An LSI-11 Microcomputer Laboratory

This paper summarizes the design, development, and implementation of an eight station microcomputer laboratory based on the DEC LSI-11 processor. The objectives and requirements of the facility are outlined as background for understanding the system design. Other sections are devoted to hardware, software, and courseware development for the laboratory. Hardware includes the LSI-11 processor, 16 channels of A-D input (eight channels differential), two channels of analog output, a minifloppy disk drive, a CRT terminal, and serial data links to an IBM 370 system. Software includes a custom-built monitor for the LSI-11, a cross assembler, simulator, linker, and down-line loader which run on the IBM 370, and special A-D and D-A routines. Courseware includes ten self-paced laboratory exercises, five real-time monitoring and control experiments, and a series of TV tape cassettes. Hardware plans, software listings, and class materials are available to interested readers by writing to the authors.