An Interprocessor Communication Link for Data Minicomputers

Abstract

<p>The ACTR (Asynchronous Communications Transmitter Receiver) is a serial data transfer link for the Data General ECLIPSE and NOVA minicomputer lines. The ACTR allows the interconnection of computers in the NOVA and ECLIPSE lines into a multiprocessor system by permitting blocks ot data to be transferred through the computers' program I/O tacitities. Such a small computer multiprocessor system is a powerful, high flexible alternative to a single large computer in many applications. The major application of the ACTR is in systems where the linked processors are either far remote from one another or where the system is so configured that a master/slave environment is practical.</p> <p>This report will deal with the theory of Operation of the hardware as well as the software control of the ACTR. A method of handling the ACTR in a multi-tasking environment under the Data General operating systems, RDOS/RTOS, will also be developed.</p>