Versatile Low-Cost Color Text/Graphics Generator

At Fermilab, CRT terminals, consisting of compact, low-cost, digital-display generators driving conventional video monitors replace costly commercial equipment, achieving improved performance and reduced complexity. The generator accepts digital commands and outputs composite video signals to generate high-resolution monochrome graphics and/or text (in up to 7 colors) on appropriate monitors. An on-board microprocessor with EPROM accesses integral dynamic RAM to emulate, or combine features of, popular commercial display equipment. With available external port modules connected these terminals become versatile, interactive processing, control and display centers. Features and applications of port modules and detailed design of the display generator are described.