After the SOth card column has been read and the last input word has been transferred to core stor-age., a Result Descriptor is constructed that indic-ates the results of the card read operation by means of various bit settings. End-of-file, busy status, and not-ready conditions, as well as invalid character and read-check errors, are indicated in the Result Descriptor for subsequent testing by the Master Control Program. The input storage address contained in the I/O Descriptor is checked for validity and proper parity, and error condition bits are set in the Result Descriptor when necessary.
Card jams and full-stacker conditions also set testable error indicators.
The sole function of the Processor in a card read operation is to issue an Initiate Input-Output com-mand, therby causing the Descriptor contained in its A register to be transferred to the I/O control unit. The Processor then proceeds independently until a bit is set in the External Interrupt Register, indicating that the card read operation has been terminated. Interrupt bits are also set if another Data or I/O Descriptor references an area of memory currently being filled by the card read operation.
Since the B 123, B 124, and B 129 Card Readers make use of immediate-access clutching, and since the read operations proceed independently of the Processor, the rated speeds of 475, SOO, and 1400 cards per minute will always be achieved, provided that successive Initiate I/O instructions are issued within the readers' read cycle times.
The read cycle times for the B 123, B 124, and B 129 Card Readers are 126, 75, and 42.8 milli-seconds, respectively.
Cards are fed by a belt-drive mechanism past the stack of 13 photoelectric read cells (one for timing) and transported to the single stacker .. Both the hopper and the stacker have capacities of 2,400 cards and can be filled and emptied while the card reader is in operation. Should a jam occur in the card transport device, the unit will halt with a maximum of two cards jammed, and a bit will be set in the Result Descriptor. An empty hopper condition sets the not-ready bit and, in the B 129 Card Reader, turns off the unit's card transport mechanism.
The av:ailability of the B 123, B 124 and B 129 Card Readers is from three to four months. First deliveries of the prototype B 124 Card Reader occurred during the last quarter of 1963.
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RIPORTS
203:073.100 BURROUGHS B 5500 INPUT-OUTPUT CARD PUNCHES
INPUT·OUTPUT: B 303/304 CARD PUNCHES
.1 GENERAL
.11 Identity: . • • • • • . • . . B 303 Card Punch.
B 304 Card Punch.
.12 Description
The B 303 and B 304 Card Punches operate at maxi-mum rates of 100 and 300 cards per minute, re-spectively. Only one card punch can be connected to a B 5500 system. Standard or postcard thick-ness 80-column cards can be punched (but not both thicknesses during the same run). Pre-scribed and/or pre-punched cards can also be punched if the post-punch checking device is inactivated by the operator. Formatting of the punched card is con-trolled exclusively by the stored program.
Cards are punched by a single row of 80 die punches, one row at a time. An 80-bit, one-row buffer in the punch unit is used to compare the row just punched with the input row in the buffer. Cards can be punched in alphameric or binary mode. In the alphameric mode, the punch unit translates the BCD character codes from the B 5500 into standard Hollerith card code. In the binary mode, data is punched exactly as it appears when transferred from the I/o Channel.
The card punch operation is initiated when the Processor sends a Card Punch I/O Descriptor to the I/O control unit. From that point on, the Processor is entirely disassociated from the punching operation and is free to continue pro-cessing. The I/O control unit receives the address of the output data in the B 5500's Memory Module and selects the highest-priority free I/O Channel.
The I/O control unit then accesses the designated Memory Module and fetches a 48-bit data word for temporary storage in the I/O Channel's one-word buffer (JV register). This word contains either eight 6-bit alphameric characters or four 12-bit binary data representations. The data word is then sent to the card punch, one character at a time, and assembled for punching. Ten accesses to the Memory Module (20 in binary mode) are required before the card can be punched. The Memory Module being accessed is tied up for a total of either 40 or 80 microseconds for each card punch cycle.
The I/O Channel is completely dedicated to the punching process once it senses the Initiate I/O instruction. When the card punch cycle has been completed, a specific bit is set in the External Interrupt Register.
After each card has been punched, an I/O Result Descriptor is constructed with bit settings that indicate the results of the punching operation. Im-proper or invalid punches set the punch error indicator, and data-transfer parity errors set a specific indicator. The "not-ready" bit is set for any of the follOWing conditions: empty hopper, feed check, full stackers, punch die not in place, and power off. The address- of the output data in the Memory Module is checked for validity and proper parity. If the punch unit is found to be currently assigned to another I/O Channel, a
"busy" bit is set in the Result Descriptor. The External Interrupt Register is examined con-tinuously by the Master Control Program. When it finds that an input-output operation has ended, the MCP examines the I/O Result Descriptor to determine whether or not further action is required.
From the punch unit's hopper to stacker, cards are transported by positive-action pinch rollers.
Hopper and stacker capacities of the B 303 Card Punch are 800 cards each. The B 304 Card Punch is equipped with three stackers: primary, auxiliary, and error. The primary stacker can hold 3, 000 cards, the same capacity as the unit's hopper.
Error cards are segregated in the error stacker, holding 750 cards. The 850-card auxiliary stacker is normally used as an alternative to the primary stacker, controlled by a switch on the control panel.
Significant timing considerations and a comparison of the B 303 and B 304 Card Punches are provided in Table I.
TABLE I: B 303/B 304 CARD PUNCH TIMING FACTORS
Model: B 303 B 304
Rated speed 100 cpm 300 cpm Total card cycle time in
synchronous mode 600 msec 200 msec Overhead in
asyn-chronous mode 50 msec 200 msec Maximum punching
rate in asynchronous
mode 92.3 cpm 150 cpm
© 1 965 AUERBACH Corporation and AUERBACH Info, Inc. 10/65
BURROUGHS B 5500 INPUT-OUTPUT
B 141 PAPER TAPE READER
A
AUERBACH
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REPDRTS
INPUT ·OUTPUT: B 141 PAPER TAPE READER
.1 GENERAL
.11 Identity: . . • . . . • . B 141 Paper Tape Reader.
.12 Description
B 5410 Paper Tape Adapter.
B 142 Input Code Translator.
The B 141 Paper Tape Reader reads data from punched paper or metalized Mylar tape at speeds of either 500 or 1,000 characters per second. Up to two B 141 's can be connected to a B 5500 system via the B 5410 Paper Tape Adapter. A maximum of three paper tape readers and punches (see Section 202:075) can be connected, in combination, to one system. The B 141 Paper Tape Reader can accom-modate 5, 6, 7, or 8-level tape, as selected by the operator. The standard tape code is the 8-level Burroughs Common Language (BCL) paper tape code (see Data Code Table, Section 203:141).
The optional B 142 Input Code Translator allows automatic translation of any code (5, 6, 7, or 8-level) to anyone of the 64 six-bit BCL characters.
If the B 142 is not used, programmed translation will be required unless the tape is punched in the 8-level BCL code.
The operator can enable different paper tape channels to be read by use of a plugboard which is supplied as part of the B 141 Reader. A code punched in all channels (whether 6, 7, or 8-level tape) is considered a delete code and is not trans-ferred to the Processor when operating without a translator.
Reading speed is 500 or 1,000 characters per second. Reading is entirely buffered, since it is performed by the Input/Output Channel control, independently of the B 5500 Processor. Fanfold tape, whether in strips or in reels, and metalized Mylar tape must be read at 500 characters per second; other punched tape can be read at either speed. Start and stop times are 5 and 20 milli-seconds, respectively. The reader can stop on the stop character or between characters at both high and low speeds.
A minimum of four feet of tape leader is required when reels are used, and at least one foot is needed for strip reading. Tape widths of 0.675, 0.875, or 1.000 inch can be handled interchangeably. Reel • 13 diameters of either 5.5 or 7 inches can be
accom-modated. Beginning- and end-of-tape indicators .14
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. are sensed by means of adhesive opaque strips on the tape being read. If the tape breaks, the tape reel motors are shut down automatically.
In addition to its use as an on-line input device to the B 5500 system, the B 141 Paper Tape Reader can be used off-line to check punched tape for parity errors. The B 141 will stop when improper parity is detected.
The Processor initiates the read operation by transferring a Paper Tape Input Descriptor from its A register to the I/O control unit by means of anlnitiate I/Oinstruction. The processor is sub-sequently entirely free of the input operation.
The Input Descriptor contains information such as the reader unit designation, the number of 48-bit words that are to be read, the input address in a Memory Module, and the type of paper tape reader operation to be performed: read, space, or rewind.
The I/O control unit then selects the highest-priority free I/O Channel and activates the reader.
Input data is transferred to the I/O Channel con-trol's W register and assembled into 48-bit words.
When the W register is full, the designated Memory Module is accessed and the data word is transferred.
The Memory Module is occupied for 4 microseconds for each word transferred. The maximum number of input words that can be transferred to core storage in one read operation is 1,023.
When the read operation is terminated, a specific indicator bit is set in the External Interrupt Register, and an I/O Result Descriptor is con-structed. The Result Descriptor indicates, with bit settings, the results of the just-completed read operation. These bits are then tested by the Master Control Program to determine whether any further action is necessary. If the B 141 Paper Tape Reader was discovered to be not-ready or busy, specific indicator bits are set. Likewise, if the I/O Descriptor's address has improper parity when transferred from core storage to the I/O control unit, or if data parity errors have occurred in the transfer of data from the reader to the I/O control unit, other bit indicators are set.
Availability: . . • • . . . 3 to 4 months.
First Delivery: •.•.. September, 1963.
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REPORTS•
203:075. 100 BURROUGHS B 5500 INPUT-OUTPUT B 341 PAPER TAPE
PUNCH
INPUT·OUTPUT: B 341 PAPER TAPE PUNCH
.1 .11
.12
GENERAL Identity:
Description
B 341 Paper Tape Punch.
B 5410 Paper Tape Adapter.
B 342 Output Code Trans-lator.
The B 341 is basically a Teletype paper tape punch that is capable of punching data from a B 5500 Memory Module at a "minimum" speed of 100 characters per second, spaced 10 char-acters per inch. The B 341 can punch either 5, 6, 7, or 8-level tape, according to operator se-lection. The standard code punched is the 8-level Burroughs Common Language (BCL) paper tape code. Up to two B 341's can be connected to a B 5500 system via the B 5410 Paper Tape Adapter. A maximum of three paper tape punches and readers can be connected, in combination, to one system.
The optional B 342 Output Code Translator allows automatic translation of the 64 six-bit BCL char-acters that can be sent from the Memory Module to the punch into any 5, 6, 7, or 8-level paper tape code. If the Code Translator is not installed, the 6-bit BCL characters from core storage are punched in the 8-level BCL paper tape code (see Data Code Table, Section 203:141).
The level of paper tape punching is operator-selectable. The choice between 5, 6, 7, or 8-level punching is made possible through the use of a plugboard that is supplied as part of the B 341 Punch.
The B 341 is capable of punching data into several forms of tape, such as oiled or dry paper tape, laminated fiber tape, and metalized or laminated Mylar tape. Tape widths can be either 0.675, 0.875, or 1. 000 inch. The size of the supply reel can range up to 8 inches in diameter, and the take-up reel can be either 5. 5 or 7 inches in dia-meter. Take-up reels are not required during the punching process. When the tape supply reel has 35 feet or less remaining on it, an end-of-tape signal is produced to alert the Processor.
The B 5500 Processor initiates the punch opera-tion by transferring a Paper Tape Write Output Descriptor from its A register to the I/O control unit by means of an Initiate I/O instruction. The Processor is free during the remainder of the completely-buffered punching operation. The Output Descriptor contains information such as punch unit designation, starting address of the output data in a Memory Module, indication to perform a tape feed operation only (punching all holes). specification of binary or alphameric punching. and an output word counter. If punching is specified as binary, the word counter limits the punching operation to from 1 to 1,023 48-bit words of output data. In the alphameric punching mode, the word counter specifies the maximum number of words that can be punched, but allows for earlier termination of punching if an end-of-file character is recognized.
The I/O control unit selects one of the four possi-ble "floating" I/O Channels and initiates the trans-fer of data from the designated Memory Module to the B 341 Punch. Data is transferred in 48-bit words. Each memory access occupies the Mem-ory Module for four microseconds. The I/O Channel is dedicated to the punching process for the duration of the output operation, but the asso-ciated Memory Module can be accessed by the Processor(s) and other I/O Channels during the tape punching operation.
When the punch operation is terminated, a specific indicator bit is set in the External Interrupt Regis-ter and an
I/o
Result Descriptor is constructed.The Result Descriptor indicates, with bit settings, the results of the just-completed punch operation.
These bits are then tested by the Master Control Program to determine whether any further action is necessary. If the B 341 Paper Tape Punch was discovered to be not-ready or busy, or if the physical end-of-tape marker has been sensed, specific indicator bits are set. Likewise, if the I/O Descriptor's address has improper parity when transferred from core storage to the I/O control unit, or if data parity errors have occurred in the transfer of data from the I/O control unit to the punch unit, other bit indicators are set.
© 1965 AUERBACH Corporation and AUERBACH Info, Inc. 10/65
BURROUGHS B 5500 INPUT-OUTPUT B 320/321/325
LINE PRINTERS
INPUT-OUTPUT: B 320/321/325 LINE PRINTERS
.1 of 700 single-spaced or 650 double-spaced alpha-meric lines per minute. When average line spacing occurs at one-inch intervals, the speed is reduced to about 540 lines per minute. Sixty-four charac-ters (10 numeric, 26 alphabetic, and 28 special symbols) can be printed in a line of 120 print posi-tions. The B 5500's line printer character set is listed in the Data Code Table on page 203.141.100.
The B 320 Line Printer is a slower version of the B 321 and is offered at a substantially reduced price; this slower model operates at a peak speed of 475 lines per minute. The B 325 Line Printer increases the printing flexibility by providing 132 print positions. Except for these differences in speed and print-block size, respectively, the B 320 and B 325 Line Printers are functionally identical with the B 321 model. Therefore, in the descrip-tion that follows, reference is made only to the characteristics and capabilities of the B 321.
Up to two line printers can be connected to a B 5500 system. The B 320 and B 321 can be paired in any system, but the 132-print-position B 325 cannot be used in the same system with either the B 320 or B 321. Since the printing operation is completely buffered, two line prin~rs can operate simultane-ouslyand at their rated speeds. Information is transferred from core storage to the B 321 Printer through an
I/o
Channel in the form of fifteen 48-bit (8-character) words per line. The printer stores.this information consecutively in its 120-character buffer. As soon as the buffer is full, the I/O chan-nel is released and the printing cycle begins.
Printing, spacing, and skipping operations proceed independently of the
I/o
Channel once the buffer is full and the paper motion signals are received.The B 321 's total print cycle time is 85.7 milli-seconds. Of this time, only 3 milliseconds is con-sumed in loading the buffer by the
I/o
Channel.The B 5500 Memory Module containing the output data is occupied for a total of 60 microseconds, the time required to access 15 consecutive words of data. The Processor is entirely free of the printing operation once it has sent the Line Printer Output Descriptor to the
I/o
control unit.Spacing and skipping operations are specified in the Output Descriptor, and can be performed in con-junction with printing or independently. Spacing can be specified as 0, 1, or 2 lines, and skipping can be regulated by a 12-channel punched tape loop. Paper advance can occur at a rate of 25 to 40 inches· per second.
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Printing is performed on continuous card or paper forms. Forms width can extend from 5 to 20 inches; the maximum length is 22 inches per form.
Output format spacing is 10 characters per inch horizontally and 6 or 8 lines per inch vertically . As many as five carbons plus the original form will function properly in the printers. The forms are loaded in the cabinet beneath the printing mechanism and are transported through the unit by means of pin-fed tractors to the self-maintaining stacker. A Paper-Exhausted indicator/switch and several broken-paper detectors interlock the . printer when required in order to provent runaway printing without forms.
The format of the printed line is under control of the problem program or the Master Control Pro-gram's Output Writer. The code translation from Burroughs Common Language (BCL) internal code to the 64-character print set is performed auto-matically. The actual printing is accomplished by hammer strokes against a continuously-rotating engraved drum. Once the drum has made a com-plete revolution, every character will have been printed, and the paper motion can begin. Each line spaced after printing consumes 5.95 milli-seconds. The graph on the next page illustrates the maximum printing speeds of the B 320, B 321, and B 325 Line Printers at varying line spacings.
A number of functional controls are provided to enable the operator to adjust for variances in the size of the forms and the number of interleaved carbons. The operator can also adjust the hori-zontal and vertical alignment of the forms and the print quality of individual print positions.
Error checks are made for proper character parity in the buffer, for drum rotation synchronization, and for the presence of paper. Errors are signalled by a control-panel indicator and result in a halt of the printer. Error conditions set individual bits in the printer's Result Descriptor, which is returned to core storage at the conclusion of the printing operation.
As soon as the printer's buffer has been loaded, an interrupt bit is set to inform the Master Control Program that the I/O Channel is free. Another
As soon as the printer's buffer has been loaded, an interrupt bit is set to inform the Master Control Program that the I/O Channel is free. Another