122:
25:
408:
of tasks at almost twice the speed of other general-purpose computers in its price range. Unlike the Model 70/45 and 70/55 it did not offer the option of a floating-point processor. The maximum memory was limited to 32,768 bytes from two 16,384-byte core memories. It was offered with both synchronous and asynchronous controllers that allowed it to communicate with other computers.
510:(1966) was a medium-to-large scale processor with excellent processor characteristics well suited to both scientific and large-scale commercial processing. The 70/55 maintained a high-throughput capability by offering up to 14 simultaneous job streams. Like the 70/45, the Model 70/55 made extensive use of monolithic integrated circuits.
545:
control logic and power supply in the bottom. These machines later became RCA 6 and RCA 7 respectively when the company replaced the blue and white cabinets with a new, more modern scheme. Although these computers were fast and reliable they came too late to impact the lead of the IBM 360 product line.
407:
was the fifth in the series of
Spectra computers that was announced in September 1965 (first delivery in 1966). It was a medium-scale computer combining third-generation technology (including integrated circuits) and speed in an efficient low-cost data system. The Spectra 70/35 handled a wide range
544:
in some advertisements. The 70/60 and 70/61 were the first RCA central computers to be capable of supporting 1 MB of core memory which was housed in four standard racks that formed a "T" with the rest of the computer. Each memory cabinet housed 256 KB of core memory with memory stacks and
488:
Programs can run in either 70/45 mode—without virtual memory—or in 70/46 mode with virtual memory enabled. Virtual addresses are 24 bits in length. Pages can be specified to be either 2048 or 4096 bytes in length, depending on program requirements, however 2048-byte pages occupy the lower half of a
411:
It was used by the
Oklahoma State-Wide Computer Science System, starting in 1966, to connect remote RCA 301 computers in eight cities to host Vocational-Technical Education in computer science, which was the first state-sponsored program set up exclusively to train data processing personnel. The
310:
system somewhat impractical. It implemented a small subset of 25 instructions of the full
Spectra 70 architecture, and was not downward compatible with the rest of the range. Also, the limited memory size available "obviates the need for a base address in that the displacement has the necessary
565:
were offered: a medium-speed printer running at 600 lines per minute, a high-speed printer running at 1,250 lines per minute, and a bill-printer running at 600 lines per minute on continuous forms and 800 lines per minute on card-stock. Like the card punches, the printers were fully
497:
defines up to 32 segments, only eight are used in the 70/46. Incrementation of addresses wraps around on a segment boundary. With 4 KB pages, segments are 256 KB in length, and total virtual memory size is up to 2 MB. With 2 KB pages these numbers are halved.
462:
226:
Simultaneous input and output was accomplished by the use of intelligent communication channels. Like the IBM 360, two types of channel were available (on all but the 70/15): selector channels which could address up to 256 devices (one at a time), and
388:
channel, the 70/25 could concurrently operate eight low-speed devices in addition to eight high-speed devices. Like the Model 15, it implemented a (slightly larger) subset of 31 instructions of the full range architecture.
376:(1965) was a discrete small-to-medium scale computer system that supported a wider variety of applications, including use as a free-standing system. In large installations, the 70/25 might also be used as a subsystem in a
449:
Memory capacity for the 70/45 ranged from a minimum of 16,384 bytes (16 KB) to 262,144 bytes (256 KB). The memory cycle time was 1.44 microseconds to access two bytes (one half word) of information.
584:) compatible and contained automatic error-checking systems. Either 7 or 9 channel tape code could be used and tapes could be written in the forward direction and read in both forward and reverse directions.
553:
Input-output devices on the
Spectra 70 series were specifically designed to interface with all models of the Spectra processor using the RCA Standard Interface. Initial product offerings in 1965 included:
579:
were available running at 30, 60, or 120 kilobytes per second. In purely numeric mode, the tape reading and writing was performed at 240,000 digits per second. All tape drives were “industry” (meaning
572:
Paper-tape capability was offered with 5, 6, 7, or 8 channel tape punches and readers. The punched tape reader operated at 200 characters per second and the tape punch ran at 100 characters per second.
269:, virtual memory operating system on the market. The Spectra series was later supplemented by the RCA Series (RCA 2, 3, 6, 7— later renamed the 70/2, 70/3, 70/6, and 70/7, which competed against the
513:
Memory capacity for the 70/55 ranged from 65,536 bytes (64 KB) of core memory to 524,288 bytes (512 KB). The memory cycle time was 0.84 microseconds to access four bytes of information.
318:
Two memory configurations for the 70/15 were available: either 4,096 bytes or 8,192 bytes of core memory. The memory cycle time for a 70/15 was 2 microseconds per byte of information.
952:
874:
361:, and Sort/Merge." Sort/Merge required a system with 8 KB of memory. The remainder could run in 4 KB. Programs could be run from punched cards or magnetic tape.
392:
Memory capacities for the 70/25 ranged from a minimum of 16,384 bytes to a maximum of 65,536 bytes. The memory cycle time was 1.5 microseconds to access one 8-bit byte.
187:
Five models of the
Spectra 70 CPU were announced around 1965, ranging from a small system (70/15) to the large-scale (70/55). Some of the main features were:
261:, the Spectra 70/46 and 70/61 and the later RCA 3 and 7, could also run the RCA's Virtual Memory Operating System (VMOS). VMOS was originally named TSOS (
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1161:
431:
processor was available as an option and the 70/45 was considered suitable for commercial, scientific, communications, and real-time applications.
1213:
213:
1092:
443:
438:. Thus, the 70/45 was ideal as the core of a multi-system installation. The 70/45 was one of the first computer systems to use monolithic
145:
models, various configurations of core memory, mass-storage devices, terminal equipment, and a variety of specialized interface equipment.
814:
311:
addressing range by the addition of a high-order bit to permit addressing of up to 8,192 bytes." In this respect it was similar to the
1099:
253:
These systems all ran RCA's real-memory operating systems, DOS and TDOS. The 70/45 could also run a time-sharing operating system,
384:
was facilitated by the use of fast memory and multiple simultaneous input/output streams. Equipped with selector channels and a
959:
938:
Automatic Data
Processing and the Small Businessman: A Report to the Select Committee on Small Business, United States Senate
89:
569:
The
Spectra optical card reader was able to read at up to 1,435 cards per minute with optional mark-sense reading available.
558:
Card punches that were fully buffered and able to operate at 100 or 300 cards per minute, depending upon the specific model.
434:
With a communications multiplexer, the 70/45 could accommodate up to 256 communication lines for interactive use as well as
1218:
160:
character set. While this degree of compatibility made some interchange of programs and data possible, differences in the
61:
1135:
941:. Columns: Central processor | Minimum monthly rental | First delivery date. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 127.
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900:
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with a speed of 1,300 documents per minute. This was primarily used to scan checks and similar transaction documents.
68:
732:
108:
223:
The use of a standard electrical interface allowed the same peripherals to be used with any CPU model in the series.
1039:
273:. The RCA 2 and 6 ran the real-memory batch-oriented OS/70 operating system, while the RCA 3 and 7 ran VMOS. Some
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42:
75:
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46:
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channels (not on the 70/15) which could simultaneously address up to 256 channels by time-sharing the channel.
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262:
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57:
265:), but was renamed to expand the market for the system beyond time-sharing. TSOS was the first mainframe,
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students were learning the fundamentals of programming and system operation with "hands-on" experience.
134:
1203:
274:
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market was fierce, and in 1971 the company sold the computer division and the
Spectra 70 line to
35:
714:
489:
page frame in memory. The system allows a maximum of 512 pages. Virtual memory is divided into
321:
The 70/15 was often used as a satellite processor for larger systems or used as an intelligent
247:
192:
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1005:
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in its construction. This level of integration was to become the defining characteristic of
121:
82:
618:
303:
240:
195:, allowing programs written for a smaller model to run on any larger machine in the series.
198:
Larger machines in the series were also faster, with memory access times ranging from two
8:
1208:
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428:
306:. Memory limitations and relatively low processing speed made its use as a stand-alone
439:
728:
322:
427:(1966) was a medium-scale processor of relatively good performance for its time. A
141:’s computer division beginning in April 1965. The Spectra 70 line included several
659:
562:
435:
354:
342:
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for remote job entry. Typical applications of a satellite processor would include
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161:
209:(4 KB) in the 70/15 to a maximum of 524,288 bytes (512 KB) in the 70/55.
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377:
338:
149:
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153:
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was a later addition to the
Spectra 70 series, having been announced in 1969.
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software precluded transparent movement of programs between the two systems.
516:
This model weighed 3,000–5,100 pounds (1.5–2.6 short tons; 1.4–2.3 t).
622:
603:
330:
281:-designed clones of the RCA Spectra 70 clones of the IBM System/360 range.
954:
UNIVAC Series 70: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CURRENT UNIVAC SERIES 70 SYSTEMS
599:
540:
was the virtual memory model of the 70/60, and it was referred to as the
478:
385:
250:. Floating-point instructions were not available on the 70/15 and 70/25.
228:
199:
172:
235:
The full instruction set comprised 144 instructions, including optional
473:(1967) is a modified version of the 70/45 with an added capability for
381:
176:
152:
were largely compatible with the non-privileged instruction set of the
1136:"Computers and Data Processors, North America - RCA Spectra 70 Series"
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493:
of 64 pages indicated by bits 1-5 of a virtual address. Although the
333:, input pre-processing and verification, or tab-shop tasks like file
168:
24:
626:
611:
595:
307:
358:
341:, and data selection. Software for this model did not include an
334:
1171:"In Every Issue - market report - RCA's Spectra 70 Announcement"
217:
157:
461:
220:) of eight bits plus parity for internal data representation.
935:
Service, Library of
Congress Legislative Reference (1968).
924:. Data Processing Management Association. 1972. p. 31.
453:
This model weighed 1,900–2,700 pounds (860–1,220 kg).
350:
206:
1013:
California Institute of Technology Engineering and Science
277:
mainframes were rebadged Spectra 70 machines; others were
1108:
654:
581:
142:
138:
257:, supporting up to 16 users. The systems that supported
1037:
357:, Communication Control, System Maintenance Routines,
957:. DATAPRO RESEARCH CORPORATION. Nov 1972. p. 3.
364:
The Spectra 70/15 weighed 600 pounds (270 kg).
1134:D, Goldstein, Gordon; A, Sass, Margo (April 1965).
349:consisted of an "Assembly System, Loader Routines,
49:. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
902:Spectra 70 All Systems Installation Planning Guide
590:was available in the form of a high-speed 70/565
329:, card/tape-to-printer report generation, tape-to-
205:Memory capacities ranged from a minimum of 4,096
1190:
973:"RCA computers: a technical review and forecast"
879:. Radio Corporation of America. 1965. p. 5.
812:
789:70/45 Basic Time sharing System Reference Manual
785:
758:
415:This model weighed 1,500 pounds (680 kg).
395:This model weighed 1,200 pounds (540 kg).
202:in the 70/15 to 0.84 microseconds in the 70/55.
712:
255:The RCA 70/45 Basic Time Sharing System (BTSS)
214:Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code
721:Table 11.3 RCA Spectra announcements, 1964-65
650:History of computing hardware (1960s–present)
137:(EDP) equipment that was manufactured by the
1184:(2). Edmund C. Berkeley and Associates: 7–8.
1160:: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (
1111:. November 1967. pp. 69–80. 70-06-500
1031:
610:Storage Unit with an interchangeable 7.25
1169:Berkeley, Edmund Callis (February 1965).
109:Learn how and when to remove this message
1168:
477:. Advertisements for this computer as a
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120:
970:
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934:
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1214:Computer-related introductions in 1965
1191:
1038:RCA Information Systems (March 1968).
302:that could still support a variety of
16:Mainframe computer series, 1960s-1970s
971:Pollard, B.W. (February–March 1969).
762:Spectra 70:Systems Information Manual
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716:ICL: a business and technical history
632:The Videoscan Document Reader was an
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47:adding citations to reliable sources
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1093:"Model 70/568-11 Mass Storage Unit"
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617:and a data interchange rate of 156
13:
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1101:Random Access Device Series 70/500
813:Datapro Research (November 1972).
741:
723:. Models 45-55: search for phrase
298:(1965) was a discrete small-scale
182:
14:
1230:
1127:
1041:Spectra 70 70/46 Reference Manual
883:
860:
697:
594:Memory Unit with a capacity of 1
727:. Clarendon Press. p. 241.
23:
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713:Campbell-Kelly, Martin (1989).
625:Unit with 8 interchangeable 67
34:needs additional citations for
1067:"Big Brother to the Octoputer"
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908:. 1967. pp. 9-23 (13-27).
833:
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481:machine referred to it as the
456:
418:
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367:
289:
1:
843:RCA Series Information Manual
665:
634:optical character recognition
263:Time Sharing Operating System
899:"Equipment Specifications".
495:instruction set architecture
347:RCA 70/15 Programming System
148:The system architecture and
139:Radio Corporation of America
7:
1219:Products introduced in 1965
1140:Digital Computer Newsletter
643:
10:
1235:
444:third-generation computers
135:electronic data processing
284:
275:English Electric System 4
239:. All machines supported
1178:Computers and Automation
1146:(2): 2–9. Archived from
786:RCA Corporation (1967).
759:RCA Corporation (1964).
359:Report Program Generator
465:RCA Spectra 70 Model 46
327:card-to-tape conversion
313:IBM System/360 Model 20
156:, including use of the
466:
248:fixed-point arithmetic
126:
840:RCA (December 1970).
588:Direct access storage
464:
124:
549:Input-output devices
351:Input-Output Control
125:An RCA Spectra 70/45
43:improve this article
1199:Mainframe computers
621:, and a 70/568-11
440:integrated circuits
167:Competition in the
1019:(2). November 1969
575:Three versions of
467:
127:
353:, Test Routines,
193:upward-compatible
191:The systems were
119:
118:
111:
93:
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1204:32-bit computers
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1151:
1150:on June 2, 2018.
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1047:. pp. 11–13
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816:UNIVAC Series 70
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680:"RCA Spectra 70"
676:
660:UNIVAC Series 70
561:Three models of
436:batch processing
355:Utility Routines
343:operating system
279:English Electric
179:in the process.
175:, taking a huge
162:operating system
114:
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100:
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58:"RCA Spectra 70"
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27:
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1107:. 70-06-500-1.
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1006:"advertisement"
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921:Data Management
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598:and an average
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380:complex. High
378:multi-processor
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185:
183:System overview
150:instruction set
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1128:External links
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1073:. 17 July 2014
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536:The RCA Model
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524:The RCA Model
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506:The RCA Model
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475:virtual memory
469:The RCA Model
458:
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429:floating-point
423:The RCA Model
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403:The RCA Model
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372:The RCA Model
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294:The RCA Model
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271:IBM System/370
259:virtual memory
237:floating-point
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131:RCA Spectra 70
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54:Find sources:
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32:This article
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1156:cite journal
1148:the original
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1113:. Retrieved
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1075:. Retrieved
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1049:. Retrieved
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1021:. Retrieved
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988:. Retrieved
983:
980:RCA Engineer
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850:. Retrieved
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769:. Retrieved
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687:. Retrieved
685:. March 1965
674:
623:Mass Storage
604:milliseconds
552:
542:Octoputer II
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267:demand paged
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200:microseconds
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41:Please help
36:verification
33:
606:, a 70/564
600:access time
532:Model 70/61
520:Model 70/60
502:Model 70/55
479:timesharing
457:Model 70/46
419:Model 70/45
399:Model 70/35
386:multiplexer
368:Model 70/25
290:Model 70/15
229:multiplexer
173:Sperry Rand
1209:RCA brands
1193:Categories
1115:January 1,
1071:Flickr.com
666:References
629:magazines.
382:throughput
177:write down
69:newspapers
615:disc-pack
566:buffered.
483:Octoputer
300:processor
169:mainframe
986:(5): 3–7
644:See also
563:printers
491:segments
323:terminal
308:computer
99:May 2009
1077:Mar 16,
1051:Mar 16,
1023:Mar 16,
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960:Alt URL
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