Supermicrosystems Handbook

The Supermicrosystems Handbook, published in 1986, serves as a comprehensive reference guide for Digital Equipment Corporation's 16-bit MicroPDP-11 and 32-bit MicroVAX computer systems. It covers the following key areas:

• System Overview: Defines the product family, target markets (technical and commercial), and multiuser capabilities.
• System Hardware: Details CPU modules (KA630, KD32-AA, KDJ11-BF/BB, KDF11-BF), various enclosures (floorstand, pedestal, tabletop, rackmount, cabinet), and configurations.
• System Options: Outlines available hardware options including memory (MS630, MSV11 series), performance boosters, extensive storage solutions (disks, tapes, CDROM), and communication interfaces (asynchronous, synchronous, and realtime).
• System Software: Describes operating systems (MicroVMS, ULTRIX, VAXELN, RSX-11 family, RSTS family, RT-11, CTS-300, DSM), high-level languages, information management software, and programming tools.
• Networks: Explains the Digital Network Architecture (DNA), implementation of Ethernet, and various networking configurations and software (DECnet, Internet, Packetnet).
• Architecture Summary: Provides a technical comparison between the VAX and PDP-11 architectures, addressing modes, registers, memory management, and instruction sets.
• Appendixes: Contains technical specifications for the Q-bus, guidance on site preparation and installation, and details on customer services and extensive documentation support.