PDP-11 Computer Family

This document, published in July 1976, provides a comprehensive overview of the PDP-11 computer family, which was designed to offer a complete, compatible set of processors, peripherals, and software tools. The document highlights the common UNIBUS architecture, which allows users to scale from small microcomputers to powerful multi-user systems while maintaining software and peripheral compatibility. Key sections include:

• Processor Structure: Technical details on the PDP-11's addressing modes, registers, stacks, and instruction sets.
• Hardware Options: An overview of the available PDP-11 models, from the LSI-based PDP-11/03 to the high-performance PDP-11/70.
• Software and Operating Systems: Detailed descriptions of the broad range of software, including real-time, multi-user, and timesharing operating systems like RT-11, RSTS/E, and IAS, as well as high-level languages like BASIC, COBOL, and FORTRAN.
• Communications: Features of DECnet for distributed processing.
• Peripherals: An overview of available storage, terminal, and unit record equipment.
• Comparison Tables: Useful summary tables comparing the features of various operating systems and processor models.