DECstation

The DECstation was a brand of computers used by DEC, and refers to three distinct lines of computer systems—the first released in 1978¹ as a word processing system, and the latter (more widely known) two both released in 1989. These comprised a range of computer workstations based on the MIPS architecture and a range of PC compatibles. The MIPS-based workstations ran ULTRIX, a DEC-proprietary version of UNIX, and early releases of OSF/1.

The DECstation was a brand of computers used by DEC, and refers to three distinct lines of computer systems—the first released in 1978 as a word processing system, and the latter (more widely known) two both released in 1989. These comprised a range of computer workstations based on the MIPS architecture and a range of PC compatibles. The MIPS-based workstations ran ULTRIX, a DEC-proprietary version of UNIX, and early releases of OSF/1. == DECstation 78== The first line of computer systems given the DECstation name were word processing systems based on the PDP-8. These systems, built into a VT52 terminal, were also known as the VT78. == DECstation RISC workstations== ====DECstation 5000 Model 100 Series==== The DECstation 5000 Model 100 Series, code named "3MIN", are mid-range workstations. Early models used a chipset consisting of a R3000A CPU and a R3010 CPU on 3- by 5-inch daughter card that plugs into a connector on the system module. The Model 150 replaces the R3000A and R3010 with a single R4000 with an integrated FPU. The Model 120 and 125 have two external caches, a 64 KB instruction cache and a 64 KB data cache. The Model 133 has a 128 KB instruction cache. These systems support 16 to 128 MB of memory through 16 SIMM slots that accept 2 or 8 MB SIMMs. Only one type of SIMM may be used, 2 and 8 MB SIMMs cannot be mixed in the same system. The 2 MB SIMM is identical to the SIMM used in the DECstation 2100 and 3100, allowing upgrades from these older systems to the Model 100 Series to reuse the old memory. Three TURBOchannel option slots are provided. The Model 100 Series introduces the I/O Controller ASIC (later known as the IOCTL ASIC), which interfaces the two 8-bit I/O buses to the 12.5 MHz TURBOchannel. ====2D graphics accelerators==== PX "2D Graphics Accelerator". The PX was based on the PixelStamp architecture, but without the geometry engine, meaning that it could only accelerate 2D graphics. It was superseded by the HX at some point in most applications. ===Multimedia=== Depending on the model of DECstation, some systems were capable of performing video conferencing, high-quality audio output and video input. These were achieved through the use of TURBOchannel option modules and external peripherals. Video input was achieved by using the DECvideo (also known as the PIP (Picture-in-Picture) live-video-in) option, a daughterboard that plugs into the TX framebuffer to provide NTSC, PAL and SECAM input. When this option was used in conjunction with a video camera, a microphone and the required software, the DECstation can be used for video conferencing. Audio capabilities were provided by the DECaudio TURBOchannel option module, which contained two AMD 79C30A DSC (Digital Subscriber Controller) devices and a Motorola 56001 DSP. The two AMD 79C30A DSCs were used for voice-quality audio input and output, while the Motorola 56001 was used for high-quality audio. The DSP was initially not used, due to the firmware being incomplete, although the capability was provided later in an update. The DECspin software, introduced for the DECstation 5000 and Personal DECstation 5000 models, utilised DECmedia, DECvideo and DECaudio cards to provide videoconferencing capabilities to up to six users over a local area network and, via a DECnet router, over a dedicated long distance communications link. Pricing for this software at its introduction in 1992 started at $2,995 per workstation. == DECstation PCs== Confusingly, simultaneous with the launch of the DECstation workstation line, Digital also announced a range of DECstation-branded PC compatibles with Intel x86 processors that ran MS-DOS. These were identified by three-digit model numbers; the DECstation 2xx, 3xx and 4xx series using the Intel 80286, 80386 and 80486 processors respectively. These computers were not built by Digital, but by Tandy Corporation in the United States and Olivetti in Europe. At the time of introduction, Digital offered a trade-in program for owners of its earlier x86, but PC incompatible, computer, the Rainbow 100. Systems based on the 80286 are: DECstation 210 DECstation 220 DECstation 212 DECstation 212LP Systems based on the 80386 are: DECstation 316 DECstation 316+ DECstation 316sx DECstation 320 DECstation 320+ DECstation 320sx DECstation 325c DECstation 333c Systems based on the 80486 are: DECstation 420sx DECstation 425c DECstation 433T DECstation 433W DECstation 450dx2 ==References== ==External links== NetBSD for the DECstation Linux/MIPS DECstation page DECstation 2100 / DECstation 3100 Web Page DECstation model specifications

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