A Versatile, High Speed, Raster Scan Video Graphics Terminal

Abstract

<p> The design of a flexible, high speed, raster scan graphics terminal is presented. The design is presented in general architectural terms rather than from a detailed circuitry point of view.</p> <p> Control is divided between the 'main' microprocessor, an Intel 8086, and a subservient graphics controller which consists of a microprogrammable, bit-sliced, AM2903/2910 special purpose microprocessor. The high speed graphics controller is microprogrammed to accept basic line and circle generating commands. The configuration is felt to represent an efficient balance between simplicity and speed.</p>