NBN PRODUCTS

edited byProf. Demetrios MichalopoulosCalifornia State University, Fullerton

Microprocessor-controlledembedded tape formatterincorporates signature analysis

A new dual-density magnetic-tape for-matter, the 9XOOF from the Kennedy Com-pany, employs a bipolar bit-slice micropro-cessor to allow signature analysis, improvecontrol, and reduce the number of ICs re-quired. I

The 9XOOF has logic patterns and diag-nostic routines programmed into on-boardread-only memory devices. Using a signa-ture analyzer, a technician can comparepatterns generated by the microprocessorwith ROM-based patterns to ascertainmalfunctions. Mean time to repair is underone hour, the company says.The reduced board size and component

count permit the formatter to be installedin the tape transport chassis, conservingpanel space and improving reliability.Mean time before failure is calculated bythe company at over 10,000 hours.The single-board embedded formatter

provides all logic necessary for readingandwritingboth 1600-cpiPE and 800-cpi NRZ-inverted formats for ANSI and IBM-compatible tape. It is designed to be in-stalled in Kennedy models 9000, 9100,9300,9700, and 9800 nine-track read-after-write transports. On-board DIP switchesselect speeds from 12.5 to 125 ips.The 9XOOF handles up to four daisy-

chained transports with two differentspeeds. Switches control speed, status,and address designation. Provisions aremade for fixed or variable-length erasecommands and tape editing.The board measures 13 inches (33.0 cm)

long by 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) wide. Height is0.5 inch (1.27 cm). Power requirements are5W at 115Vor 220V, 50 to 60 Hz. Oper-ating temperature is 2 0C 'to 50 °C ataltitudes to 20,000 feet with 15 percent to95 percent humidity.The 9XOOF is priced at $1,950; OEM

quantity prices are available. Delivery is90 to 120 days.

Reader Service Number 9

Macrodata introducesMemory board/system tester

Macrodata has announced a new memo-ry board/system tester, the MD-207/11, for dynamic testing of memoryboards and complete memory systems.The MD-207/11 features a DEC LSI-11 mi-nicomputer and dual floppy disks, which,according to the company, increase testingspeed and flexibility for the MD-207 pro-duct line.The MD-207/11, a 10-MHz system, can

test a variety of technologies, includingsemiconductor, core, plated wire, and bub-ble memories, and is equally suited for pro-duction and engineering environments.With its 10-MHz data buffer memory op-tion for truth table pattern storage, theMD-207/11 can also be used for dynamiclogic testing of LSI-based boards.Macrodata offers user-oriented software

packages for performing such engineeringfunctions as automatic shmoo plotting,data logging, and statistical analysis.Production-oriented packages includeautomatic board diagnostics and real-timeerror logging, management summaries,and a prompting menu for use by the pro-duction test system operator..Hardware features include a DEC

VT-100 video keyboard for full computercontrol and a programmable split-cycle

clock generator with up to 32 independent-ly programmable edges to accommodatethe increasingly complex timing re-quirements of synchronous and asynchro-nous semiconductor memory systems.The MD-207/11 features the Macrodata

"logic link, " which, thecompany says, pro-vides users with a simple and reliablemeans for interfacing a complex board orsystem to the tester.US base price for the MD-207/11 is

$78,500; delivery is 90 days.

Reader Service Number 10

DEC adds MOS memory option, raises capacity for mainframesSemiconductor memory is available for

the first time on a high-end member ofDigital Equipment Corporation's DEC-system-10 line, andMOS memory capacityfor its mid- to high-range DECsystem-20computers has been expanded. The DEC-system-1091-S and DECsystem-2040 and-2060 configurations are affected; all threecomputer systems are based upon theKL1O-E central processor.Up to 12M bytes ofMOS memory can be

installed in a DECsystem-1091-S con-figuration. The first 6M bytes can be in-

stalled in the basic system cabinet; aseparate cabinet provides room for the ad-ditional memory. The same type of cabinetcan be used in DECsystem-2040 and -2060configurations for memory expansion to atotal system capacity of 12M bytes.The basic system configurations for the

DECsystem-2040 and -2060, and the DE-system-1091-S, including IM byte ofmemory, are priced from $324,600,$399,100, and $440,700 respectively.

Reader Service Number 11

October 1979

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New Ceticon controller canbe programmed by user

The Ceticon 2400, a new electronic con-troller for such functions as machine andprocess control and test circuits, can bewired and programmed by the user with-out any expert assistance, according to itsmaker, Cetron of the Netherlands. It canbe utilized also to replace conventional re-lay control, cam programmers, card read-ers, or program switches.The Ceticon consists of various input

modules, linked by a central printed cir-cuit. The entire unit is installed in a 19-inchhousing, which can be set up separately, ormounted in a 19-inch rack.The sequence time of the program is

divided into steps which can be adjustedon the basis of seconds, minutes, or hours.Programming is carried out throughswitches mounted in the front. The unitincorporates a CMOS memory with built-in protection against memory loss due topower failure. The power level of the inputsand outputs is optionally 5 volts TTL, 12,24, 42, 110, or 220 volts, AC or DC. Thestandard model is delivered for 220 volts at50 or 60 cycles. Other voltages areavailable on request.

Reader Service Number 12

Tape transport handles NRZIand PE formats

Datum's D-451 magnetic tape transportoffers compatibility with Datum format-ters, controllers, and other, industry-standard controllers. The D-451 is a single-board design with microprocessor control,self-diagnostics, a low chip count, andhybrid chips for read channels. An embed-ded dual/density formatter is capable ofradially controlling four drives, eliminat-ing daisy chain problems.The D-451's design features a single PC

board that allows the system architect toconfigure systems including seven- ornine-track NRZI and PE tape formats.Tape density for PE is 1600 bpi; densitiesof 800, 556, and 200 bpi are available forNRZI.Delivery for the D-451 is 90 days.

Reader Service Number 13

Test system featuresnew ATG approach

The Capable 4814 may be the first logicsimulation system to offer truly automaticgeneration of test programs, according tothe Industrial Products Division of Com-puter Automation, Inc. The system com-bines a new test generation methodologywith a number of techniques not previous-ly commercially available, says the com-pany, at a cost less than that of other com-mercial systems.The 4814 system incorporates two pro-

prietary advances in testing methodology.Previous automatic test pattern genera-

tion programs used a single algorithm toselect a fault pattern from a table ofundetected faults. The algorithm deter-mnined the propagation path, calculatedthe stimulus for that path, and then gen-erated the stimulus to drive the fault out.The 4814's ATG-II software is based on

four highly refined algorithms, says CA,with the system automatically switchingamong them for maximum fault detection.The system optimizes the computer's timeby working on easy faults first and then go-ing on to the more difficult ones. A com-prehensive set of checks and balancesprevents the system from spending all itstime on one or a few difficult faults until allthe easier ones are resolved.The second proprietary advance is con-

tained in the optional ATG-II library.Previous automatic test generation logicpropagated faults in a "forward" directiononly-the way electrical signals would ac-tually flow through the circuit. However,the ATG-II library contains entries thatdescribe forward and reverse fault propa-gation through electronic parts. Thisenables ATG-II to select or synthesize themost efficient path on which to propagatethe fault out for detection, and then to ac-tually drive the fault along this path andidentify it. As with standard libraries, theATG-II library can be enhanced by the ad-dition of user-generated tables.

In addition to ATG-II's ability to devel-op test programs, the functional emulationand logic simulation capabilities includedin the package can be used at any stage ofthe logic circuit's lifetime-design, pro-totype, or production. Test programs aregenerated without the use of the "knowngood board" method, says ComputerAutomation. The ATG-II system also pro-vides guided fault isolation and automaticfault isolation diagnostics for faulty logicboards. In addition, various listings can beproduced at any time during the ATG pro-cess for fault detection analysis and inter-nal state timing analysis.The Capable 4814 hardware configura-

tion consists of a 320K-byte Alpha LSI-2minicomputer, an alphanumeric CRT, a256K-byte floppy disk drive, a 1OM-bytedual moving-head disk drive, the Montosoperating system, the ATG-II softwarepackage, a functional emulation softwarepackage, the DES logic simulation soft-ware package, and associated libraries.

This configuration is priced at $110,000and includes training, installation, and aone-year on-site service warranty. Avail-ability is 90 days after receipt of order.

Reader Service Number 14

Dual environmental handlerallows parallel testing

Sym-Tek Systems' 346 Twin Magnum, adual environmental handler for .300, .400and .600 naked DIPs, is designed, the com-pany says, to increase throughput whentest times are necessarily long, such as forMil-Spec testing of memory devices.The 346 is actually two independent

handlers in one housing, thus allowingparallel testing. It incorporates two in-puts, two storage tracks, and two contac-tors, which process parts simultaneously,emptying them into a conmmon sorterassembly. The sort categories are pro-grammable from a front panel matrix intofive categories with two reservoirs eachand two reservoirs for retest parts. With asimple electronic change, the handler canbe operated as a single-track handler with11 sort categories and one retest category,according to Sym-Tek.The chamber of the 346 provides a con-

stant thermal environment, controlledwithin ±1°C over a range of -550C to+150°C by a microprocessor-basedtemperature controller. Soak time (thetime required for parts to reach test tem-perature) is switch selectable from 1-99seconds on the front panel. The chamberdoors are designed with windows so thatparts may be continuously viewed.The contactors are mounted to the back

of the handler, resulting inan infinite planefor test head connections. The contactor-performance board distance is approx-imately one inch. The contactor is the onlyelement that requires changeover whenchanging device size under test, Sym-Tekstates.The microprocessor-controlled handler

uses fiber optics and photosensors tomonitor part locations for event-depen-dent, reliable handling. LEDs indicatesystem status, part location, sort full, andlow input information.

Reader Service Number 15

COMPUTER90

Portable unit tests flat cableassemblies

Fasttest's F-500 is a new portable con-tinuity tester that features a patented in-terface module and adapters for continuitytesting of flat cable assemblies. Detectionof a short or open in a flat cable assembly isidentified through a series of LEDs.The F-500 will test 14- and 16-pin DIP

connectors, "D" series connectors,20 to 50contact PC edge connecters, and 10 to 50contact sockets.Another feature of the F-500 is the abili-

ty to test for defective connectors with aprobe included with the tester. The probewill also allow testing of connectors otherthan flat cable.The portable F-500 operates on a long

life 9-volt battery, and is packaged in athermoformed case. The interface moduleis also portable and has provisions forbench mounting.The complete package with the con-

troller, interface module, two flat cableassemblies, probe, and accessory packet ispriced at $349.

Reader Service Number 16

Canon's semiconductor LBP-10allows desktop use

Canon's desktop LBP-10, a semiconduc-tor laser beam printer, has a wide range ofapplications, the company says, includingdata processing, word processing, com-puter graphics, facsimile transmission,and electronic mail. The LBP-10 is suitablefor use as an output unit for office automa-tion equipment and systems.The LBP-10, according to Canon, pro-

duces high quality print on plain cut sheetsat high speed and has a noise level under 57dB(A). It uses a non-impact printingmethod in which a silent semiconductorlaser beam prints directly on the NP-photoreceptor. Although the LBP-10 issmall, it prints about 880 Ipm (8 Ipi) as amedium-speed line printer.The unit has a built-in self-diagnosing

function to indicate the location of a prob-lem. If a repair is necessary, the LBP'sparts are in modules and, the companysays, can be replaced easily and quickly.

Reader Service Number 17

Simulator generates fastinterference spikes

The Schaffner NSG 422 line interferencesimulator generates pulses up-to 300 MHzthat are similar to the interference spikestypically produced by switches, relays,etc.

Since interference spikes with fast risetimes are frequently responsible for the er-roneous operation of electronic equipmentwith digital or analog logic, the NSG 422enables equipment designers to lay outproducts for maximum interference im-munity, to trace interference-sensitivecomponents, and to take the necessarysuppression measures.The fast low-energy interference spikes

can be superimposed on the power line in-put with either positive or negative polari-ty. A free-running oscillator enables the in-terference spike to be superimposed overthe entire sinusoidal waveform. A filter inthe simulator ensures that the interferencegenerated is not reflected back into powerlines. The equipment or sub-unit to betested is powered directly from thesimulator, which is designed for a load ofup to 6 amperes.The NSG 422 is priced at $2300.

Reader Service Number 18

Moxon interface conforms toIEEE 488 standard

Moxon's new 702 interface allows the725 data generator tooperate as a talkerora listener in a test system controlled byany GPIB (IEEE 488) compatible com-puter or calculator.Each symbol on the keyboard of the data

generator has been assigned an ASCIIcharacter. Functions are accessed remote-ly by sending the appropriate character onthe bus. Data patterns can be entered re-motely by putting the 725 in the requireddisplay format and sending the unit theASCII characters for the required data.The data generator is reset by sending adevice clear command (DCL or SDC) on thebus.To send data patterns stored in the data

generator memory, the controller sendsthe ASCII character "W" to the 725, caus-ingthe data generator to transfer its entire16K memory to the controller. Likewise,the character "Y" causes the datagenerator to accept 16K bits of data senton the bus by the controller. All data trans-

The System 5000's folding keyboard pro-tects the 9-inch CRT during transport.

Logic analysis tool offers state,timing, and waveform recording

Paratronics' System 5000 is an analysistool capable of logic state, logic timing,and waveform recording functions. At theselection of the user, these functionsoperate interactively as a total data sys-tem or as independent analysis units.The state section collects synchronous

data from the system under test at 15MHz; the timing and waveform recordingsections operate asynchronously at 50MHz. Since the system provides interac-tive or linked triggering between theseanalysis elements, it can be used to traceproblems that cross between state, timing,or waveform domains.The System 5000 is priced between

$5000 and $8000, depending on the config-uration selected. Delivery is eight totwelve weeks.

Reader Service Number 19

fer handshaking is automatically takencare of by the 725.According to Moxon, the 7,02 gives the

digital engineer added capabilities to solvedigital test problems. A few applications ofthe 702 are testing of small lots, devicecharacterization, reliability testing, andincoming and outgoing inspection.

Reader Service Number 20

October 1979 91

Keithley Instruments' System 2 para-metric test system has been extended toperform Hall Effect and Van der Pauwmeasurements on semiconductor mater-ials. This computer-controlled system canmeasure up to 1012 ohm-cm, and down to10-12 amperes.

Reader Service Number 21

Automatic continuity testergives program-via-keyboardcapability

An automatic continuity tester, the Sen-sitek CBT/128, allows direct keyboard en-try of wire lists of any assembly, elimi-nating the need to have a known "good"unit for self-programming the tester. Thekeyboard option also enables a user in onestep to edit wire lists or programs, gener-ate a printout of a revised wire list for theassembly, and program the CBT/128 totest the revised assembly.Optional features of the CBT/128 in-

clude a keyboard, which allows selectiveactivation of any one of the four commandmodes-editor, display, test, and list-when used in conjunction with one or moreof the peripherals, such as a printer orCRT. The keyboard also generates thecross reference. Other peripherals includea printer, which prints wire, error, crossreference, and delay buffer lists; a CRT,which displays wire, error, cross reference,and delay buffer lists; and a cassetterecorder, which records wire lists, crossreference lists, number of pins in system,delay value, and delay buffer lists.The CBT/128 features a basic 128-pin

capability, expandable in increments of128 pins. Price is $2400; expansionmodules and accessories are additional.Delivery is 60 days.

Reader Service Number 22

HP offers automatic testing ofanalog and digital PC boards

Both in-circuit component tests andfunctional stimulus/response tests ofanalog, digital, or hybrid circuit boardscan be performed by the Hewlett-Packard3060A Board Test System. The 3060Achecks complex microprocessor-based de-signs at their operating speed. Accordingto the manufacturer, the sy'stem's testcapability assures more product turn-onthe first time, and reduces troubleshootingcost.

In-circuit testing with the HP 3060Apermits maximum fault coverage over awide range of component values andtolerances. Consistent test results andmeaningful error messages eliminate ques-tionable results, says HP, resulting inhigher printed-circuit board yields.After shorts and in-circuit testing are

completed by the 3060A, the environmentof the finished board can be simulated byapplying power and performing thenecessary stimulus/response tests. Thisactive functional testing finds problemsthat the in-circuit tests cannot, and allowstuning or adjustment of complete circuits.The 3060A delivers a full set of analog

and digital functional testing tools asstandard equipment, rangingfrom DC/ACvoltage and current sources and a built-infunction generator to a choice of DC, AC,phase-synchronous, and sampling detec-tors. System multiplexing supports exter-nal sources and detectors up to 1 MHz. The3060A is compatible with the Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus (which conforms toIEEE-488), facilitating integration of ad-ditional test equipment.The 3060A uses two separate digital test

techniques-static pattern testing andsignature analysis. Static pattern testingexercises digital circuits of medium com-plexity and works with the 3060A's analogtools to test combined digital and analogcircuits. Test patterns are applied througha bed-of-nails fixture to pins at board in-puts and the response is received in-circuitat individual IC pins. Fault diagnosis isgreatly simplified and the digital circuit isexercised in a functional manner. Inputpatterns can be generated either manuallyor algorithmically, using the HP 9825, acomputing controller with standard soft-ware capabilities (i.e., looping, computa-tion, branching, etc.). The correct responseat the IC's or the board's output can bedetermined from a known good board.Problems of dynamic at-speed-testing of

complex microprocessor-based boards aswell as many individual LSI circuits can besuccessfully met with the 3060A's option-al signature analysis technique. Signatureanalysis is a dynamic data stream com-pression technique that operates at speedsup to 10 MHz and takes advantage of thecircuit's inherent ability to execute athorough self-test algorithm. This capa-bility, says Hewlett-Packard, greatlysimplifies test program generation,

enhances the functional test quality, andminimizes the system's memory size re-quirements.During a signature analysis test, all

nodes of the circuit under test arestimulated, using a special test programstored either in the circuit's own ROM oran external RAM. The 3060A looks for cor-rect logic activity at specified nodes in theform of "signatures." Fault isolationalgorithms then trace bad signaturesautomatically to a specific device.The 9825A computing controller, ac-

cording to Hewlett-Packard, is easy to pro-gram, has versatile editing, immediatefeedback on programming errors, largeuser memory, built-in math functions, andhigh-level interfacing.The US price of the HP 3060A starts at

$74,000. Delivery is 14 weeks.

Reader Service Number 23

CESI presents DE08 diskemulator as replacement forthe RF08

Computer Extension Systems, Inc., hasannounced the DE08, a 256K-word solidstate bulk memory system, as replacingthe DEC RF08 fixed head disk system.Originally designed for typesetting opera-tions, the DE08 disk emnulator is also suitedfor high-speed memory swapping appli-cations.

Built around standard CESI 16K-wordmemory boards, the DE08 operates withdisk access and transfer rates at CPUspeed. The DE08 is software compatiblewith the DEC RF08, and packaged in aself-contained 10.5-inch high, 19-inch relayrack-mountable chassis. Power require-ments are 115 VAC at 3.5 amp maximum.The DE08 is priced at $13,500.

Reader Service Number 24

COMPUTER92

Versatec plotting softwareintegrated for data general AOS

Users of Data General Eclipse com-puters with Advanced Operating Systemscan now plot with a specially integratedVersaplot electrostatic plotting softwarepackage. Written in Data General FortranV and assembly language source code, theintegrated plotting package includes a setof command files to compile and assemblethe source, and to build object libraries andexecutable load modules. To install, theuser simply copies all files from thedelivered package on disk and invokes thecommand files.AOS Versaplot may be used with all Ver-

satec electrostatic plotters and prin-ter/plotters. It can generate raster data orbe used to produce partially ordered datafor final processing via the Versatecvector-to-raster converter.Versaplot consists of Fortran-callable

subroutines compatible with basic penplotter routines. These routines allowmost user and commercial programs origi-.nally written for pen plotters to be usedwith any Versatec plotter.Additional subroutines, GRID, TONE,

and CURVE, exploit the high density ca-pabilities of Versatec electrostatic plot-ters. GRID draws horizontal and/or verti-cal grid patterns with user-defined linemasks. TONE performs area shading withuser-defined patterns in user-specifiedpolygonal areas. CURVE generatessmooth, continuous (dashed or solid),curved lines through scaled or unscaledcoordinate data points.AOS Versaplot also allows generation of

a plot header page that simplifies iden-tification when several users simultan-eously request output from a single plot-ter. Three application-oriented algorithmsoffer a choice of the best vector orderingtechnique for a given application, plot den-sity, or plot size.The Versaplot package consists of com-

plete source code carried on nine-track, 800or 1600 bpi magnetic tape, two program-ming manuals, and one operating manual.Price is $3500 with immediate deliveryavailable.

Reader Service Number 25

Graphics display systemdesigned for CAD use

Vector General's new line of high-speedinteractive graphics terminals has been de-signed for a broad range of uses in com-puter-aided design, including mechanical,structural, automotive, and aerospace ap-plications. The 3300-Series, with full 2-Dand 3-D capability, can also be used intopographical mapping, crystallography,architectural design, and flight trainingsimulation.The 3300-Series displays operate as

peripherals to any minicomputer having astandard parallel input/output capability.According to the manufacturer, this inter-face flexibility, and the ability to emulateVector General's Series 3 display, permitthe use of previously developed softwarewithout extensive reprogramming.The system uses a microprocessor to

prepare and format data for the transfor-mation unit, or DTU, and generates thetransform function simultaneously whilethe input/output controller is preparingthe next series of values for the DTU. Thisfunction allows the operator to utilize fullythe inherent speed of the system, withsignificantly increased vector content, thecompany says.The basic 3301 graphics display is an un-

transformed, x-y coordinate system thatprocesses the display list information di-rectly into the appropriate display gener-

ator. It consists of a microprocessor-baseddisplay I/O control unit, an x-y vectorgenerator unit, and a four-channel monitorcontrol unit. It also includes an electroniccard chassis and power supply assemblywhich may be rack mounted or mounted inthe Vector General work station furniture.The series' modular design permits

upgrading the basic 3301 graphics displayto either the 3302 2-D transformationsystem, or the 3303 system with full 3-Dcapability. This system upgrading re-

quires a minimum of modification in thefield.

EDS produces educationalseries on small computers

Evolution 1, a series of color videocas-sette lessons on using small computersystems, has been announced by Elec-tronic Data Systems. The courses, createdfor EDS by Portia Isaacson and other pro-fessionals in the small computer field, willbe offered to retail computer outlets and tocorporate learning centers.The first series of lessons will include in-

troductions to personal computing andbusiness applications, instruction in Basicprogramming, and techniques for.using a

computer in a small business. Futurecourses will cover more advanced aspectsof small computer technology.

Reader Service Number 26

A circle/arc generator digital hardwareoption provides high-quality circle syn-thesis. Clockwise or counterclockwisedraws are specified at the same time as thestart point and center of the circle point.Circles and arcs have the same selectableline texture as vectors.Vector Generars two software packages

allow the creation of specialized applica-tion programs without requiring detailedknowledge of internal hardware functions.The company's Fortran-based graphicslanguage, accessed as Fortran library sub-routine calls, allows the user to do perspec-tive/clip/zoom routines and provides multi-ple viewports.

Reader Service Number 27

Resistance values within 1 percent from 10ohms to 1,111,000 ohms are quickly and ac-curately established with Cincinnati Elec-trosystems' new decade resistance box, ac-cording to the company. Five click-stop,11-position switches allow the user to setresistance in 10-ohm steps through the en-tire range. This instrument is of use for es-tablishing resistance values for circuits,for calibrating ohmmeters and othermeasuring instruments, and for testing.Price is $36.45.

Reader Service Number 28

October 1979 93