PDP-16 explained

The PDP-16 (Programmed Data Processor-16)^{[1] [2]} was mainly intended for industrial control systems, but with more capability than DEC's PDP-14.

Overview

The PDP-16 family of modules was introduced in 1971,^[3] and a pre-assembled system using these modules, the PDP-16/M^[4] was introduced in 1972.^[3] The 16/M was nicknamed "Subminicomputer" and described as "a small microprogrammable computer."^[5]

The general-purpose modules included:

1. components to build a data path (registers, memories, ALUs, etc.)
2. components to build a control structure (evoke an operation in the datapath, branch on a condition from the datapath, merge, etc.)
3. other components necessary to complete a digital system (lights, switches, bus termination, backplane, etc.)

The control structure was similar to a flow chart,which was very familiar to software developers.As a result, the PDP-16 opened up digital system design to those with experience writing software but less hardware design experience than was traditionally required for this work.

These modules were in the company's M series of Flip-Chip modules, which used TTL circuit technology.

The economic strength of the PDP-16 was that it was effective "for designing unique (or relatively low production volume) systems."^[5]

Notes and References

1. Book: Designing computers and digital systems using PDP 16 Register Transfer Modules . Gordon Bell . Gordon Bell .
2. Designing computers and digital systems using PDP 16 Register Transfer Modules . Grason . John . Bell . Gordon . John . Eggert . October 1973 . IEEE . Computer .
3. Hardcopy . Larry Watkins. A DEC History of Minicomputers. The PDP-16 did exist and was sold, and was designed using DEC's Register Transfer Modules (RTMs).. May 1982 . 12–19.
4. Web site: DEC PDP-16, Programmed Data Processor-16 .
5. Web site: The PDP-16 Register-Transfer Modules and The PDP-16/m "Subminicomputer".