Patent GB-1084069-A (GB)
Title: Data handling system
IPC: H04L13/08
Filed: 1966-04-20
Abstract: 1,084,069. Data processing systems. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. April 20, 1966 [April 28, 1965], No. 17230/66. Heading G4A. A data handling system comprises a processor, a main memory, an auxiliary memory storing status indicia for data terminals, scanning means for scanning said data terminals in succession and for transferring data to said main memory from a data terminal when the corresponding status indicia indicate such a requirement, and means for interrupting the successive scanning operation in order to transfer data from said main memory to a selected data terminal. Input-output control.-A scan address is used to (a) select an input-output unit, (b) address a control word memory, and (c) address an address register memory. The control word memory thereby provides the current status indicia for the selected input-output unit, specifies a translator unit to be inserted between the input-output unit and the main memory, and (from a permanently-wired section) provides the next scan address. The address register memory provides the main memory address for the next character to be transferred. When transfer takes place, this address can be incremented or decremented by one in a selectively-threaded modification matrix before reinsertion in the address register memory. The selected input-output unit recognises the scan address and sends status indicia to update those in the control word memory. Actual transfer of data will take place when the scan next reaches the input-output unit in question after the updated status indicia indicate that transfer is appropriate, the programme being interrupted and one character only being transferred (for each selection of a given input-output unit). A programmed instruction may interrupt the scanning operation by supplying the next scan address, and control signals which the inputoutput unit selected by the address responds to, and modifying the status indicia. The selected input-output unit then sends status indicia to update the control word memory. The scan continues where it left off. Serial by bit transmission is used with input-output units. At the end of an output message, an end of transmission character is sent to the output unit, which responds with the resulting status indicia. Number representation, adder and compare.- Characters have a 2-out-of-5-coded numeric section and a 2-out-of-3-coded zone section. A selectively-threaded magnetic core matrix adder has separate numeric and zone portions, true and complement inputs selected by sign, and carry inputs, and additional cores permitting high-low-equal comparison. Input is serial by character, parallel by bit. Error, interrupt and branch.-Error indications from the input-output units are stored in the status indicia in the control word memory, and may be transferred to the main memory for inspection during interrupt. Stacking, masking and interrupt-mode latches are provided for the possible causes of interrupt, viz. error, input, output, status request, end of storage area, which are serviced in that order unless masked. The error interrupt may result from an invalid character or multiply or divide overflow. If the error interrupt is masked, an error stops the computer, otherwise the latter branches to an error inspection and correction routine. Selectively-threaded magnetic core " branch " matrices perform condition tests and set/reset the latches mentioned. Other features.-Selectively-threaded magnetic core matrices are provided for codeconversion, and editing. The main memory addresses in the address register memory may be obtained under programme control. A disc storage unit, treated as an input-output unit, is mentioned.