controllers, as does the
Comten software. As a result, implementation of a
Comten 36XO running the Comten Emulation or CNS
software requires no modification to the IBM host's telecommunications access method or application programs.
When running Comten NCP, the 360/370 host's access
method must be VTAM or TCAM, as required for IBM's
NCP.
In response to IBM's entry into the distributed processing
market, Comten announced and subsequently delivered
Release 1 of its unbundled Data Switching System (DSS)
software. This modular software package permits any
Comten 36XO to operate as a nodal processor in an SNA 1:>
NOVEMBER 1979

CHARACTERISTICS
VENDOR: Comten, Inc., a subsidiary of NCR, 1950 West
County Road B-2, St. Paul, Minnesota 55113. Telephone
(612) 633-8130.
DATE OF ANNOUNCEMENT: 3650 I-March 1975; 3650
II-March 1976; 3670 I-January 1972; 3670 II-March
1976; 3690-July 1977.
DATE OF FIRST DELIVERY: 3650 I-September 1975;
3650 II-June 1976; 3670 I-April 1972; 3670 II-June 1976;
3690-June 1978.
NUMBER DELIVERED TO DATE: 3650-over 650;
3670-over 300; 3690-over 60.
SERVICED BY: Comten, Inc.

CONFIGURATION
The Comten 3670 II and the Comten 3650 II are based on
the same hardwired processor with a memory cycle of 650
nanoseconds and a 16-bit word. The 3650 is a stripped-down
version of the 3670 and supports a reduced number of direct
host connections, communications lines, and memory
capacity.
The Comten 3690 has a microprogrammed processor with a
memory cycle time of 520 nanoseconds. Architectural sophistication enables the 3690 to operate from three to six times
faster than the 3650/3670.
The most notable architectural changes that contribute to
the speed enhancement of the 3690 are: the processor logic

REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED

C13-242-102
Processors

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II and 3690
Communications Processors
l:> network of distributed systems. DSS supports SNA/
SDLC capabilities similar to those developed by IBM for
its 3705 II under ACF/NCP.

. . control is microprogrammed; data transfers to and from
memory are via an odd/ even dual access; the word size is 64 !
bits; and instruction execution includes look-ahead instruc- "tion execution.

With over 1,000 36XO's already delivered and operating,
Comten's customer following has grown substantially.
Comten offers several features which are not presently
available to IBM 3705 users. These include support for a
variety of peripherals, and stand-alone operation.

All 36XO models support direct attachment to the IBM
System/360, 370; Control Data Omega systems, Amdahl
systems, and Hel systems. Comten will also produce custom
interfaces for other host systems, as required. Table 2, The
Comten 36XO at a Glance, distinguishes the characteristics
of each 36XO.

The 3670 and 3690 offer proportionately increased
memory capacity, line handling capability, and support
for more channel-attached hosts than the 3650. Comten
estimates that the 3690 operates from three to six times
faster than a comparably configured 3650 II and 3670 II.
Additionally, Comten machines reportedly offer a
memory cycle time which is 40 percent faster than that of
the 3705.

Software to operate the 36XO's as front-ends, remote concentrators, and as stand-alone communications processors
is included with the equipment. The Emulation package
permits the 36XO to function as an IBM 370X or as an IBM
370X emulating an IBM 270X.

The version II models of the 3650 and 3670 were first
delivered in 1976 and offer enhanced semiconductor
memory and line handling capacity over their predecessor
models.

The Network Control Program (NCP) relieves the host
processor of the bulk of network control functions and is
comparable to IBM's NCP. The host access method, when
operating NCP in the Comten processor, must be IBM's
TCAM or VTAM.

In June 1979, Comten was acquired by NCR, Inc. following several months of heated negotiations during which
Amdahl quickly entered, and exited, the bidding. Much
industry speCUlation has been devoted to how the acquisition will affect future Comten product development. The
new NCR subsidiary (which incidentally grossed about
$50 million in 1978) will undoubtedly continue in its
IBM-compatible pursuits (which have been extremely
lucrative), but may also now focus some of its development effort towards NCR-compatible communications
equipment.

The Data Switching System (DSS) augments NCP and CNS
to enable the Cornten processor to efficiently operate as a
distributed network nodal processor, conforming to the rules
established by IBM's System Network Architecture (SNA).

USER REACTION

From the DAT APRO Survey of Communications
Processor users conducted in the fall of 1978,52 Comten
users were identified. It is noteworthy that the group of
Comten users comprised the second largest group of
respondents to this survey (next to the group of IBM
3704/3705 users). The Comten ratings represented a total
of 10 1 processors in operation, or roughly two per
respondent.
Of the 52 users, 36 had Comten 3650 processors. The
balance (16) were 3670 users. Each 3650 was handling an
average of 75 communications lines. The ratings given by
these users were as follows:
Comten 3650
Overall satisfaction
Ease of installation
Throughput
Hardware reliability
Promptness of maintenance
Quality of maintenance
Software
Technical support

Excellent Good Fair Poor WA*
22
9
18
23
18
17
11

10
17
IS
10
IS
12
IS
9

3
4
2
2
2
6
7
6

*Weighted Average on a scale of 4.0 for Excellent.

0
4
0
0
0
0
2
4

3.5
2.9
3.5
3.6
3.5
3.3
3.0
3.0

The Communications Networking System (CNS) package
has all of the capabilities of the Emulation package plus the
ability for multiple Comten processors within a network to
communicate with each other.

Asynchronous lines up to 19.2K bps, and synchronous lines
up to 56K bps are supported in either half- or full-duplex
mode. Major protocols supported including Teletype, BSC,
CNS trunkline (Comten's internal, BSC-like protocol), and
SDLC.

Comten 3650 II
The 3650 II is offered in four basic models. Two of the models
are intended for use as a front-end processor and two of the
models are intended for use as a remote concentrator. All
models include the base cabinet with the 650-nanosecond
processor, 64K bytes of memory, the Integral Program Load
Device and two Direct Storage Access channels. The two
front-end processor models, the 3650-C3 and the 3650-D3,
include one IBM Channel Interface Adapter, which provides
a direct storage access connection with the host computer
system. An optional second channel is available for attachment of either peripherals requiring a direct channel interface or a second IBM Channel Interface Adapter. The latter
can be attached to the same host or to another host computer. The C3 and D3 models also include a Communications Interface Module that will permit the attachment of up
to eight Modem Interface Modules (MIM) to the system.
Each Modem Interface Module will support up to 16 communications lines.
The base cabinet of the 3650-C3 has space and electrical
interfaces to accommodate three Logic Modules. (A Logic
Module is a deck of up to 70 circuit boards occupying about
23 x 6 x 9 inches of space within the cabinet.) Three of the
four types of attachable MIM's require the space of one
Logic Module. Three of these MIM's, in any combination,
can be installed on the 3650-C3 models with each MIM
supporting up to 16 lines. A fourth type of MIM, the DLCMIM, occupies one-half of two adjacent Logic Modules.
The basic 3650-C3 therefore can accommodate only two of
the DLC-MIM's. Physical considerations prevent the third
Logic Module from being used when two DLC-MIM's are
attached. An alternate configuration permits one DLCMIM and one of the other three types of MIM's to be

REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED

NOVEMBER 1979

C13-242-103
Processors

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II and 3690
Communications Processors
TABLE 1. THE COMTEN 36XO AT A GLANCE

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ProcessorMain memory cycle time, nanoseconds
Main memory word size, bits
Basic main memory capacity, bytes
Maximum main memory capacity, bytes
Logic Control
NetworkMaximum number of communications
lines physically attachable
Maximum number of direct host
attachments
Host systems supported

Cornten 3650 II

Cornten 3670 II

Cornten 3690

650
16
64K
512K
Hardwired

52O'
64
256K
4096K
Microprogrammed

128

384

512

IBM 360/370,
CDC Omega.
Amdahl, Itel,
Custom

IBM 360/370,
CDC Omega,
Amdahl, Itel,
Custom

'Architectural features such as the look-ahead instruction execution, dual storage access, and a 64-bit word results in the 3690
operating 3 to 6 times faster than the other two models.

(

It should be noted that, except for ease of installation, all
of the other ratings for the 3650 were above the average
for all other processors in. the same survey. The highest
rated characteristics of the 3650 were: hardware reliability, overall satisfaction, throughput, and promptness
of maintenance. It could not be readily determined what
percentage of these processors were Model I or Model II,
but judging from the period of time that they had been
operational, it would appear to be about half and half.
Most of the respondents were using the 3650 to front-end
IBM and compatible mainframes, and most were operating in IBM 270X emulation mode. About a third of the
processors were operating in NCP mode. Only two of the
users indicated that they were employing a 3650 in a
remote concentration capacity.

The ratings given by the 16 3670 users were roughly
similar to those given for the 3650, although some of the
ratings were slightly higher or lower. Incidentally, the
average number of lines being handled by each of the
3670's was 148.5, the highest average capacity for all of
the communications processors rated in the survey, including IBM. The 3670 user ratings were as follows:
Comten 3670
Overall satisfaction
Ease of installation
Throughput
Hardware reliability
Promptness of maintenance
Quality of maintenance
Software
Technical support

Excellent Good Fair Poor WA*

----

9
4
8

11
5
4
4
3

7
11
8

4
9
7
IO
7

0
1
0
1
2
5
2
4

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1

3.6
3.2
3.5

3.6
3.2
2.9
3.1
2.8

*Weighted Average on a scale of 4.0 for Excellent.

While overall satisfaction was rated slightly higher for the
3670, vendor maintenance and technical support were
rated slightly lower. Ratings for hardware reliability and
throughput were the same for both machines; 3.6 and 3.5,
1:>
respectively.
NOVEMBER 1979

attached. Expansion cabinets (Module Controllers) must be
employed to add more MIM's to reach the system maximum
of eight MIM's. The Module Controllers are available in
two models. One model supplies space to accommodate six
Logic Modules; the other model supplies space to accommodate 12 Logic Modules. Two additional models, a 6 LM and
a 12 LM size, provide for two 3650's to have access to the
same Module Controller. One use for the dual access
Module Controller is for fall-back. When the primary 3650
front-end is not operative, the secondary 3650 can assume
the prime function in handling the lines. The basic 3650-D3
includes capacity for housing 11 Logic Modules. When
more Logic Modules are required, Module Controllers are
employed.
The basic 3650-E3 and the 3650-F3 remote concentrators do
not include a Charmel Interface Adapter; however, up to two
adapters can be optionally attached to each system. Included
in the basic 3650-E3 and the 3650-F3 are a BSC-MIM and
a Line Interface that will support eight full-duplex communications lines. The two features are used to support Comten's
CNS trunkline protocol and can transmit data at speeds up
to 56K bps.

Comten 3670 II
The Comten 3670 is offered in five basic models. Two
models, the Comten 3670-Hl and Jl, are intended as remote
concentrator processors. The remaining three, the Comten
3670-El, FI, and Gl, are intended for use as front-end
processors. All models include the basic cabinet with the 650nanosecond processor, 64K bytes of memory, an Integral
Program Load Device, two Direct Storage Access Charmels,
and one Communications Interface Module (CIM). The
CIM can accommodate up to eight Modem Interface
Modules (MIM). Each MIM can support Line Interfaces for
up to 16 communications lines.
The three front-end basic systems (EI, FI, Gl) include one
IBM Charmel Interface Adapter. Up to three additional
adapters, along with up to eight direct access peripheral controllers, can be optionally attached. A Block Multiplexer
feature is required to attach the peripheral controllers. The
Block Multiplexer attaches to the Direct Storage Access
Charmel. Alternatively, an Integrated File Adapter (IFA)
can be attached to the Direct Storage Access Channel, to
support up to four disk drives. Two additional Communications Interface Modules can be optionally added to the
basic CIM for all models, permitting attachment of a total of
24 MIM's or up to 384 communications lines.
~.

REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED

C13-242-104
Processors

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II and 3690
Communications Processors
TABLE 2. COMMUNICATIONS LINE INTERFACES & MODEM INTERFACE MODULES
Une
Half- or
Interface
Timing Full-Duplex Speed, bps Feature

Li ne Interface
EIA RS 232C

Bell 113B. 103A,
202
Unwired. for special
applications
BSC
CNS trunkline
IBM 284812260.

Async.

Half

Up to 1800

F2072-Al

T2016-A2**

Async.
Sync.
Sync.
Async.

Half
Half
Full
Half

Up
Up
Up
Up

F2072-A2
F2053-A1
F2053-B1
F2053-C1

2
2
1
2

8
8
8
8

T2016-A2**
T2018-A2
T2018-A2
T2018-A2

Sync.

Both

Up to 20K

F2OS3

T2020-A2

Async.

Half

Up to 75

F2074*

T2016-A2**

Sync.
Sync.
Sync.
Sync.
Sync.

Half
Full
Half
Full
Both

Up
Up
Up
Up
Up

to
to
to
to
to

F2064-A1
F2064-B1
F2092-A1
F2092-B1
F20SS

1
1
2
1

4
4
2
2
2

T2018-A2
T2018-A2
T2018-A2
T2018-A2
T2020-A2

Sync.
Sync.
Sync.
Sync.

Both
Both
Both
Both

Up
Up
Up
Up

to 230K
to 230K
to 230K
to 50K

F2026-A1
F2026-B1
F2026-C1
F2084

2
2
2
1

2
2
2
2

T2017-A1 ***
T2017-A1 ***
T2017-A1 ***
T2020-A2

to
to
to
to

1800
20K
20K
20K

No. of
Unes per Interfaces MIM
Interface per MIM Feature

284512265
SOLC
Current loop. 20
ma or 60 ma
Wideband
DOS

Wideband

Bell 300 Series
CNS trunkline
BSC
CNS trunkli ne
Bell System Data
Service Unit
BSC
BSC
BSC
Bell 300 Series

Auto call Adapter #T2014-XX 1
#T2014-XX

50K
50K
56K
56K
56K

F2033-XX
F2033-XX

16
16

T2016-A2
T2018-A2

*Requires Telegraph Interface Base Feature #F2068.
'*F2028 or F2077-XX required for each T2016. F2028 (no charge) allows only single speed. F2027-XX permits program selection of a
different speed for each line.
***Requires F2040 when more than one F2026 is attached.

I> As with the 3650 processors, about half of the 3670's
appeared to be Modell, and half Model 2. Almost all
were operating in IBM 270X emulation mode. About a
quarter of the respondents indicated that they were using
at least one of their processors in a remote concentration
capacity.
Many of the Comten users indicated that they had experienced major difficulty with communications lines and
modems, but it could not be determined whether or not
this was related to the processor operation_ Several of the
users stated they had encountered problems with the
Comten software, but based on the ratings, 3_0 and 3.1,
these problems were apparently either minor, or had been
resolved with subsequent software releases.
Based on the overall ratings, Comten enjoys a satisfied
user base. Both machines rated well above the average in
almost all criteria.D
~

The three front-end base models, the 3670-EI, FI, and GI,
have 11, 19, and 27 Logic Modules, respectively. A Logic
Module is the space available to mount one rack of PC
boards. When more MIM's are required than can be contained in the base configuration, expansion cabinets (Module
Controllers) are necessary. Module Controllers are available in 4 models containing 6, 12, 18, and 24 Logic Modules.
Each controller comes in a single processor version and a
dual processor version. The dual processor version permits
two 3670's to be attached to the controller. The net effect is
that two front-end processors can have access to the communications lines that are attached to the controller.
The two remote concentrator systems (HI, JI) include one
BSC-MIM with one trunk line interface that accommodates
up to 8 full-duplex lines at speeds up to 56K bps. One addi-

tional Communications Interface Module can be optionally
added, permitting a total of 24 MIM's or up to 384 communications lines. Two Direct Storage Access Chaunels are "available on the remote system for attachment of up to 16
direct access peripheral controllers when a Block Multiplexer
is attached to each Direct Storage Access Channel. The basic
3670-HI has 12 Logic Modules. When adding more MIM's
than can be contained in the base configuration, the Module
Controllers, as described above, are used.

Comten 3690
The Comten 3690 is offered in five basic models. All models
include a microprogrammed processor with dual-odd/ even
storage access, an Integral Program Load Device, 256K
bytes of 520-nanosecond memory, and one Communications Adapter (CA). The CA accommodates up to 8 Modem
Interface Modules and associated Line Interfaces to support
up to 128 communications lines. Up to three additional CA's
can be optionally attached permitting physically attaching
up to 512 communications lines per 3690 system. Since the
basic models include space for two, three, or seven Logic
Modules, Module Controller expansion cabinets are provided to accommodate the attachment of MIM's and Line
Interface. The Module Controllers are available to handle
Logic Module requirements of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 or 36 Logic
Modules. Each of the controller sizes has a version that
permits dual 3690's to access the controller and the lines
attached to that controller.
The basic 256K bytes of memory can be expanded to 4096K
bytes by the attachment of up to 15 Memory Modules; each
module contains 256K bytes of memory.
The five 3690 basic models differ in the number of Direct
Storage Access Chaunels (DSAC) provided and the device
that can be attached to the DSACs.
The 3690-A4 is intended to operate as a stand-alone data
switching system configured to support a variety of
peripheral attachments. Therefore, the 3690-A4 provides

NOVEMBER 1979

Comten 3650 II. 3670 II and 3690
Communications Processors

f··

. . . four DSACs with one of the DSACs having a Block Multiplexer Channel attached. The Block Multiplexer has the
capacity to accommodate up to eight peripheral controllers.
The remaining three DSAC's can optionally receive Block
Multiplexer Channels or Integrated File Adapters (for
multiple disk attachment). This model includes space for
three Logic Modules in the base cabinet.
The 3690-B4 is intended to function as a remote communications processor and does not include any Direct Storage
Access Channels. This model includes space for three Logic
Modules in the base cabinet.
The 3690-C4, D4, and E4 are intended to function as frontend processors. All three models include four Direct Storage
Access Channels. The 3690-C4 also includes one Channel
Interface Adapter for direct attachment to the host. The
three remaining DSAC's can be used to attach up to three
additional Channel Interface Adapters, up to three Block
Multiplexer Channels, up to three Integrated File Adapters,
or any combination of the three feature attachments.
The 3690-D4 has a Channel Interface Adapter Base attachment to one of the DSAC's. This CIA Base can support
attachment of up to four Channel Interface Adapters, still
leaving three DSAC's available. The three DSAC's are
restricted to attachment of Block Multiplexers or Integrated
File Adapters. The basic 3690-D4 includes one mM Channel
Interface Adapter.
The 3690-E4 includes two CIA Bases, each ahle to accommodate up to four host attachments or a system total of
eight. One of the CIA Bases includes an IBM Channel Interface Adapter as part of the basic configuration. The two
remaining DSAC's can be used for Block Multiplexer or
Integrated File Adapter attachment.

(

CONNECTION TO HOST COMPUTER
The 3650 supports up to two direct host connections; the
3670, up to four; and the 3690, up to eight. The Channel
Interface Adapter controls byte transfers between the
Comten processors and the multiplexer channel on an IBM
host computer. Subchannel addresses from 1 to 256 are
supported. When the Comten processor is emulating an
IBM 270X, an Emulator Identifier feature is required along
with the Channel Interface Adapter.

C13-242-105
Processors

Emulation
Comten Emulation permits the 36XO to operate as an mM
3704/3705 controller, including the capability to emulate an
IBM 270X. In addition to permitting one Comten 36XO to
replace multiple 270X/370X devices attached to one host,
the 36XO can be connected to multiple hosts. Emulation also
supports terminals that are not compatible with the 270X
and 370X.
Emulation consists of a module for each terminal-type
requiring support and a string of special purpose programs
such as TILS, ABRD, MAF, and DIAL. TILS, TerminalInitiated Line Switching, assigns the appropriate host subchannel address that is associated with a particular application. The assignment is based upon the terminal operator's
description of the linkage required. TILS includes a feature
that will automatically reroute transactions to a backup host
when the primary host is unavailable. ABRD, Automatic
Baud Rate Detection, enables multiple start/stop terminals
with different speeds and data-link control procedures to
share the same line to a Comten front-end processor. ABRD
is used in conjunction with TILS. When a terminal operator
initiates a linkage under TILS, it is ABRD that determines
the terminars speed and data-link control. SILS, SiteInitiated Line Switching, under the control of the front-end
processor's operator, performs the TILS function for dedicated lines. MAF, Multiple Access Facility, relieves the host
of the polling function for IBM 3270 systems and permits
the terminals to select applications in any host computer
attached to the Comten front-end processor. DIAL, Automatic Dialing, handles up to 16 phone lines for hostoriginated calls.
Emulation also provides utility programs for monitoring and
maintenance, on-line terminal testing, console I/O, and online system generation.

Communications Network System (CNS)

Each type of line interface requires specific Modem Interface Module and Line Interface features. These features are
attached to the system Communications Interface Module.
Table 2, Communications Line Interfaces and Modem Interface Modules, lists the features required to support the
various types of communications lines. Throughput limitations are noted by the number oflines each MIM will support
for a given type of interface, despite the physical capability
of attaching 16 lines per MIM.

When there is a need for two or more Cornten processors
to communicate with each other, within a network, the
Emulation software package is replaced with the Communications Networking System (CNS). While pedorming all
of the functions of Emulation, CNS also enables a Comten
processor functioning as a remote concentrator to transmit
to and receive from a Comten processor functioning as a
front-end processor. Terminals using start/stop or BSC protocols are supported by the remote concentrator through
the CNS interface modules ASWX and BSWX. While these
modules perform the data-link function, the Transparent
Concentrator (TCON) module performs the function of
multiplexing! demuItiplexing of the data from each terminal. The module that handles the network's internal
protocol (CNS Trunk Handler) is the TCTH module. This
internal protocol is transparent to the terminals and the host
processors. CNS emulator modules, comparable to the
Emulation modules above, are resident in the front-end
processor for each terminal-type sending and receiving data.
An optional module, STAR, performs trunk monitoring
and reporting. Information on trunk utiIization, current
circuit status, and error statistics are provided by STAR,
along with automatic notification of circuit failures. Other
CNS features support alternate routing, node reconfiguration, satellite links, remote auto-dial, and multiple-circuit
trunks.

SOFTWARE

Network Control Program (NCP)

Currently, four major software packages are available, for
operating Comten 36XO systems. The Comten Emulation,
Communications Networking System (CNS), and Network
Control Program (N CP) packages are available at no additional charge. The Data Switching System (DSS) is available
on an unbundled basis.

Both the CNS and the Emulation packages require a separate subchannel address for each terminal communicating
with the host. Controlling multiple accesses consumes significant host processor time. NCP provides for all data between
the host and the front-end processor to be multiplexed over
a single subchanneI, significantly reducing the host control

TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS
Asynchronons lines up to 19.2K bps, and synchronous lines
up to 56K bps are supported. EIA RS 232C, current loop,
wideband, and DDS interfaces are supported in either
full- or half-duplex mode. Notable among the protocols
supported are binary synchronous communication (BSC),
SDLC, and CNS trunkline. The latter is a BSC-Iike protocol
used internally on Comten networks.

NOVEMBER 1979

C13-242-106
Processors

Comten 3650 II. 3670 II and 3690
Communications Processors
~

function. Comten NCP is compatible with IBM NCP in
performing the line handling and communications control
functions. While the access method in the host is transparent
to Emulation and CNS, NCP requires that the host access
method be either IBM TCAM or VTAM. Comten NCP provides concurrent support for multiple IBM host processors.

An updated version of DSS is presently under development.
Release 2 of DSS will he available in 1980, and reportedly
will support, in addition to all Release 1 functions, user file
access, disk queues, multiple priority for queues, detailed
statistics files, and extencied support for any start/stop and
BSC devices of NCP.

When the Comten NCP system is used to emulate in a mode
comparable to IBM's NCP Partitioned Emulation Processing (PEP) mode, Comten NCP is operated concurrently with
Emulation and CNS. This capability is generally needed to
ease application program conversion from the 270X multiaccess mode to NCP single-access mode.

Comten Telecommunications Access Method
(CTAM)

System Generation
Parameter setting for tailoring either Emulation, CNS, or
NCP for a given system is done in CODEL, a Comten source
language. System generation is performed on the host computer and is loaded into the front-end processor, or downline to remote nodes.

Data Switching System (OSS)
The Comten processor can be operated as a nodal processor
on a distributed network by the use of the Data Switching
System. Operated under the control of the Communications
Operating System (COS), DSS operates coresident with
NCP and CNS. DSS adds to the capabilities of NCP filelevel host interface, basic message handling and queuing,
message switching, network security, and network control
functions. In effect, DSS can independently drive a communications network.
DSS is composed of four modules: the Communications
Access Method (CAM), the Data Switch Message Control
Program (DS/MCP), the Network Manager, and the File
Access Method (F AM).
The Communications Access Method controls the access to
all lines assigned to CAM, whether to a terminal, to another
node processor, or to a host processor. Four sub-modules of
CAM provide a standard interface with the remainder of the
CAM module and each of the four separate protocols. The
sub-modules are called Transmission Subsystem Elements
(TSE). The Basic Mode SNA TSE provides the interface
between CAM and data received (from terminals) by the
processor via NCP. The Communications Networking System TSE provides the interface between CAM and data
received (from terminals and other Comten processors) by
the processor via CNS. The 3270 Emulation TSE provides
the interface between CAM and up to four IBM 360/370
hosts. The hosts, operating BTAM or TCAM applications
programs, view the interface between CAM and IBM 360/
370 systems executing ''read/write'' queries to DDS through
the host's Basic Sequential Access Method (BSAM).
The Data Switch/Message Control Program performs the
message handling fu~on for data it receives from CAM.
Messages are analyzed, edited, routed, queued, and logged.
Error recovery is controlled by this DSS module.
The Network Manager portion of DSS is responsible for
network configuration, startup, shutdown, session establishment, and other related functions.
The File Access Method module of DSS provides the
access interface between locally attached disk drives, card
readers, and printers and the Data Switch/Message Control
Program.
Application programs in the Comten processor have interfaces with the File Access Method, the Data Switch/
Message Control Program, and the Network Manager
through a module of the operating system (COS) called
Application Program Support.

CTAM is a message switching software package originally
written for Comten's 476 Communications Processor but
since adapted to run on the 3690. The package performs
twice as fast on the 3690 as on the 476.
CTAM provides the communications control functions and
interfaces for the different types of lines and terminal devices.
The software system consists of two modules: the Communications Control Package, which runs on the Comten
processor, and the Computer Interface Package, which runs
in the IBM 360/370 host. The Communications Control
Package provides for stand-alone message switching and,
when used in conjunction with the Computer Interface
Package, provides support as a front end.
The Communications Control Package (the Comten
processor-resident portion of CTAM) controls the communications lines and terminal devices, validates message
header information, performs line error processing, and
queues messages. The Computer Interface Package (the hostresident portion of CTAM) controls the channel, and serves
to replace the IBM telecommunications access method
(TCAM, BTAM, etc.).

Peripherals
Flexible disk storage arrangements are provided including
removable pack and fixed head units, as well as the capability to support IBM 3336-style drives from IBM and some
independents.
The 7214 Controller attaches to one position on the Block
Multiplexer channel and supports up to nine double-density
2314-style drives; if the full complement of nine drives is
installed, one is a spare. Two drive models are available; the
6214 single spindle and the 6224 dual spindle. Any combination of models is supported that does not exceed nine
spindles. Each spindle accepts a 2316 disk pack organized in
two sets of 200 interleaved cylinders; each spindle is two
logical units. The capacity supported by each spindle is
58.352 megabytes. Average head positioning time is 35 milliseconds. Rotational delay averages 12.5 milliseconds. The
transfer rate is 312K bytes per second.
Fixed disk drives and 3330-11-style removable pack drives
can be attached to the Block Multiplexer or Integrated File
Adapter. Either a T7060 or a T7065 Storage Control Unit is
required to attach to a 3640 either via an IFA or to one
position on a block multiplexer. The Storage Control Unit
accommodates up to four drives in any combination of 24megabyte (T6124-A1) or 48-megabyte (T6148-A1) fixed
disk drives and ISO-megabyte (T6215-A1) or 300-megahyte
(T6230-A1) removable pack drives that accept IBM 3336-11
style disk packs. The (lXed disk drives also include 97K bytes
of storage under fixed heads (no head positioning delay).
The data transfer rate for all models is l,209K bytes per
second. The rotational delay for all models is 8.4 milliseconds. The average head positioning time for the fixed
disk models is 40 milliseconds; for the removable pack
drives, it is 30 milliseconds.

The Block Multiplexer Channel is certified for use with IBM
3830-2/3330-11/3333-11 200-megabyte Controller/Drive
subsystems. The Control Data 38302/33332/33301/33302
100- and 200-megabyte Controller/Drive subsystems are ~

REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED

NOVEMBER 1979

C13-242-107
ProC8QOrs

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II and 3690
Communications Processors

(

PRICING

also certified. Products from other plug compatible vendors
are certifiable on an individual basis.

The Cornten processors are available for purchlllle or on a
3O-day, 2-year, 3-year, or 4o-year lelllle. All system software
is included in the price of the equipment, except for DDS
which is offered for a monthly license fee. A separate
monthly maintenance contract is available.

A 75-ips magnetic tape drive, a 6OO-cpm card reader, and a
600-lpm line printer are offered, along with a HASP Workstation. The latter is available with or without a console.

Monthly Charges*
Monthly
Lease

2-Vear
Lease

3-Vear
Lease

4-Vear
Lease

Purchase
Price

Monthly
Maint.

T3650-C3
T3650-03

FEP; 3650II-C3. 64K bytes. 3lM
FEP; 365011-03. 64K bytes. 11 LM

$1,350
1,740

$1,190
1,525

$1,095
1.39S

$1,046
1,334

$ 37,525
48.025

$230
250

T3650-E3
T3650-F3

RCP; 3650l1-E3, 64K bytes, 3lM
RCP; 3650l1-E3, 64K bytes, 1 1lM

1,435
1,825

1,270
1,605

1,171
1,474

1,120
1,408

39,025
49,525

270
290

F3605-A1

Storage Expansion; 128K bytes

514

450

413

394

13,875

F1034-A1
F2200
T3019
T4OO8
F4OO2
F4OO3
F1044
F2205-A1

IBM Channel Program Loader
Remote Initial Load
IBM Channel IIF Adapter
Comten Console
System Select Switch
RS232C Interface
Peripheral Power Sequencer
3650 Extended Distance IIF
Adapter

57
30
285
166
6
7
62
5

50
26
245
145
5
6
54
4

46
24
222
133
5
6
50
4

1,265
665
7,420
3,500
125
75
1,800
100

23
210
126
4
5
47
3

5
10
20
1
1
8
1

T3651-A1
T3651-A2
T3651-B1
T3651-B2

Module
Module
Module
Module

420
495
825
975

365
430
715
850

350
415
685
815

330
390
645
770

10,500
12,000
20,600
23,600

40
60
80
120

3650 II Systems

(

Controller;
Controller;
Controller;
Controller;

6lM
6lM, 2 CPU
12lM
12lM. 2 CPU

3670 II Systems
T3670-E1
T3670-F1
T3670-G1

FEP; 3670 II-E1, 64K bytes, 11 LM
FEP; 3670 II-F1, 64K bytes, 19lM
FEP; 3670 II-G1, 64K bytes, 27lM

2,580
2,973
3,365

2,255
2,593
2,930

2,063
2,369
2,675

1,966
2.258
2,547

73,500
83,500
93,500

330
353
375

T3670-H1
T3670·J1

RCP; 3670 II-H1, 64K bytes, 12lM
RCP; 3670 11 ..)1, 64K bytes, 20LM

2,362
2,754

2,075
2,412

1,904
2,209

1,818
2,108

65,000
75,500

362
384

F3602-A1

Storage Expansion; 64K bytes

340

300

276

262

9,250

F1034-A1
F1027
F2201-A1
F2201-A2
T3018
T3025
T4OO8
F4002
F4OO3
F1044
F2205-B1

IBM Channel Program Loader
Communications IIF Module
Remote Initial Load-Basic
Remote Initial Load-Second
IBM Channel IIF Adapter
IBM Channel IIF Adapter
Comten Console
System Select Switch
RS232C Interface
Peripheral Power Sequencer
3670 Extended Distance IIF
Adapter

57
88
57
30
300
170
166
6
7
62
5

50
77
50
26
255
150
145
5
6
54
4

46
70
46
24
237
138
133
5
6
50
4

44
23
225
131
126
4
5
47
3

1,265
2,125
1,265
665
7,420
3,945
3,500
125
75
1,800
100

10
10
10
5
25
25
20
1
1
8
1

T3671-A1
T3671-A2
T3671-B1
T3671-B2
T3671-C1
T3671-C2
T3671-01
T3671-02

Module
Module
Module
Module
Module
Module
Module
Module

420
495
825
975
1,275
1,455
1,635
1,930

365
430
715
850
1,070
1,270
1,420
1,685

350
415
685
815
1,025
1,220
1,365
1,620

330
390
645
770
965
1,050
1,285
1,530

10,500
12,000
20,600
23,600
30,700
35,200
40,800
46.800

40
80
120
120
180
160
240

Controller;
Controller;
Controller;
Controller;
Controller;
Controller;
Controller;
Controller;

6LM
6lM, 2 CPU
12LM
12lM, 2 CPU
18lM
18lM, 2 CPU
24lM
24LM, 2 CPU

3690 Systems

T3690-A4

Free-standing; 3690-A4. 256K.
3LM

5.065

4.157

3.794

3,794

134,400

526

T3690-B4

RCP; 3690-B4. 256K, 3lM

4,536

3.723

3,398

120.400

471

*Includes Monthly Ml;lintenance,

NOVEMBER 1979

REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED
--

~~~--

-----

C13-242-108
Processors

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II and 3690
Communications Processors
Configuration
3650 Base Cabinet
T4008 CQnaole

Processor

-T---- ----1To host computer

I Direct

(1 )

1 Storage
I Access
I

Channel

1~ I

-,--1
To host computer

1 Direct
(2)

peripheral

Storage
Access
Channel

__1-

I
I
I

Memory
64K bytes
to
512K bytes (3)

_-I

Integral
Program
Load
----Remote Initial
Load
(E2, F2 only)

~-;r::;e-

I Interfaces
,-,

I.~ I
I~ I

I
I

I~
I

T365 I-XX
Module Controller

I~ I
1
Ii l l
I ~.2 I
1
1

(4)

Up to 8 MIM's per
system, supporting
Interfaces for up to
128 communic~ltions lines,

1--_
1

1
1_ -

MIM & Une
Interfaces

MIM &
Interfaces

1--,--

(5)

I
1

(1) Basic 3650-C2 and 02 include one IBM Channel Interface Adapter T3019; optional for 3650-E2 and F2.
(2) Direct Access Storage Channel available optionally for all models for peripheral attachment or for a second IBM Channel Interface Adaptllr.
(3) Basic memory is 64K bytes, expandable to 512K bytes in 128K byte increments.
(4) Up to eight Modem Interface Modules (MIM) plus associated Line Interfaces (see Table 21 per system, supporting up to 128 communications
lines. Requirement for expansion housing for MIM's (Module Controller) is dependent on the MIM's sel~ed and the space available in base
cabinet; space available is expressed in Logic Modules. 3650-C2. and E2, have three Logic Modules available; 3650-02 and F2 have 11 I.o{jic
Modules available. Three types of MIM's each utilize one Logic Module. A fourth MIM, the DLC-MIM, consumes one·half of two Logic Module!!;
two DLC-MIM's occupy two Logic modules. Basic 3650-E2 and F2 include one BSC·MIM and one CMS Trunkline Interface, accommodating 8
full-duplex lines at 1800 bps.
(5) Module Controllers are available to accommodate either 6 Logic Modules or 11 Logic Module!!. Each size has a version that permits dual lleee$\!;
i.e., two 3670'5 can have access to the controller.
Mont~ly. Charges"

Lease

2-Year
Lease

3·Year
Lease

4-Year
Lease

Purchase
PriC$

Monthly
Maint.

FEP; 3690-C4, 256K, 3LM
FEP; 3690-04. 256K. CIA Base.
2LM
FEP; 3690-E4. 256K, CIA Base.
7LM

4,597
5.087

3.773
4,175

3.444
3.810

122.000
135,000

478
528

6.070

4.975

4.537

162.200

594

F3607-A1

Storage Expansion. 256K bytes

1.028

900

821

788

27.500

150

T3018
T3019
T2023-Al
T2023-Bl

IBM Channel IIF Adapter
IBM Channel I/F Adapter
Communications Adapter
Extended Distance Communication
Adapter
Extended Distance Communication
Adapter. 2 CPU

300
300
219
294

260
260
ISO
241

237
237
164
220

225
225
164
220

7,420
7,420
5.800
7,800

25
25
23

414

340

310

11,000

166
7
62

145
6
54

133
6
50

126
5
47

3.500
75
1.800

20
1
8

Monthly
3690 Systems (Continued)
T3690-C4
T3690-D4
T3690-E4

T2023-Cl
T400S
F4003
F1044

Comten Console
RS232C Interface
Peripheral Power Sequencer

"Includes Monthly Maintenance.

30
,r-'

...

NOVEMBER ·1979

C13-242-109
Processors

Comten 3650 II. 3670 II and 3690
Communications Processors
Configuration
3670 Base Cabinet
Processor

r---I--I_T-CIA
I
~I
1 r-.----- I
1!
lu I

Up to 4 host
1
attachments
1
(Models El, Fl, Gl) I

CIA

ICIAIIlII
Base 2!

l:t

f----I
CIA

--r

I (1) I til

I r- -- -- _I
CIA
I
1

I ~ I ~~m~~es
f----i - JiSl ~2K bytes;
--"-1~
I
i!c: I expandable
",I in64Kbyte
I
I ~ I~ I increments
Upt08
I
.!!
"'I
I~
· heraIs (5) I
Pe riP
I
.:(
(5)
~ !!:
I
,
I :::E 15 I 8. I
Q.

...

I'~

r----

1_ --.!~rface~ _ _

I .g~

I~
~

I
I

L_l~

Load
(Model Hl, Jl only)

MIM & Line

:_~~a~s___

Communications Interface Module, supporting up to 128 communications lines.

~ _ _ -I_ ~:~rf~~~;; ---1----I

I
I·§

Function.
SEPTEMBER 1977

A typical Comten 3690 with 256K bytes of
memory and supporting 52 communications
lines (16 asynchronous, 16 BSC at 9600
bps, 16 SOLC at 4800 bps, and 4 wideband
at 56,000 bps) can be purchased for
$107,855 or leased on a 2-year basis for
$5,953 per month including maintenance.

CHARACTERISTICS
VENDOR: Cornten, Inc., 1950 West County Road B-2, St.
Paul, Minnesota 55113. Telephone (612) 633-8130.
DATE OF ANNOUNCEMENT: 3650 1- 3/75; 3650 II 3/76; 3670 I - 1/72; 3670 II - 3/76; 3690 - 7/77.
DATE OF FIRST DELIVERY: 3650 1- 9/75; 3650 II 6/76; 3670 I - 4/72; 3670 II - 6/76; 3690 - scheduled
for tirst quarter of 1978.
NUMBER DELIVERED TO DATE: 3650 3670 - over 200.

over 200;

SERVICED BY: Comten, Inc.

CONFIGURATION
The Comten 3670 II and the Comten 3650 II are based
on the same hardwired processor with a memory cycle of
650 nanoseconds and a 16-bit word. The 3650 is a strippeddown version of the 3670 and supports a reduced number of
direct host connections, communications lines, and memory
capacity.
The Comten 3690 has a microprogrammed processor with
architectural sophistication that enables the 3690 to operate
from three to six times faster than the 3650/3670, despite
the fact that all three processors have the same memory
cycle time.
The most notable architectural changes that contribute to
the speed enhancement of the 3690 are: the processor logic

C13-Z42-102
Processors

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II, and 3690
Communications Processors

1:> The Comten 3650 II and 3670 II are enhanced versions
of the original 3650 and 3670. The use of semiconductor
memory and increased line capacity were among the
enhancements included in the Version II models, first
offered in February 1976.
Purchase prices for the Comten 3650/3670 listed in this
report reflect a 20 to 30 percent decrease from the prices
published in August 1976. Such reductions are in line
with the round of price decreases the industry experienced in the spring of 1977. The reduction biases the
purchase/lease decision towards purchasing compared to
last year.
USER REACTION

In the May 1977 Communications Processor survey
conducted by Datapro, 14 users of the Comten 3650 and
15 users of the Comten 3670 responded. Their ratings are
summarized in the tables below. Two of the 3670 users
had Amdahl host computer systems; all other users had
IBM host computer systems. A "typical" 3650 system
interfaced 43 communications lines with an average of
two terminals per line. A "typical" 3670 system interfaced
115 communications lines with an average of 3 terminals
per line.
Comten 3650
Overall satisfaction
Ease of installation
Throughput
Hardware reliability
Promptness of maintenance
Quality of maintenance
Software
Technical support
Comten 3670
Overall satisfaction
Ease of installation
Throughput
Hardware reliability
Promptness of maintenance
Quality of maintenance
Software
Technical support

Excellent

Goo~

9
7
9
II
7
8
7
7

4
4

I
I

5
2
6

0
I
I
2
I
2

6
4

Fair Poor
0

2
0
0
0
0

0
I

Excellent Good Fair Poor

8
5
9
9
6
6
5

7
10
5
8
8
7

0
0
I
I
I
I
3

0
0
0
0
0
0

0
I

WA*
3.6
3.1
3.6
3.7
3.4
3.4
3.4
3.2
WA*
3.5
3.3
3.6
3.5
3.3
3.3
3.1
2.9

*Weighted Average on a scale of 4.0 for Excellent.

Based on the ratings, Com ten enjoys a satsified user
base. One user cited reliability experience as superior
to the products of two other vendors. Documentation on
interface software, however, was cited as poor by several
users. Users in remote areas were the ones that rated
technical support as poor or fair.D
~

control is microprogrammed; data transfers to and from
memory are via an odd/even dual access; the word size is
64 bits; and instruction execution includes look-ahead instruction execution.
All 36XO models support direct attachment to the IBM
System/360, 370; Control Data Omega systems, Amdahl
systems, and Itel systems. Comten will also produce custom

interfaces for other host systems, as required. Table 2, The
Comten 36XO at a Glance, distinguishes the characteristics
of each 36XO.
Software to operate the 36XO's as front-ends, remote concentrators, and as stand-alone communications processors is
included with the equipment. The Emulation package permits the 36XO to function as an IBM 370X or as an IBM
370X emulating an IBM 270X.
The Communications Networking System (CNS) package
has all of the capabilities of the Emulation package plus
the ability for multiple Comten processors within a network
to communicate with each other.
The Network Control Program (NCP) relieves the host
processor of the bulk of network control functions and is
comparable to IBM's NCP. The host access method, when
operating NCP in the Comten processor, must be IBM's
TCAM or VTAM.
The Data Switching System (DSS), scheduled for early 1978
release, augments NCP and CNS to enable the Comten
processor to efficiently operate as a distributed network
nodal processor, conforming to the rules established by
IBM's System Network Architecture (SNA).
Asynchronous lines up to 19.2K bps, and synchronous
lines up to S6K bps are supported in either half- or fullduplex mode. Major protocols supported including Teletype, BSC, CNS trunkline (Comten's internal, BSC-Iike
protocol), and SDLe.

Comten 3650 II
The 3650 II is offered in four basic models. Two of the
models are intended for use as a front-end processor and two
of the models are intended for use as a remote concentrator.
All models include the base cabinet with the 650-nanosecond
processor, 32K bytes of memory, the Integral Program Load
Device and two Direct Storage Access channels. The two
front-end processor models, the 3650-C2 and the 3650-D2,
include one IBM Channel Interface Adapter, which provides
a direct storage access connection with the host computer .
system. An optional second channel is available for attachment of either peripherals requiring a direct channel interface or a second IBM Channel Interface Adapter. The latter
can be attached to the same host or to another host
computer. The C2 and D2 models also iriclude a Communications Interface Module that will permit the attachment of
up to eight Modem Interface Modules (MIM) to the sytem.
Each Modem Interface Module will support up to 16 communications lines.
The base cabinet of the 3650-C2 has space and electrical
interfaces to accommodate three Logic Modules. (A Logic
Module is a deck of up to 70 circuit boards occupying about
23 x 6 x 9 inches of space within the cabinet). Three of the
four types of attachable MIM's require the space of one
Logic Module. Three of these MIM's, in any combination,
can be installed on the 36SO-C2 models with each MIM
supporting up to 16 lines. A fourth type of MIM, the DLCMIM, occupies one-half of two adjacent Logic Modules.
The basic 36SO-C2 therefore can accommodate only two of
the DLC-MIM's. Physical considerations prevent the third
Logic Module from being used when two DLC-MIM's are
attached. An alternate configuration permits one DLCMIM and one of the other three types of MIM's to be
attached. Expansion cabinets (Module Controllers) must be
employed to add more MIM's to reach the system maximum
of eight MIM's. The Module Controllers are available in two
models. One model supplies space to accommodate six Logic
Modules; the other model supplies space to accommodate.\2 Logic Modules. Two additional models, a 6 LM and
a 12··U\1 size, provide for two 365O's to have access to the
same Module Controller. One use for the dual access
Module Controller is for fall-back. When the primary 3650

SEPTEMBER 1977

C13-242-103
ProcessOrs

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II, and 3690
Communications Processors
TABLE 1. THE COMTEN 36XO AT A GLANCE

ProcessorMain memory cycle time. nanoseconds
Main memory word size. bits
Basic main memory capacity. bytes
Maximum main memory capacity. bytes
Logic Control
NetworkMaximum number of communications
lines physically attachable
Maximum number of direct host
attachments
Host systems supported

Comten 3650 II

Comten 3670 II

Comten 3690

650
16
32K
256K
Hardwired

650
16
64K
512K
Hardwired

650*
64
256K
1024K
Microprogrammed

12B

384

512

IBM 360/370.
CDC Omega.
Amdahl. Itel.
Custom

IBM 360/370.
CDC Omega,
Amdahl. ltel,
Custom

*Despite identical memory cycle timing, the look-ahead instruction execution. dual storage access. and a 64-bit word results in the 3690
operating 3 to 6 times faster than the other two models.

. . front-end is not operative, the secondary 3650 can assume
the prime function in handling the lines. The basic 3650-D2
includes capacity for housing II Logic Modules. When more
Logic Modules are required, Module Controllers are employed.
The basic 3650-E2 and the 3650-F2 remote concentratolli do
not include a Channel Interface Adapter; however, up to two
adaptelli can he optionally attached to each system. Included
in the basic 3650-E2 and the 3650-F2 are a BSC~MIM and a
line Interface that will support eight full-duplex communications lines. The two features are used to support Comten's
CNS tronkline protocol and can transtnit data at speeds up
to 56K bps.

Comten 3670 II
The Comten 3670 is offered in five basic models. Two
models, the Comten 3670-Hl and Jl, are intended as remote
concentrator processolli. The remaining three, the Comten
3670-EI, Fl, and GI, are intended for use as front-end
processolli. All models include the base cabinet with the 650nanosecond processor, 64K bytes of memory, an Integral
Program Load Device, two Direct Storage Access Channels,
and one Communications Interface Module (CIM). The
CIM can accommodate up to eight Modem Interface Modules (MIM). Each MIM can support line Interfaces for up
to 16 communications lines.
The three front-end basic systems (EI, FI, GI) include one
IBM Channel Interface Adapter. Up to three additional
adaptelli, along with up to eight direct access peripheral
controllelli, can be optionally attached. A Block Multiplexer feature is required to attach the peripheral controllers. The Block Multiplexer attaches to the Direct Storage Access Channel. Alternatively, an Intgrated File
Adapter (IF A) can be attached to the Direct Storage Access
Channel, to support up to four disk drives. Two additional
Communiations Interface Modules can be optionally added
to the basic CIM for all models, permitting attachment of a
total of 24 MIM's or up to 384 communications lines.
The three front-end base models, the 3670-EI, FI, and GI,
have 11, 19, and 27 Logic Modules, respectively. A Logic
Module is the space available to mount one rack of PC
boards. When more MIM's are required than can be
contained in the base configuration, expansion cabinets
(Module Controllelli) are necessary. Module Controllelli are
available in 4 models containing 6, 12, 18, and 24 Logic
Modules. Each controller comes in a single processor velliion
and a dual processor velliion. The dual processor velliion
SEPTEMBER 1977

permits two 3670's to be attached to the controller. The net
effect is that two front-end processolli can have aceess to the
communications lines that are attached to the controller.
The two remote concentrator systems (HI, JI) include one
BSC-MIM with one trunk line interface that accommodates
up to 8 full-duplex lines at speeds up to 56K bps. One
additional Communications Interface Module can be optionally added, permitting a total of 24 MIM's or up to 384
communications lines, Two Direct Storage Access Channels
are available on the remote System for attachment of up to
16 direct access peripheral cootrollelli when a Block Multiplexer is attached to each Direct Storage Access Channel.
The basic 3670-Hl has 12 Logic Modules. When adding
IDOre MIM's than can be contained in the base configuration, the Module Controllelli, as described ahove, are used.

Comten 3690
The Comten 3690 is offered in five basic models. All models
include the 520-nanosecond, microprogrammed processor
with dual-odd/even storage access, an Integral Program
Load Device, 256K bytes of 650-nanosecond memory, and
one Communications Adapter (CA). The CA accommodates up to 8 Modem Interface Modules and associated Line
Interfaces to support up to 128 communications lines. Up to
three additional CA's can be optionally attached permitting
physically attaching up to 512 communications lines per
3690 system. Since the basic models include space for one,
two, or six Logic Modules, Module Controller expansion
cabinets are provided to accommodate the attachment of
MIM's and Line Interfaces. The Module Controllelli are
available to handle Logic Module requirements of 6, 12, 18,
24, 30 or 36 Logic Modules. Each of the controller sizes
has a velliion that permits dual 3690's to access the controller and the lines attached to that controller.
The basic 256K bytes of memory can be expanded to 1024K
bytes by the attachment of up to six Memory Modules;
each module contains 128K bytes of memory.
The five 3690 basic models differ in the number of Direct
Storage Access Channels (DSAC) provided and the device
that can be attached to the DSAC's.
The 3690-Al is intended to operate as a stand-alone data
switching system configurated to support a variety of peripheral attachments. Therefore, the 3690-Al provides four
DSACs with one of the DSACs having a Block Multiplexer
Channel attached. The Block Multiplexer has the capacity
to accommodate up to eight peripheral controllelli. The
remaining three DSAC's can optionally receive Block Multi- . .

C13-242-104
Processors

Comten 3650 II. 3670 II. and 3690
Communications Processors
TABLE 2. COMMUNICATIONS LINE INTERFACES & MODEM INTERFACE MODULES
Una
Interface
Timing Full-Duplex Speed, bps Feature

Half- or

Une Interface
EIA RS 232C

Bell 113B. 103A,
202
Unwired. for special
applications
BSC
CNS trunkline
IBM 284812260.

No. of
Unas per Interfaces MIM
Interface per MIM Feature

Async.

Half

Up to 1800

F2072-A1

T2016-A2"·

Async.
Sync.
Sync.
Async.

Half
Half
Full
Half

Up
Up
Up
Up

F2072-A2
F2053-A1
F2053-B1
F2053-C1

2
2
1
2

8
8
8
8

T2016-A2"·
T2018-A2
T2018-A2
T2018-A2

Sync.

Both

Up to 201<

F2OS3

T2020-A2

Async.

Half

Up to 75

F2074"

T2016-A2""

Sync.
Sync.
Sync.
Sync.
Sync.

Half
Full
Half
Full
Both

Up
Up
Up
Up
Up

to
to
to
to
to

50K
50K
56K
56K
56K

F2064·A1
F2064-B1
F2092-A1
F2092-B1
F2OS5

1
1
2
1

4
4
2
2
2

T2018-A2
T2018-A2
T2018-A2
T2018-A2
T2020-A2

Sync.
Sync.
Sync.
Sync.

Both
Both
Both
Both

Up
Up
Up
Up

to
to
to
to

230K
230K
230K
50K

F2026-A1
F2026-B1
F2026-C1
F20B4

2
2
2
1

2
2
2
2

T2017-A1 " ••
T2017-A1 .""
T2017-A1 •••
T2020-A2

to 1800
to 201<
to 201<
to 201<

284512265
SDLC
Current loop. 20
ma or 60 ma
Wideband
DDS

Wideband

Bell 300 Series
CNS trunkline
BSC
CNS trunkline
Bell System Data
Service Unit
SSC
SSC
SSC
Bell 300 Series

F2033-XX
Auto call Adapter #T2014-XX 1
16
T2016-A2
F2033-XX
#T2014-XX
16
T2018-A2
"Requires Telegraph Interface Base Feature #F2068.
""F2028 or F2077-XX required for each T2016. F2028 (no charge) allows only single speed. F2027-XX permits program selection of a
different speed for each line.
"""Requires F2040 when more than one F2026 is attached.

~ plexer Channels or Integrated File Adapters (for multiple

disk attachment). This model includes space for two Logic
Modules in the base cabinet.
The 3690-B 1 is intended to function as a remote communications processor and does not include any Direct Storage
Access Channels. This model includes space for two Logic
Modules in the base cabinet.
The 3690-CI, DI, and EI are intended to function as frontend processors. All three models include four Direct Storage
Access Channels. The 369O-CI also includes one Channel
Interface Adapter for direct attachment to the host. The
three remaining DSAC's can be used to attach up to three
additional Channel Interface Adapters, up to three Block
Multiplexer Channels, up to three Integrated File Adapters,
or any combination of the three feature attachments.
The 3690-DI has a Channel Interface Adapter Base attachment to one of the DSAC's. This CIA Base can support
attachment of up to four Channel Interface Adapters, still
leaving three DSAC's available. The three DSAC's are
restricted to attachment of Block Multiplexers or Integrated
File Adapters. The basic 3690-D 1 also includes one IBM
Channel Interface Adapter.
The 3690-EI includes two CIA Bases, each able to accommodate up to four host attachments or a system total of
eight. One of the CIA Bases includes an IBM Channel Interface Adapter as part of the basic configuration. The two
remaining DSAC's can be used for Block Multiplexer or
Integrated File Adapter attachment.

CONNECTION TO HOST COMPUTER
The 3650 supports up to two direct host connections; the
3670. up to four; and the 3690. up to eight. The Channel
Interface Adapter controls byte transfers between the Comten processors and the multiplexer channel on an IBM host
computer. Subchannel addres...es from 1 to 256 are supported. When the Comten processor is emulating an IBM
270X. an Emulator Identifier feature is required along with
the Channel Interface Adapter.

TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS
Asynchronous lines up to 19.2K bps, and synchronous
lines up to 56K bps are supported. EIA RS 232C, current
loop, wideband, lind DDS interfaces are supported in either
full- or half-duplex mode. Notable among the protocols.
supported are binary synchronous communication (BSC).
SDLC, and CNS trunkline. The latter is a BSC-like protocol
used internally on Comten networks.
Each type of line interface requires specific Modem Interface
Module and Une Interface features. These features are
attached to the system Communications Interface Module.
Table 2. Communications Une Interfaces and Modem
Interface Modules. lists the features required to support the
various types of communications lines. Throughput limitations are noted by the number of lines each MIM will
support for a given type of interface. despite the physical
capability of attaching 16 lines per MIM.

SOFTWARE
Currently. three major software packages are available.
at no additional charge. for operating Comten 36XO systems. They are Comten Emulation. Communications Networking System (CNS), and Network Control Program (NCP).
Emulation
Comten Emulation permits the 36XO to operate as an IBM
3704/3705 controller. including the capability to emulate an
IBM 270X. In addition to permitting one ('omten 36XO to
replace multiple 270X/370X devices attached to one host.
the 36XO can be connected to multiple hosts. Emulation
also supports terminals that are not compatible with the
270X and 370X.
Emulation consists of a module for each terminal-type
requiring support and a string of special purpose programs
such as TlLS, ABRD. MAF. and DIAL Tn.s. TerminalInitiated Une Switching, assigns the appropriate host sub-

SEPTEMBER 1917

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II, and 3690
Communications Processors
~

(

channel address that is associated with a particular application. The assignment is based upon the terminal operator's
description of the linkage required. TILS includes a feature
that will automatically reroute transactions to a backup host
when the primary host is unavailable. ABRD, Automatic
Baud Rate Detection, enables mUltiple start/stop terminals
with different speeds and data-link control procedures to
share the same line to a Comten front-end processor. ABRD
is used in conjunction with TILS. When a terminal operator
initiates a linkage under TILS, it is ABRD that determines
the terminal's speed and data-link control. SILS, Site-Initiated Line Switching, under the control of the front-end
processor's operator, performs the TILS function for dedicated lines. MAF, Multiple Access Facility, relieves the host
of the polling function for IBM 3270 systems and permits the
terminals to select applications in any host computer attached
to the Comten front-end processor. DIAL, Automatic Dialing, handles up to 16 phone lines for host-originated calls.
Emulation also provides utility programs for monitoring
and maintenance, on-line terminal testing, console I/O, and
on-line system generation.

Communications Network System (CNS)
When there is a need for two or more Comten processors
to communicate with each other, within a network, the
Emulation software package is replaced with the Communications Networking System (CNS). While performing all of
the functions of Emulation, CNS also enables a Comten
processor functioning as a remote concentrator to transmit
to and receive from a Comten processor functioning as a
front-end processor. Terminals using start/stop or BSC
protocols are supported by the remote concentrator through
the CNS interface modules ASWX and BSWX. While these
modules perform the data-link function, the Transparent
Concentrator (TCON) module performs the function of
multiplexing/demultiplexing of the data from each terminal.
The module that handles the network's internal protocol
(CNS Trunk Handler) is the TCTH module. This internal
protocol is transparent to the terminals and the host processors. CNS emuhltor modules, comparable to the Emulation modules above, are resident in the front-end processor
for each terminal-type sending and receiving data. An
optional module, STAR, performs trunk monitoring and
reporting. Information on trunk utilization, current circuit
status, and error statistics are provided by STAR, along with
automatic notification of circuit failures. Other CNS features
support alternate routing, node reconfiguration, satellite
links, remote auto-dial, and multiple-circuit trunks.

Network Control Program (NCP)
Both the CNS and the Emulation packages require a
separate subcharmel address for each terminal communicating with the host. Controlling multiple accesses consumes
significant host processor time. NCP provides for all data
between the host and the front-end processor to be multiplexed over a single subchannel, significantly reducing the
host control function. Comten NCP is compatible with IBM
NCP in performing the line handling and communicaitons
control functions. While the access method in the host is
transparent to Emulation and CNS, NCP requires that the
host access method be either IBM TCAM or VTAM.
Comten NCP provides concurrent support for multiple IBM.
host processors.
When the Comten NCP system is used to emulate in a mode
comparable to IBM's NCP Partitioned Emulation Processing (PEP) mode, Comten NCP is operated concurrently
with Emul~tion and CNS. This capability is generally
needed to ease application program conversion from the
270X multi-access mode to NCP single-access mode.

System Generation
Parameter setting for tailoring either Emulation, CNS, or
NCP for a given system is done in CODEL, a Comten
SEPTEMBER 1977

C13-242-105
Processors

source language. System generation is performed on the host
computer and is loaded into the front-end processor.

Data Switching System (OSS)
The Comten processor can be operated as a nodal processor
on a distributed network by the use of the Data Switching
System. Operated under the control of the Communications
Operating System (COS), DSS operates coresident with
NCP and CNS. DSS adds to the capabilities of NCP filelevel host interface, basic message handling and queuing,
message switching, network security, and network control
functions. In effect, DSS can independently drive a communications network.
DSS is composed of four modules: the Communications
Access Method (CAM), the Data Switch Message Control
Program (DS/MCP), the Network Manager, and the File
Access Method (FAM).
The Communications Access Method t:ontrols the access to
all lines assigned to CAM, whether to a terminal, to another
node processor, or to a host processor. Four sub-modules
of CAM provide a standard interface with the remainder
of the CAM module and each of the four separate protocols.
The sub-modules are called Transmission Subsytem Elements (TSE). The Basic Mode SNA TSE provides the
interface between CAM and data received (from terminals)
by the processor via NCP. The Communications Networking System TSE provides the interface between CAM and
data received (from terminals and other Comten processors)
by the processor via CNS. The 3270 Emulation TSE
provides the interface between CAM and up to four IBM
360/370 hosts. The hosts, operating BTAM or TCAM
applications programs, view the interface between CAM and
IBM 360/370 systems executing "read/write" queries to
DDS through the host's Basic Sequential Access Method
(BSAM).
The Data Switch/Message Control Program performs the
message handling function for data it receives from CAM.
Messages are analyzed, edited, routed, queued, and logged.
Error recovery is controlled by this DSS module.
The Network Manager portion of DSS is responsible for
network configuration, startup, shutdown, session establishment, and other related functions.
The File Access Method module of DSS provides the access
interface between locally attached disk drives, card readers,
and printers and the Data Switch/Message Control Program.
Application programs in the Comten processor have interfaces with the File Access Method, the Data Switch/
Message Control Program, and the Network Manager
through a module of the operating system (COS) called
Application Program Support.
Release 1 of DSS is scheduled for delivery in January 1978.
The following elements will not be included until Release
2: user file access, disk queues, multiple priority for queues,
File-Level host access, detailed statistics file, extended support for any start/stop and bisynchronous devices of NCP,
warm start recovery. Release 2 is scheduled for August 1978.

Peripherals
Flexible disk storage arrangements are provided including
removable pack and fixed head units, as well as the capability to support IBM 3330-style drives from IBM and some
independents.
The 7214 Controller attaches to one position on the Block
Multiplexer channel and supports up to nine double-density
2314-style drives; if the full complement of nine drives is . .

C13-2427106
PrOC8$SOrB

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II, and 3690
Communications Processors
~

installed, one is a spare. Two drive models are available;
the 6214 single spindle and the 6224 dual spindle. Any·
combination of models is supported that does not exceed
nine spindles. Each spindle accepts a 2316 disk pack organized in two sets of 200 interleaved cylinders; each spindle
is two logical units. The capacity supported by each spindle
is 58.352 megabytes. Average head positioning time is 35
milliseconds. Rotational delay averages 12.5 milliseconds.
The transfer rate is 312K bytes per second.

delay for all models is 8.4 milliseconds. The average head
positioning time for the fixed disk models is 40 milliseconds;
for the removable pack drives, it is 30 milliseconds.
The Block Multiplexer Channel is certified for use with mM
3830-2/3330-11/3333-11 200-megabyte Controller/Drive
subsystems. The Control Data 38302/33332/33301/33302
100- and 200-megabyte Controller/Drive subsystems are
also certified. Products from other plug compatible vendors
are certifiable on an individual basis.

Fixed disk drives and 3330-1I-style removable pack drives
can be attached to the Block Multiplexer or Integrated
File Adapter. Either arrangement requires the T7005-AI
Formatter. Attachment to the Multiplexer channel also
requires the T72I5-AI Storage Control Unit (available mid1978). The Disk Formatter accommodates up to four drives
in any combination of 24-megabyte (T6124-AI) or 48megabyte (T6148-AI) fixed disk drives and ISO-megabyte
(T6215-AI) or 300-megabyte (T623O-AI) removable pack
drives that accept IBM 3336-11 style disk packs. The fixed
disk drives also include 97K bytes of storage under fixed
heads (no head positioning delay). The data transfer rate
for all models is 1,209K bytes per second. The rotational

A 75-ips magnetic tape drive, a 600-cpm card reader, and a
600-lpm line printer are offered, along with a HASP Workstation. The latter is available with or without a console.

PRICING
The Com ten processors are available for purchase or on a
30-day, 2-year, 3-year, or 4-year lease. All system software
is included in the price of the equipment, except for DDS
which will be offered for a monthly license fee. A separate
monthly maintenance contract is available.

Monthly Charges
Monthly
Lease

2-Vear
Lease

3-Vear
Lease

4-Vear
Lease

FEP; 3650II-C2, 32K bytes,
3LM
FEP; 365011-02, 32K bytes,
llLM

1,172

1,030

947

905

$32,900

$195

1,560

1,365

1,250

1,193

43,400

215

RCP; 3650II-E2, 32K bytes,
3LM
RCP; 3650II-E2, 32K bytes,
llLM

1,250

1,105

1,018

974

34,400

230

1,640

1,440

1,321

1,262

44,900

250

Purchase Monthly
Price
Maint.

3650 II Systems
T3650-C2
T3650-02

T3650-E2
T3650-F2
F3601-Al
F3602-Al

Storage Module; 32K bytes
Storage Expansion; 64K bytes

Fl034-Al
F2200
T3019
T4008
F4002
F4003
Fl044
F2205-Al
T3651-Al
T3651-A2
T3651-Bl
T3651-B2

170

150

340

300

138
276

131
262

4,625
9,250

25
50

IBM Channel Program Loader
Remote Initial Load
IBM Channel IF Adapter
Comten Console
System Select Switch
RS232C Interface
Peripheral Power SequE!ncer
3650 Extended Distance IIF
Adapter

57
30
285
166
6
7
59
5

50
26
245
145
5
6
51
4

46
24
222
133
5
6
47
4

1,265
665
7.420
3,500
125
75
1,800
100

10
5
10
20
1
1
5
1

Module
Module
2 CPU
Module
Module
2 CPU

Controller; 6LM
Controller; 6LM,

420
495

365
430

350
415

330
390

10,500
12,000

40
60

Controller; 12LM
Controller; 12LM,

825
975

715
850

685
815

645
770

20,600
23,600

80
120

2,551

2,226

2,034

1,937

73,500

301

2,941

2,561

2,337

2,226

83,500

321

3,331

2,896

2,641

2,513

93,500

341

2,329

2,042

1,871

1,785

65,000

329

2,719

2,377

2,174

2,073

75,500

349

170

150
300

138
276

131
262

4,625
9,250

25
50

23
210
126
4
5

3670 II Systems
T3670-El
T3670-F1
T3670-Gl
T3670-H1
T3670-J1

F3601-Al
F3602-A1

FEP; 3670 II-El, 64K bytes,
llLM
FEP; 3670 II-F1, 64K bytes,
19LM
FEP; 3670 II-Gl, 64K bytes,
27LM
RCP; 3670 II-Hl, 64K bytes,
12LM
RCP; 3670 II-Jl, 64K bytes,
20LM
Storage Module; 32K bytes
Storage Expa nsion; 64K bytes

340

.,,~

SEPTEMBER 1977

C13-242-107
Processors

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II, and 3690
Communications Processors
Monthly Charges*
Monthly
Lease

(

2-Year
Lease

3-Year
Lease

4-Year
Lease

Purchase
Price

Monthly
Maint.

3670 II Systems (continued)
Fl034-Al
Fl027
F2201-Al
F2201-A2
T3018
T3025
T4008
F4002
F4003
Fl044
F2205-Bl

IBM Channel Program Loader
Communications IIF Module
Remote Initial Load - Basic
Remote Initial Load - Second
IBM Channel I/F Adapter
IBM Channel I/F Adapter
Comten Console
System Select Switch
RS232C Interface
Peripheral Power Sequencer
3670 Extended Distance IIF
Adapter

57
BB
56
30
285
155
166
6
7
59
5

50
77
49
26
245
135
145
5
6
51
4

46
70
45
24
222
123
133
5
6
47
4

44
67
43
23
210
116
126
4
5
44
3

1,265
2,125
1,265
665
7,420
3,945
3,500
125
75
1,800
100

10
10
9
5
10
10
20
1
1
5
1

T3671·Al
T3671-A2

Module
Module
2 CPU
Module
Module
2 CPU
Module
Module
2 CPU
Module
Module
2 CPU

Controller; 6LM
Controller; 6LM,

420
495

365
430

350
415

330
390

10,500
12,000

40
60

Controller; 12LM
Controller; 12LM,

825
975

715
850

685
815

645
770

20,600
23,600

80
120

Controller; 18LM
Controller; 18LM,

1,275
1,455

1,070
1,270

1,025
1,220

965
1,050

30,700
35,200

120
180

Controller; 24LM
Controller; 24LM,

1,635
1,930

1,420
1,685

1,365
1,620

1,285
1,530

40,800
46,800

160
240

T3671-Bl
T3671-B2
T3671-Cl
T3671-C2
T3671-Dl
T3671-D2

3690 Systems

(

T3690-Al

Free-standing; 3690-A 1,
256K,2LM

4,687

3,847

3,512

3,342

103,350

487

T3690-Bl

RCP; 3690-Bl, 256K, 2LM

4,201

3,446

3,146

2,991

92,900

436

T3690-Cl
T3690-Dl

FEP; 3690-Cl, 256K, 2LM
FEP; 256K, 3690-01, CIA
Base,lLM
FEP; 3690-El, 256K, 2-CIA
Bases,6LM

4,257
4,709

3,492
3,864

3,187
3,529

3,032
3,354

93,200
103,800

442
489

5,620

4,605

4,200

3,990

124,650

550

T3690-El
F3604-Al

Storage Expansion, 128K bytes

655

575

527

499

18,500

Fl048-Al
F2207-Al
F2207-A2
T3018
T3019
T2023-Al
T2023-Bl

Auto Power Restart
Remote Initial Load, Basic
Remote Initial Load, Second
IBM Channel I/F Adapter
IBM Channel IIF Adapter
Communications Adapter
Extended Distance Communication Adapter
Extended Distance Communication Adapter, 2 CPU

37
62
30
285
285
206
273

30
51
26
245
245
166
223

27
47
24
222
222
151
203

26
45
23
210
210
146
193

750
1,275
665
7,420
7,420
4,470
6,000

4
9
5
10
10
21
28

385

315

285

275

8,450

T2023-Cl

T4008
F4003
Fl044
F2205-Cl

Comten Console
RS232C Interface
Peripheral Power Sequencer
3690 Extended Distance I/F
Adapter

166
7
59
5

145
6
51
4

133
6
47
4

126
5
44
3

3,500
75
1,800
100

20
1
5

T3691-Al
T3691-A2

Module Controller;
Module Controller;
2 CPU
Module Controller;
adjacent cabinet
Module Controller;
Module Controller;
2 CPU
Module Controller;
adjacent cabi net
Module Controller;
Module Controller;
Module Controller;
adjacent cabinet
Module Controller;
Module Controller;
2 CPU

6 LM
6 LM,

470
555

385
455

350
415

335
395

10,650
12,150

40
60

6 LM,

460

375

345

325

10,500

12 LM
12 LM,

925
1,090

755
895

685
815

655
780

20,800
23,800

80
120

12 LM,

905

740

675

645

20,500

18 LM
18 LM, 2 CPU
18 LM,

1,370
1,620
1,345

1,120
1,330
1,100

1,020
1,215
1,005

970
1,160
955

30,950
35,450
30,500

120
180
120

24 LM
24 LM,

1,825
2,155

1,490
1,770

1,355
1,615

1,290
1,540

41,100
47,100

160
240

T3691-A3
T3691-Bl
T3691-B2
T3691-B3

T3691-Cl
T3691-C2
T3691-C3
T3691-Dl
T3691-D2

SEPTEMBER 1977

C13-242-108
Processors

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II, and 3690
Communications Processors
Configuration

3650 Base Cabinet
T4008 Console

Processor

-T---I Direct I

To host computer

(1)

- - - - , - MIM-;~-

'Storage

I=~ell
- i
To host computer

(2)

peripheral

to
256K bytes (3)

--'Integral ---II

_~ram_ _ 1
Load
(E2, F2 only)

I~ I
Ii I

II 32K
Memory
bytes

I
I Access
Channel I

Remote Initial

I-I

I~ I

----I

'Direct
Storage

Interfaces

I
II

I ~.2 I
I.~ I
I~ I

Up to 8 MIM's per
system, supporting
Interfaces for up to
128 communications lines.

1--_

I
1_ -

'up to
116 linesl

MIM& Une
Interfaces

MIM &
Interfaces

,--,-I

T365 I-XX

Module Controller

(4)

(5)

(1) Basic 3650-C2 and 02 include one IBM Channel Interface Adapter T3019; optional for 3650-E2 and F2.
(2) Direct Access Storage Channel available optionally for all models for peripheral attachment or for a second IBM Channel Interface Adapter.
(3) Basic memory is 32K bytes, expandable to 256K bytes in 64K byte increments.
(4) Up to eight Modem Interface Modules (MIM) plus associated Line Interfaces (see Table 2) per system, supporting up to 128 communications
lines. Requirement for expansion housing for MIM's (Module Controller) is dependent on the MIM's selected and the space available in base
cabinet; space available is expressed in logic Modules. 3650-C2 and E2, have three Logic Modules available; 3650-02 and F2 have 11 logic
Modules available, Three types of MIM's each utilize one logic Module. A fourth MIM, the DLC-MIM, consumes one-half of two logic Modules;
two DLC-MIM's occupy two logic modules. Basic 3650-E2 and F2 include one BSC-MIM and one CMS Trunkline Interface, accommodating 8
full-duplex lines at 1800 bps.
(5) Module Controllers are available to accommodate either 6 logic Modules or 11 Logic Modules. Each size has a version that permits dual access;
i.e., two 3670's can have access to the controller.

Monthly Charges*
Monthly
Lease

2-Year
Lease

4-Year
Lease

3-Year
Lease

Purchase
Price

Monthly
Maint,

3690 Systems (continued)
T3691-El
T3691-E2
T3691-Fl
T3691-F2

Module
Module
2 CPU
Module
Module
2 CPU

Controller; 30 LM
Controller; 30 LM,

2,270
2,680

1,855
2,205

1,690
2,015

1,610
1,920

51,250
58,750

300

Controller; 36 LM
Controller; 36 LM,

2,720
3,215

2,225
2,645

2,025
2,415

1,930
2,305

61,400
70,400

360

200

240

36XO Communication Control Equipment
T2014-Al
T2014-81
F2033-Al

Auto Call Adapter
Auto Call Adapter
Auto Call Interface

114
114
7

99
99
6

90
90
6

86
86
5

2,800
2,800
160

10
10
1

T2014-Cl
T2014-Dl
F2033-Bl

Auto Call Adapter
Auto Call Adapter
Auto Call Interface

121
121
8

105
105
7

91
91
6

3,000
3,000
175

10
10
1

96
6

REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED

"'-~

SEPTEMBER 1977

C13-242-109
Processors

Comten 3650 II. 3670 II. and 3690
Communications Processors
Configuration
3670 Base Cabinet
Processor

-- - -1--IQiT- - - -

I ..2 1,

1
I ~ - - -I
CIA

Up to 4 host
I
attachments
I
(Models El, Fl, Glll

I
I

CIA

Peripherals (5)

CIA

I~I

I nl!! I

I 16 I,;;:~I1
1=

(5)

Memory
64K bytes
to
512K bytes;
expandable
in64Kbyte
increments

'J I
1 ~ ~ 1& I
f!

.>I.

I I ! I~ I
I

___ L_l~

1
------1
Integral P.rogram
Load DeVice

Remote Initial
Load
(Model Hl, Jl only)

(

I Up to 8 MIM's per
I
I
I

I
I
I

38 ;1

I-

-I

I
.,
1.:..9
I'~

N I

I._

I
I

Up to 24 MIM per system,
MIM &Line
I
supporting up to 384
Interfaces
1----'--- communication lines.
MIM &"liile-~terf~ _ _ I---~I- -

(31

r---,-

I.~

~-""',--

38;1
I ~~~ 1
1 8:S ~ L.
I

:
I .~

Interfaces
~---- Mllir &-line - ___

1,- ~t~a~s

(3)

1 § .. .!!
E 'i ~ 1
I
1 8:S~ 1 - - - - - I

Communications Interface Module, supporting up to 128 communications lines.

' I MiM&li~8:S~

"'I

I ~~

l~i~1

'-__ -+ _ J is II

I
1
1

I.~

'----i,(1'1G>1

----:1-1
Upt08

I 51
Base~1

r----I

I- ~~rface.!.
__
I
I
I

I .g

ICIA

--I-MIM&Une-

1 .,

1<5

CIA

~:~:ce~ne

1---'---

MIM & line

I-- Interfaces
T3671-XX
Module Controller (4)

-TI

I~_--,-_--,

(1) Base 3670-El, Fl, G 1 includes Channel Interface Base and one T 3018 IBM Channel Interface Adapter; up to three additional adapters can be optionally
attached. Base 3670-Hl, Jl provides only for attachment of up to eight direct access peripheral controllers with the attachment of a Block Multiplexer,
or up to four disk drives with the attachment of an Integrated File Adapter.
(2) All base models include one Communications Interface Module. Two additional Communications Interface Modules can be optionally attached. Each
Communications Interface Module supports up to eight Modem Interface Modules (MIM).
(3) Up to eight Modem Interface Modules (MIM) plus associated line Interfaces (see Table 2) per Communications Interface Module. Requirement for
expansion housing for MIMs (Module Controller) is dependent on the MIM's selected and the space available in base cabinet; space available is expressed
in Logic Modules. The 3670-El has 11 Logic Modules, Model Fl has 19, Model G 1 has 27, Model Hl has 12, Model J 1 has 20. Three types of MIMs each
utilize one logic Module A fourth MIM, the DLC-MIM, consumes one-half of two Logic Modules. (Two DLC-MIMs occupy two Logic Modules.) The Basic
3670-Hl, Jl includes one BSC-MIM and one CNS Trunkline Interface, accommodating 8 full-duplex lines at 1800 bps.
(4) Module Controllers are available to accommodate either 6, 12, or 1B Logic Modules. Each size has a version that permits dual processor access; two
36705 can have access to the controller.
(5) All models support optional attachment of a Block Multiplexer or an Integrated File Adapter. Up to eight peripheral controllers can be attached to the
Block Multiplexer. Up to four disk drives can be attached to the IFA.

Monthly Charges*
Monthly
Lease

3-Year
Laase

2-Year
Lease

4-Year
Lease

Purchase
Price

Monthly
Maint.

36XO Communication Control Equipment (continued)
T2016-A2
F2027-0X
F2068-01
F2074
F2072-AX

SEPTEMBER 1977

16 Line A-MIM
Multi-Baud Rate; 8 lines
Telegraph IIF Base
2 Line Telegraph l/F
2 Une EIA RS232C IIF

125
13
6
9
9

108
11
5

8
8

98
10
5
7
7

93
10
4
7
7

3,600
295
125
190
190

10
2
2
2

C13-242-110
Processors

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II, and 3690
ComnlUnications .Processors
Configuration
3690 Base Cabinet
Integral Program load Device

Comten
Console

MIM & LI

' _ _1___
Processor

::~ry'

---.----,

Model A1
Up to 8
peripheral controllers
attachable

I
I

_ _ _ _ _ 18Iock
,
:
1 Multiplexer
- .L
Channel
1

-""1

- ---

- --;

(1)

_ _I
I

!iDSACI
1

(1)

--------1

(1)

1
,-

-~,,;;;-; -

r- - - 1 " - - - - - -

1
1 CA.
I (optional)

MIM & LI

L--r--- I

(4)

MIM80Ll

--,--

I
1

-I -

----r-

Up to 8
MIM's (128 ,
lines) per
'CA

--1- - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - -

, ·d

1 ,DSA

- - - - - - - -I

256K
byt
es

(4) I

CA
(basic)

1..-_,

Optional
I
'memory modules.
,DSACI up to 6-128K
f- --I byte modules
1
bsAq
1

1
1
1 CA
(optional)

- CA

I
,

(optional)

MIM & U
~--r--

(4)
L __
L __
I MIM & U

-,- -

I __________- L______

L_~

-:- - -

~I~ ~ __

(4)

L _ --1 __ _
1 ________
MIM &U

Up to 32 MIM's per
system supporting up to
512 communications lines

Model B1-Direct Storage

Access Channels not used
in this model.
r--------r----T-----~

Model C1
Channel Interface

I
1
Up to 4
host
or
peripheral
attachments

1
1
,
1
1
1

:
Upostto 4
h

~ ~st attach~e~

-- -- -

- - - - - - --1

(2)

-- -

r---T369O-XX
Module
Controller (31

1
I

~ Q,A==-jI .
attachmen.;,:t::.,s...J.1---l_ CIA

----l

(2)

-.....--,--1;:
I

(2)

Model 01
§~S@,) I
CIA"

Up to 3
1
peripheral
attachments

:
1

Adapter~19)

MIM &

(1 )

CIA
Base

(21 Direct Storage Access Channel available for attachment of a Channel
Interface Adapter, a Block Multiplexer Channel, or an Integrated File
Adapter.

(31 Module Controllers are available to accommodate 6, 12,18,24,30, or 36
Logic Modules. Each size has a version that permits dual processor access;
i.e., two 369O's can have access to the controller.

----,,
,,
I

-------1
(1 )

- - ______1
(1 )

(11 Direct Storage Access Channel available for attachment of a Block
Multiplexer Channel or an Integrated File Adapter.

(4) Up to eight Modem Interface Modules (MIMI plus associated Une Interfaces (see Table 21 per Communications Adapter. Requirement
for expansion housing for MIM's (Module Controllers) is dependent on the
MIM's selected and the space available in base cabinet; space available is
expressed in Logic Modules. The 3690-A1 and 01 each have two
Modules. The 369O-B1 and 01 have one Logic Module. The 369O-E1 has
six logic Modules.

Model E1
stdl-1

-g: ---1
__I

_C~

Up to 8
host
attachments

CIA
Base

CIA - ; - - ---,

- c~-=--=:=l

_ Q.A___ I

--'-----i-Glt---...! -

CIA
Base

- -

-I

,
1

(1)

- ----

--I
1

REPRODUCTION PROHLBITED

SEPTEMBER 1977

C13-242-111
Processors

Comten 3650 II, 3670 II, and 3690
Communications Processors

(

Monthly Charges·
Monthly
Lease

2-Year
Lease

3-Year
Lease

4-Year
Lease

Purchase
Price

Monthly
Maint.

36XO Communication Control Equipment (continued)
T2017-Al
F2003
F2040
F2026-XX
F2029

BSC-MIM, 4 Line
BSC Autodial
BSC 2 Line Exp.
Sync. Wideband I/F
Special Order Speed

154
48
66
29
17

134
41
57
25
15

122
37
52
23
14

116
35
49
22
13

4,250
1.425
1,850
725
475

16
2
5
2

T2018-A2
F2053-Al, Cl
F2053-Bl
F2064·Al, 81
F2092·Al
F2092-Bl
F2095

BSC-MIM; 16 lines
RS232C I/F; 2 lines
RS232C I/F; 1 line
Wideband I/F; 1 line
Wideband DDS I/F; 2 lines
Wideband DDS I/F, 1 line
BSC EIA £ync. Clock; 2 lines

197
18
18
27
40
23
34

171
16
16
24
35
20
30

156
15
15
23
32
18
28

148
14
14
21
31
17
26

6,500
320
320
600
975
550
785

16
3
3
4
5
3
5

T2020-A2
T2020-B2

DLC-MIM
Extended Distance I/F
DLC·MIM
Extended Distance Dual I/F
DLC·MIM
EIAICCITI I/F; 2 lines
Wideband IIF; 1 line
Wideband DDS I/F; 1 line
Storage Expansion; 2K
Instructions
Operand Storage Expansion

237
284

207
247

189
226

180
215

8,000
9,500

27
32

356

310

283

270

12,000

25
32
31
52

22
28
27
45

20
26
25
41

19
25
24
39

700
825
800
1,500

3
5
5
4

800

750
638

615
523

560
478

535
458

16.400
14,000

1,010
135
545
1,090

830
110
450

900

760
100
410
820

725
95
395
790

21,600
2,900
11,500
23,000

120
15
75
150

678
218
590
397
630
897

558
178
485
327
515
737

508
163
440
297
470
672

488
153
420
287
450
642

15,400
4,675
13,190
9,070
14,075
20,500

73
23
60
42
65
92

300M

1,260

1,035

945

900

28,500

130

1,085

895

820

780

24,250

135

F7004-B2
T6322-B2

Magnetic Tape Drive and Control; 75 ips
Two Channel Switch
Magnetic Tape Drive; 75 ips

112
515

91
430

83
395

79
380

2,500
11,000

8
85

T7305-A2

Card Reader; 600 cpm

425

360

345

330

9,000

T7406-A2

Line Printer; 600 Ipm

930

770

740

705

20,000

160

T7780-Al
T7781·Al

HASP Workstation
HASP Workstation, with Console

1,355
1,521

1,130
1,275

1,085
1,218

1,035
1,161

29,000
32,500

245
265

T8009
F8017

Disk Storage Cabinet
DC Power Feature

141
57

116
47

107
43

101
41

3,500
1,400

15
6

T2020-C2
F2083
F2084
F2085
F2088
F2097

36XO Peripheral Equipment

T3023-Al
T3026-Al

Block Multiplexer Channel
Integrated File Adapter

T7214-B2
F7005-B2
T6214-B2
T6224·B2

Disk Storage Control Unit
Two Channel Switch
Disk Storage Drive; 58M bytes
Disk Storage Drive, 116M bytes

T7215-Al
F7009
T7005-Al
T6124-Al
T6148-Al
T6215-Al

Storage Control Unit
Two Channel Switch
Disk Formatter
Fixed Media Disk; 24M
Fixed Media Disk; 42M
Removable Media Disk;
bytes
Removable Media Disk;
bytes

T6230-Al

T7322·B2

bytes
bytes
15M

"Includes Monthly Maintenance.

(
SEPTEMBER 1977

C13-242-112
Processors

Comten 3650 II. 3670 II. and 3690
Communications Processors
't,

SOFTWARE
SOFTWARE

,Monthly
Ucense
Fee
$ 75

S-46F500000

Multi Leaving Workstation (MLWI

S-46010
S-46010

DSS Release 1
DSS Release 2

S-46011
S-46011

Network Manager Release 1
Network Manager Release 2

S-46012
S-46012
S-46013

Data Switch/MCP Release 1
Data Switch/MCP Release 2
Auxiliary Storage

S-56010
S-5601 0

CAM Release 1
CAM Release 2

25
50

S-56011
S-56012
S-56013
S-56014
S-56020

SNAITSE
CNSITSE
3270 EmulationlTSE
FILE LEVELITSE
FAM Release 2

30
50

40
125
50
125

25
25
25

3a.

SEPTEMBER 1977

C13-242-201
Processors

(

Comten 476 Communications Processor
A message-switching communications processor or a front-end processor for IBM
360/370 computer systems.
Up to 240 communications lines are supported along with up to 2 direct host
attachments.
A Comten 476-A1 with 96K bytes of
memory and supporting 16 asynchronous
communications lines can be purchased for
$110,360 or leased on a 3-year basis for
$3,914 per month including maintenance of
$596 per month.
Comten 476 is an upward compatible
predecessor of the Comten 36XO family of
communications processors (Report C13242-101).

CHARACTERISTICS
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY

VENDOR: Comten, Inc., 1950 West County Road B-2,
St. Paul, Minnesota 55113. Telephone (612) 633-8130.

The Comten 476 Communications Processor is the
predecessor of the Comten 3650/3670/3690 family of
communications processors and the successor to the
Comten 45 and 65, which were themselves replacements
for the Comten 40 and 60.

DATE OF ANNOUNCEMENT: 1969.
DATE OF FIRST DELIVERY: 1969.
NUMBER DELIVERED TO DATE: Over 60.
SERVICED BY: Comten, Inc.

Until the mid-1977 introduction of the Comten 3690 with
DSS software and a full line of 36XO peripherals, the
Comten 476 represented Comten's only offering of a freestanding data communications processor. The Comten
476 is upward compatible with the faster Comten 3690
system.
While still actively marketed and suitable for certain
requirements, the Comten 476 increasingly becomes
less attractive on a price/performance basis compared
to the Comten 36XO processors. This is especially true
when purchase, rather than leasing, of the system is
contemplated. The 476 did not share the recent price
reductions that engulfed the computer industry. By contrast, the 36XO processor purchase prices were reduced a
handsome 20 to 30 per cent.
The 476, like the 3650 and the 3670, is a hardwired
processor. The 3690 is microprogrammable and incorporates significant architectural enhancements over
previous models. Another 476 predecessor is the Comten 20
which was introduced in 1971 as a customized processor
produced for Computer Sciences Corporation's Infonet.
The customized processor is a 750-nanosecond, hardwired, 16-bit processor accommodating up to 128 communications lines. 0
SEPTEMBER 1977

CONFIGURATION
The Comten Base Processing System consists of a central
processing unit, 32K bytes of 750-nanosecond, 32-bit word
core storage, integral load device with programmable readonly storage, and real-time clock.
The base system has four channels for attaching any combination of four Computer Interface Adapters, Peripheral
Interface Adapters or directly attached peripheral subsystems. Up to 112 communication channels can be attached
to the base system via seven Modem Interface Modules
(MIM's). The seven MIM's attach to the base system
Communication Interface Module (CIM). A second CIM
can be added for attaching 128 more communication lines
via eight MIM's. Three model upgrades are available, each
adding an expansion cabinet and eight additional logic
module spaces to a maximum of 4 cabinets and twentyeight logic modules. Memory is expandable from a basic
32K bytes to 512K bytes in 32K byte increments.
The Comten 476 is available in four models that differ
only in the number of Logic Modules they contain. A Logic
Module is equivalent to the space and electrical connections required to mount one rack of PC boards. Mounting
requirements of attachments are expressed in Logic Modules.
The Comten 476-Al contains space for 4 Logic Modules;
the A2 model, for 12 Logic Modules; the A3 model, for 20
Logic Modules; and the A4 model, for 28 Logic Modules. . .

C13-242-202
Processors

Comten 476 Communications Processor
COMMUNICATIONS UNES HANDLED
Transmiuion

MIM

Interface

Interface/MIM*

Unesllnterface

Speed, bps

Timing

Mode

T2016-A1
16 line Async.

F2072-RS232
F2074-Telegraph

8
8

2
2

Up to 1800
Up to 75

Asynch.
Asynch.

Half-duplex
Half-duplex

T2017-A1
4 line BSC

F2006 - RS232
F2026-Wideband

2
2

Up to 201<
Up to 230.4K

Synch.
Synch.

Half-duplex
Half-duplex

T201a-A1
16 line BSC

F2053-A1-RS232
F2053-B 1-RS232
F2064-A1-Wideband
F2064-B 1-WKieband
F2092-A1-DDS
F2092-B1-DDS
F2095-BSC

a
a
4
4
2
2
a

2
1
1
1
2
1
2

Up
Up
Up
Up

to
to
to
to
Up to
Up to

Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.

Half-duplex
Full-duplex
Half-duplex
Full-duplex
Half-duplex
Full-duplex
Half-duplex

T2014
F2033
Auto call Adapter

201<
20K
50K

50K
56K
56K

1200

*The maximum number of MIM's per CIM is eight.

~ CONNECTION TO HOST COMPUTER

Up to two direct storage access attachments to IBM
360/370 computer systems are supported by the Comten
476. The direct access channels are also used to attach
peripherals. Comten will customize adapters for other host
systems.

TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS
The accompanying table, Communications Lines Handled,
summarizes the capabilities of the system for accommodating various types of communications lines.

SOFTWARE
All Comten system are supplied with full software support
including operating systems, assembler, a teleeommunications access package, a network control package, and a series
of utility programs for monitoring and control.
The Comten operating system is built around an exeeutive
supervisor program which controls all computer and I/O
tasks. Supervisor functions include concurrent, multisequential task scheduling by priority, program exeeution
on a variable time basis via a real time clock, peripheral
aDocation and 1/0 control communication, I/O initiation
and coordination, interrupt tabling, and console control.
The assembler for the Comten system is very similar to the
IBM 360/370 assembler. Comten uses the Communication

Defmition Language (CODEL) which is translated into
machine language by the assembler processor.
The Comten Teleeommunication Access Method (CTAM)
pro'rides the communication control functions and interfaces to the different types of lines and terminal de'rices.
CTAM consists of two packages: the Network Control
Package (NCP) for the Comten processor and the Compute
Interface Package (CIP) for the IBM 360/370. NCP provides stand alone message switching and, when used in
conjunction with CIP, provides front-end capabilities.
The Network Control Package (NCP), the 476 resident
portion of CTAM, controls the communication lines and
terminal de'rices, validates message header information,
performs line error processing and queues messages. The
Computer Interface Package (OP), the host computer
resident portion of CTAM, controls the channel and replaces
the IBM access method (TCAM, BTAM, etc.).
The utility packages offered by Comten include a complement of monitoring functions. Subchannel, communications line, and trunk subline utilization information is
pro'rided. Input controls to effect changes in these functions are also offered.

PRICING
The Comten 476 is available for purchase or lease on either a
S-year or a 3-year basis. Software is included in the price
of the equipment. A monthly maintenance contract is
available.

Monthly Rental-

T1476-A1
T1476-A2
T1476-A3
T1476-A4

476
476
476
476

F1476
F1022
F1026

Storage Module. 32K bytes
Watchdog Timer
Comm. Interface Module

System,
System.
System.
System.

4LM**
12LM**
2OLM**
28LM**

Monthly
Maint.

3-Year

5-Year

Lease

Purchase

$2.580
2.960
3.320
3.690

$1,926
2.196

$ 76.000
86.000
96.000
106.000

$450
480
510

410
32
180

300

10.700
800
5.000

60
2
10

2.466
2,736
22
130

540

"Includes monthly maintenance.
**LM-logic Module. Components that consume logic Modules include T2014. T2016. T2017. T201a. T3OO4. and T3023.

SEPTEMBER 1977

C13-242-203
Processors

Comten 476 Communications Processor

Configuration

T4008
Console

Processor with

32K to 512K bytes
of memory

'"";102;-j--r MI;;&-

~. n~r _

I
Up to 4 Direct
Storage Access Channels
for attachment of Channel
Interface Adapters, Block
Multiplexers, or Peripheral
Controllers; a maximum
of two Channel Interface
Adapters are supported.

I
I
I
I
I

----,----+
I

I c~ I

-T--

Il!a-:!I
0 E.,
1L&:8~1
r---""j
I
--

Adapter

t----1
___1__
Adapter

I
I

Expansion:
cabinet

I
I

-l

I
I

I
r - - - -I

I-

r----r-

Adapter

(

II-

....
.....
u

l--L1 MIM &
I

,
I

Up to 7 MIM's and 1 Communications Interface
Module per base system; one CIM and up to
8 MIM's can be added.
240 communications lines max.

See Table 1 for available MIM's, Line
Interfaces, and lines.

MIM &
LI

I
I

MIM-Modem Interface Module
CIA-Communicetions Interface Adapter
L I-Une Interface

(
SEPTEMBER 1977

C13-242-204

Processors

Comten 476 Communications Processor

Monthly RentaI*

T3OO4
T4002
T4008
F4002
F4003

IBM Channel Interface Adapter
System Activity Monitor
Console
System Select Switch
RS232C Interface

\,----.

3-Year
l..aasa

5-Year
Lease

313
268
140
4
4

223
198
130
3
3

9.000
7.000
3.500
125
75

13
28
20
1
1

780

550
470
55

19.000
16.400
1.800

30
20
5

915
125
495

34.000
4.600
18,000
36.000
12,000
10.500
1.650
2.500
18.000
28.000
42.000

120
15
75
150
80
55
3
8
100
110
120
135
8
85

Purchase

Monthly
Maint.

Peripheral Systems
T3023C
T3023D
Fl044

Block Multiplexer Channel
Block Multiplexer Channel Expansion
Peripheral Power Sequencer

T7214
F7005
T6214
T6224
T7908-Al
T7908-A2
F7901
F3900
T6918
T6928
T6948

Disk Storage Control Unit
Two Channel Switch
Disk Storage Drive
Disk Storage Drive. 2 spindle
Disk Storage Controller
Disk Storage Controller. Expansion
Dual Interface
I/O Extension
Disk Storage Drive. 128 Track
Disk Storage Drive. 256 Track
Disk Storage Drive. 512 Track

T7322
F7004
T6322

Magnetic Tape Unit 8. Control
Two Channel Switch
Magnetic Tape Drive. 75 ips

975
93
425

325

24.200
2.500
9.200

T7305

Cerd Reader. 600 cpm

385

293

8.900

T7405A1
T7405Bl
T7406Al
T7406Bl

Printer;
Printer;
Printer;
Printer;

655
725
800
875

480
435
590
650

13.000
14.500
16.000
17.500

130
145
160
175

300
240
600
436

Ipm.
Ipm.
Ipm.
Ipm.

64
96
64
96

char.
char.
char.
char.

670
77
1.160
175
680
1.360

990

480

360

405
58
93
705
1.050
1.530

300
43

68
520
765
1.100
625

Communications Control Equipment
n014
F2033

Auto Cell Adapter (Asynch .• Synch.)
Auto Cell Interface

135
11

100
6

3.700
225

10
1

n016
F2027
F2068
F2074
F2072

16 Une A-MIM
Multiple Baud Rate
Telegraph Interface Base
2 Une Telegraph Interface
2 Une EIA RS232 Interface

245
17
11
12
12

175
12
6
8
8

7.000
150
250
250

10
2
1
2
2

T2017
F2003
F2040
F2026
F2029

BSC MIM. 4 Une
BSC Autodial
esc 2 Une Expansion
Wideband Interface; EBCDIC or ASCII
Special Order Speed

226
57
95
33
21

161
47
65
16

6.200
1.600
2.600
900
600

16
2
5
3
1

T2018
F2053

16 Une BSC MIM
RS232C Interface; 1 or 2 lines BSC. Data Dup.•
clocked for IBM 2260
Wideband Interface; 1 line. BSC. CNS
Wideband DDS Interface; 2 lines. BSC
Wideband DDS Interface; 1 line. CNS
BSC EIA Synch. Clock

276
19

196
15

8.000
500

16
3

24
45
26
39

19
33
19
28

600
1.200
680
1.000

4
5
3
5

F2064
F2092-A1
F2092~B1

F2095

460

*Includes monthly maintenance.
**LM-logic Module. Components that consume logic Modules include T2D14. n016. T2017. n018. T3OO4. and T3023 .•

SEPTEMBER 19n

C13"242-101
Processors

Cornten 476, 3650, and 3670 Processors

(

A family of programmable processors for
front-end, message-switching, and communication control applications, including IBM
270X and 370X emulation.
Memory sizes range from 32K to 512K bytes
and support from 128 to 384 communications
lines.
Options include up to 4 channel input and an
extensive variety of line set combinations with
line transmission rates from 75 bps to 230K
bps as well as asynchronous and synchronous
transmission in both half- and full-duplex
modes.
A Model 476 in a basic configuration with
32K memory that supports 64 communication lines rents for approximately $4,600 on
the tilll:e-year lease plan, including maintenance.

(

The monthly rental for a Model 3670 with
256K of memory that supports 128 communication lines is approximately $7,430,
including maintenance.

CHARACTERISTICS
VENDOR: Comten, Inc., 1950 West Country Road B-2, St.
Paul, Minnesota 55113. Telephone (612) 633-8130.
DATE OF ANNOUNCEMENT: See System Characteristics
table.

MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
Comten, Inc. is among the largest of the independents in
the data communications field and offers a variety of
programmable communications processors designed for
message switching and front-end processing.

DATE OF FIRST DELIVERY: See System Characteristics
table.
NUMBER DELIVERED TO DATE: See System Characteristics table.
SERVICED BY: Comten, Inc.

Comten introduced its first processors, the Model 45 and
65, in 1969 followed in 1971 by the Model 20. The Model
45 and 65 were designed primarily for front-end
processing and message switching applications while the
Model 20 was designed for remote concentration. In
September 1975, the company announced its Model 476,
which effectively replaced Models 20, 45, and 65. Since
the introduction of the 476, the latter models have been
dropped from the product line.

(

In order to successfully compete with the IBM 270X and
370X product lines Comten introduced two processors
that provide emulation of the IBM products, as well as
providing custom applications in front-end, message
Switching, and other communications processing. The first
of these products, the Model 3670, was introduced by I>
AUGUST 1976 .

MODELS
Com ten 476: Available in four models which differ
primarily in the number of logic modules they contain.
Configuration pOSSibilities for the number and type of
communication lines that can be connected are the same
for all models.
Com ten 3650 I, II: Available in eight models, of which,

four are front-end processors, and four are remote
communications processors. Within these categories the
four models differ primarily in the number of logic modules
they contain.
Com ten 3670 I, II: Available in three front end processor
models, which differ primarily in the number of logic
modules they contain_ Configuration possibilities for the
number and type of communications lines that can be
~
connected are the same for all models.

C13-242-.102
Processors

Com ten 476, 3650, and 3670 Processors
Comten System Characteristics
476

36701/11

36501/11

Supported ApplicationsIBM 270X
IBM 370X NCP
IBM 370X w/o NCP
Front end processing
Message Switching
Remote concentration

No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Communication linesMax. number supported (half-duplex)
line discipline

256
Asynch., Synch; SDLC

128
Asynch., Synch; SDLC

384
Asynch., Synch; SDLC

Processor
Cycle time (nanoseconds)
Memory capacity (bytes)

0.75
32K to 512K

0.65
32K to 612K

0.65
64K to 512K

Software
Oper. system
Message control
Assembly
Cross assembly

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes-IBM 360/370

Yes
Yes
Yes
Y es-IBM/360/370, Comten 476

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes-IBM/360/370,Comten 476

Terminal Supported

IBM, TTY, other

Date of Announcement

6/75

Date of First Delivery

9/75

3650-1-3/76
3650-11-3/76
3650-1-9/75
3650-11-6/76

3670-1-6/72
3670-11-3/76
3670-1-9/72
3670-11-6/76

Number Installed to Date

Over 60

Over 70

Over 170

I> Comten in 1972. In March 1975, a smaller version of the
3670, the Model 3650, was introduced.
Following IBM's lead, Comten introduced enhanced
versions of the 3650 and 3670 in February 1976.
Appropriately named the Model 3650-II and 3670-11 (the
older models became 3650-1 and 3670-1), the systems
offered enhancements over their predecessors, such as
semiconductor storage and increased line capacity.
The accompanying chart of system characteristics
highlights features of each of the Com ten systems and
allows comparison between models.
Compared to the IBM 3705, the Comten 3650 and 3670
offer a number of distinct advantages. The most
significant is lower cost. Rental prices for the IBM 3705
range from $1,250 to $16,000 per month, while the
equivalent Comten systems range from $1,000 to $8,000
per month, representing a considerable cost savings. In
addition to this cost savings, other advantages of the
Comten system are faster memory cycle time (650
nanoseconds compared to 1000 nanoseconds for the IBM
3705), greater maximum line capacity (384 versus 356 for
the IBM 370X), and greater memory capacity (512K
bytes versus 256K for the IBM 3705). Types of
communication lines handled by the Comten systems are
comparable to IBM and are shown in Table I and II.
USER REACTION

In Datapro's November 1975 survey of communications
processor users, a total of nine responses were received I:>

CONFIGURATION
Comten 476: The Comten Base Processing System consists
of a central processing unit, 32K bytes of 750 nanosecond
core storage, integral load device with programmable
read-only storage, and a real-time clock.

The base sysem has four channels for attaching any
combination of four Computer Interface Adapters,
Peripheral Interface Adapters or directly attached
peripheral subsystems. Up to 112 communication channels
can be attached to the base system via seven Modem
Interface Modules (MIM's). The seven MIM's attach to the
base system Communication Interface Module (CIM). A
second CIM can be added for attaching 128 more
communication lines via eight MIM's. Three model upgrades
are available, each adding an expansion cabinet and eight
additional logic module spaces to a maximum of 4 cabinets
and twenty-eight logic modules. Memory is expandable
from a basic 32K bytes to S12K bytes in 32K byte
increments.
Comten 3650 1111: Configured as a front-end processor, it
consists of a central processing unit in a basic system
cabinet, 32K bytes of 650 nanosecond storage, Integral
Program Load Device, Communication Interface Module
with eight MIM attachment interfaces, and an IBM Channel
Interface Adapter. When configured as a remote
communications processor, the IBM channel Interface
Adapter is replaced with the BSC-MIM with Data Duplex
EIA Interface, and a Remote Initial Load capability.

Either configuration has an additional channel for attaching
devices which require direct access to storage. Up to 128
communications lines may be directly attached via up to 8
MIM's.
~

AUGUST 1976

C 13-242-1 03

Processors

Comten 476, 3650, and 3670 Processors
Table I - COMMUNICATIONS LINES HANDLED BY THE COM TEN 476

MIM

Interface

Interface/MIM*

Lines/I nterface

Speed, bps

Transmission
Timing
Mode

T2016-A1
16 line Async.

F2072-RS232
F2074-Telegraph

8
8

2
2

Up to 1800
Up to 75

Asynch.
Asynch.

Half-duplex
Half-duplex

T2017-A1
41ine BSC

F2006-A 1-RS232
F2006-B1-RS232
F2026-Wideband

2
2
2

Up to 20K
Up to 20K
Up to 230.4K

Synch.
Synch.
Synch.

Half-duplex
Full-duplex
Half-duplex

T2018-A1
161ine BSC

F2053-A 1-RS232
F2053-B1-RS232
F2064-A 1 -Wideband
F2064-B.1-Wideband
F2092-A 1-Dataphone
F2092-B1-Dataphone
F2095-A l-Sync. Clock
F2095-B1-Sync. Clock

8
8
4
4
2
2
8
8

2
1
1
1
2
1
2
2

Upto 20K
Up to 20K
Up to 50K
Upto 50K
Up to 56K
Upto 56K
Up to 1200
Up to 1200

Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.

Half-duplex
Full-duplex
Half-duplex
Full-duplex
Half-duplex
Full-duplex
Half-duplex
Full-duplex

T2014
Auto Call Adapter

F2072-A1
F2072·B1

16
16

1
1

Asynch.
Synch.

Half-duplex
Half-duplex

*The maximum number of MIM's per system is eight.

1:> from users of Comten systems. These responses included
seven Model 3670's, one Model 476, and one Model 45,
representing a total of 19 installed systems. The user
ratings are presented in the following table.

(

Excellent
Overall satisfaction
Ease of installation
Throughput
Hardware reliability
Promptness of maintenance
Quality of maintenance
Software
Technical support

6
3
4
6
5
5
3
5

Good Fair Poor

WA*

0
2
2
0
0
0
1
1

3.7
3.1
3.2
3.7
3.6
3.6
3.2
3.2

3
3
3
3
4
4
5
2

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1

*Weighted Average on a scale of 4.0 for Excellent.

Memory is expandable from a basic 32K bytes to 512K
bytes in 4K byte or 32K byte increments.
Model upgrades are dependent on configuration and
number of logic modules. In the FEP configuration, the
base cabinet contains space for four logic modules with an
expansion cabinet housing an additional seven logic module
spaces. In the RCP configuration, the base cabinet contains
space for four logic modules expandable to 12 logic
modules with an additional cabinet. Space requirements are
dependent upon type of MIM's used.

Comten 3670 llll· In a basic front-end configuration it
consists of a Central Processing Unit, 64K bytes of 650
nanosecond storage, Integral Program Load Device,
Communications Interface Module with eight MIM
attachment interfaces, and an IBM channel Interface
Adapter.

All respondents were using their Comten units with IBM
host computers. The host systems ranged from one
System 360/30 to four System 370/168 computers.
Applications varied, but were predominately IBM 270X
and 370X emulation. Other applications included
communications control, front-end processing, data
concentration, and message switching.

The base system has a capability for adding three additional
IBM Channel Interface Adapters and two additional
Communication Interface Modules. It has one additional
direct storage access channel for use by some future device.
Up to 384 communication lines may be directly attached
via 24 MIM's.

As reflected by the ratings, users were generally quite
satisfied with their Comten units. The most often cited
advantage was cost savings relative to the IBM 3705. A
number of users also cited favorable flexibility, reliability,
and increased throughput of the Comten units. Other
advantages listed included the capability for interfacing
with 4 CPU's, greater line capacity, expansion and growth
potential, and faster processing speeds than IBM systems.

Model upgrades are dependent upon number of logic
module spaces required. The base unit is contained in two
cabinets housing space for 11 logic modules. Each
expansion cabinet adds space for eight additional logic
modules. Space requirements are dependent upon number
of CIM's used and type of MIM's.

On the negative side, criticisms were few, but did include
individual comments from users such as a poorly written
assembly package and a phYSically large unit. Two users
reported faulty power supplies, but both indicated these
problems had been solved by Comten. 0

TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS

AUGUST 1976

Memory is expandable from a basic 64K bytes to 512K
bytes in 4K byte or 12K byte increments.

For additional configuration detail on the 476, 3650 or
3670, please see the accompanying configuration charts.

The accompanying Tables I and II summarize the
capabilities of the Comten 476, 3650, and 3670 for
accommodating various types of communications lines and
techniques.
~

C13-242-104
Processors

Comten 476, 3650, and 3670 Processors
Table II - COMMUNICATIONS LINES HANDLED BY THE COMTEN 3650/3670

MIM

Interface

Interface/MIM*

Lines/Interface

Speed, bps

I
I

"'-.

Transmission
Timing
Mode

T2016-A1
161ine Asynch.

F2072-RS232
F2074-Telegraph

2
2

Up to 1S00
Up to 75

Asynch.
Asynch.

Half-duplex
Half-duplex

T2017-A1
4 line BSC

F2006-A 1-RS232
F2006-B1-RS232
F2026-RS232

2
2
2

Up to 20K
Upto 20K
Up t020K

Synch.
Synch.
Synch.

Half-duplex
Full-duplex
Half-duplex

T201S-A2
161ine BSC

F2053-A 1-Wideband
F2053-B 1-Wideband
F2064-A 1 Wideband
F2064-B1 Wideband
F2092-A 1 Dataphone
F2092-B1 Dataphone
F2095-A 1-5ynch. Clock
F2095-B1-5ynch. Clock

S
S
4
4
2
2
S
S

2
1
1
1
2
1
2
2

Up to 20K
Upt020K
Upto 50K
Up to 50K
Up to 56K
Up to 56K
Upto 1200
Up to 1200

Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.

Half-duplex
Full-duplex
Half-duplex
Full-duplex
Half-duplex
Full-duplex
Half-duplex
Full-duplex

T2014-A1
Auto Call Adapter

F2033

T202-A2
Data Link Control

F20S3-A 1-RS232
F20S3-B1-RS232
F20S4-A 1 Wideband
F2084-B1-Wideband
F2085-A 1-Dataphone
F20S5-B1-Dataphone

S
S
2
2
2
2

2
2
1
1
1
1

Upto 20K
Up to 20K
Upto 50K
Upto 50K
Upto 56K
Upto 56K

Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.
Synch.

Half-duplex
Full-duplex
Half-duplex
Full-duplex
Half-duplex
Full-duplex

*Maximum number of MIM's per system are dependent on Model and size of module used; the range is from a maximum of 12 for the 3650
to 27 for the 3750 .

...

SOFTWARE
All Com ten system are supplied with full software support
including operating systems, assembler, a telecommunications access package, a network control package, emulation
of the IBM 270X and 370X, and a series of utility programs
for monitoring and control.
The Comten operating system is built around an executive
supervisor program which controls all computer and I/O
tasks. Supervisor functions include concurrent, multisequential task scheduling by priority, program execution
on a variable time basis via a real time clock, peripheral
allocation and I/O control communication, I/O initiation
and coordination, interrupt tabling, and console control.
The assembler for the Comten system is very simlar to the
IBM 360/370 assembler. Comten uses the Communication
Definition Language (CO DEL) which is translated into
machine language by the assembler processor.
The Comten Telecommunication Access Method (crAM)
provides the communication control functions and
interfaces to the different types of lines and terminal
devices. CTAM consists of two packages: the Network
Control Package (NCP) for the Com ten processor and the
Compute Interface Package (CIP) for the IBM 360/370NCP provides stand alone message switching and, when
used in conjunction with CIP, provides front-end
capabilities.

The Network Control Package (NCP), the resident portion
of CTAM, controls the communication lines and terminal
devices, Validates message header information, line error
processing and queuing messages. It also provides a
compatible interface to IBM TCAM and VTAM (3650 and
3670 only). The emulation can also be used with the
Partitioned Emulation Processing (PEP) software system.
The Comten Network System (CNS) provides the system
software and procedures to connect Comten processors to
front-end processors, processors to remote concentrators,
and remote concentrators to remote concentrators in both
emulation and NCP modes.
The utility packages offered by Com ten include a
complement of monitoring functions. Subchannel, communications line, and trunk subline utilization information
is provided. Input controls to effect changes in these
functions are also offered.

PRICING
The Comten processors are available for purchase or on
,/
lease. In the case of the 476 and related features, lease
'
terms are 3 and 5 years. For the 3650 and 3670, the length
"'of lease is monthly and 2 years. In the following list, lease
prices are given and combined where appropriate_ These
leases include monthly maintenance. A separate maintenance contract is available for purchased units.
...

AUGUST 1976

C13-242-105
Processors

Com ten 476, 3650, and 3670 Processors

Configuration
476

Model 476

T4008
Console
Processor with
32K to 512K bytes
of memory

----T--T--F 1022

One to four
Direct

_----r-~~
I
I
Connections
to
Host
Computers

~i~e~ J

MIM

~ ~

T3004
:
'- - - Channel
- '"
11El
E'
15.1
Interface 0
'"
I~ 0""0 I
Adapters I u.. u
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