The design of a data set interface

This paper describes the data set interface which connects the SCC-650 digital computer to the IBM-360 computer by means of a data communications link over a telephone line. To provide the necessary background information, the basic concepts and techniques of digital data communications are discussed. In conjunction with these concepts, several possible system arrangements of modems, terminals, and computers are given. Also two computer-to-computer networks are discussed. The first one is the system used at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory for the acquisition of experimental data. The second system, the one in which the interface operates, is the data communications system on the campus of the University of Missouri-Rolla. The interface connects directly between the SCC-650 computer and a data set. Its basic function is to convert serial data to parallel data and vice versa. In particular communication between the computer and the interface is parallel, and communication between the interface and the data set is serial. The interface provides the necessary control and timing signals to control the transmission and reception of data. Finally, an extensive interrupt system is provided to increase the flexibility and the use of the interface when communicating between the SCC-650 and the IBM-360 computers --Abstract, pages ii-iii

Considerations in the design of a network of minicomputers

The advantages of a network consisting of a number of minicomputers coupled to a large time shared computer are described. This type of network is very useful in the areas of data acquisition, real time control of experiments, and front-end processing for computer graphics. Problems associated with the development of a network of this type, various possible solutions, and the trade-offs involved are presented. These problems are classified into two categories: the interface between the network and the central computing facility, and the interface between the remote sites and the rest of the network. The design constraints, rationale, and implementation of the minicomputer network at the University of Missouri-Rolla are describe --Abstract, page ii