![DEC VAXstation 4000 96 OpenVMS 6](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/DEC_VAXstation_4000_96_OpenVMS_6.1.jpeg)
The VAXstation is a discontinued family of
workstation
A workstation is a special computer designed for technical or scientific applications. Intended primarily to be used by a single user, they are commonly connected to a local area network and run multi-user operating systems. The term ''workstat ...
computers developed and manufactured by
Digital Equipment Corporation
Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC ), using the trademark Digital, was a major American company in the computer industry from the 1960s to the 1990s. The company was co-founded by Ken Olsen and Harlan Anderson in 1957. Olsen was president un ...
using processors implementing the
VAX
VAX (an acronym for Virtual Address eXtension) is a series of computers featuring a 32-bit instruction set architecture (ISA) and virtual memory that was developed and sold by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in the late 20th century. The V ...
instruction set architecture. VAXstation systems were typically shipped with either the
OpenVMS or
ULTRIX operating system
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for computer programs.
Time-sharing operating systems schedule tasks for efficient use of the system and may also i ...
s. Many members of the VAXstation family had corresponding
MicroVAX
The MicroVAX is a discontinued family of low-cost minicomputers developed and manufactured by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). The first model, the MicroVAX I, was introduced in 1983.(announced October 1983) They used processors that implemen ...
variants, which primarily differ by the lack of graphics hardware.
VAXstation I
Introduced in October 1984, it was code named "''Seahorse''", and used the KD32 CPU module containing a 4 MHz (250 ns)
MicroVAX I processor.
VAXstation II
Code named "''Mayflower''", it used the KA630 CPU module containing a 5 MHz (200 ns)
MicroVAX 78032
The MicroVAX 78032 (otherwise known as the DC333) is a microprocessor developed and fabricated by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) that implements a subset of the VAX instruction set architecture (ISA). The 78032 is used exclusively in DEC's ...
microprocessor. It was essentially a
MicroVAX II in a workstation configuration.
[
]
VAXstation II/RC
A short-lived, lower-cost "Reduced Configuration" variant of the VAXstation II. Compared with the standard VAXstation II, a number of the slots on the backplane were filled with epoxy to limit the system's upgradability. It was discontinued when Digital discovered that enterprising customers were removing the epoxy, or replacing the backplane in order to convert the RC into a standard VAXstation II.
VAXstation II/GPX
Introduced in December 1985, it was code named "''Caylith''", and was a variant of the VAXstation II with hardware-enhanced, high-performance color graphics.[
]
VAXstation 2000
Introduced in February 1987, it was code named "''VAXstar''" or ''"Kapri"'', and used the KA410 CPU module containing a 5 MHz MicroVAX II processor with no cache. It was essentially a MicroVAX 2000 in a workstation configuration.[
]
VAXstation 3100 Series
VAXstation 3100 Model 30 (VS42A-xx)
Code named "''PVAX''", it used the KA42-A CPU module containing an 11.12 MHz (90 ns) CVAX
The CVAX is a microprocessor chipset developed and fabricated by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) that implemented the VAX instruction set architecture (ISA). The chipset consisted of the CVAX 78034 CPU, CFPA floating-point accelerator, CVAX cl ...
microprocessor with a 64 KB external cache.[
The VT1300 ]X terminal
In computing, an X terminal is a display/input terminal for X Window System client applications. X terminals enjoyed a period of popularity in the early 1990s when they offered a lower total cost of ownership alternative to a full Unix workstat ...
was essentially a diskless VAXstation 3100 Model 30, running the VAXELN
VAXELN (typically pronounced "VAX-elan") is a discontinued real-time operating system for the VAX family of computers produced by the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) of Maynard, Massachusetts.
As with RSX-11 and VMS, Dave Cutler was the ...
operating system.
VAXstation 3100 Model 38 (WS42A-xx)
Code named "''PVAX rev#7''", it used the KA42-B CPU module containing a 16.67 MHz (60 ns) CVAX+ microprocessor with a 64KB external cache.[
]
VAXstation 3100 Model 40 (VS42S-xx)
Code named "''PVAX''", it used the KA42-A CPU module containing an 11.12 MHz (90 ns) CVAX microprocessor with a 64KB external cache.[ It used the same CPU module and system board as the Model 30, but was housed in a larger case which could hold additional 5.25" and 3.5" drives.
]
VAXstation 3100 Model 48 (WS42B-xx)
Code named "''PVAX rev#7''", it used the KA42-B CPU module containing a 16.67 MHz (60 ns) CVAX+ microprocessor with a 64KB external cache.[
]
VAXstation 3100 Model 76
Code named "''RigelMAX''", it used the KA43-A CPU module containing a 35.71 MHz (28 ns) Rigel microprocessor with a 128 KB external cache. It provided two separate SCSI buses, one for internal devices and one for external.[
]
VAXstation 3200 and VAXstation 3500
Code named "''Mayfair/GPX''", it used the KA650 CPU module containing a CVAX chip set operating at 11.12 MHz (90 ns cycle time) with 64 KB of external secondary cache.[ They differed by the enclosure used, the 3200 using a BA23, whereas the 3500 used the BA213. As such, they were effectively workstation configurations of the MicroVAX III and MicroVAX 3500 respectively.
]
VAXstation 3520 and VAXstation 3540
The VAXstation 3520 and VAXstation 3540, code named "''Firefox''", were multiprocessor computers with two or four CVAX chip sets respectively, contained on KA60 CPU modules running at 12.5 MHz (80 ns cycle time).[ They were positioned as mid-range workstations. The first official announcement from Digital regarding these workstations was on 10 January 1989, although it was a "programme announcement" with no dates or prices provided.
]
VAXstation 4000 Series
VAXstation 4000 Model VLC
The VAXstation 4000 VLC (Very Low Cost), aka VAXstation 4000 M30, was an entry-level workstation introduced on 30 October 1991.[ It was code named "''PVAX2/VLC''". It used the KA48 CPU module containing a 25 MHz (40 ns cycle time) SOC microprocessor. It had 8 to 24 MB of memory, using the MS40-BA SIMM, which was a low-height standard 72-pin 80 ns memory module with parity.
]
VAXstation 4000 Model 60
The VAXstation 4000 Model 60, code named "''PMariah''",[ was announced on 30 October 1991 and became available on 25 November 1991. It used the KA46 CPU module containing a Mariah chip set operating at 55 MHz (18 ns cycle time) with 256 KB of external cache. It supported 8 to 104 MB of memory, with SIMMs installed in pairs. SIMMs used were the 4 MB MS44L-AA and the 16 MB MS44-DA, which both had parity. It was the first VAX system to use the ]TURBOchannel
TURBOchannel is an open computer bus developed by DEC by during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although it is open for any vendor to implement in their own systems, it was mostly used in Digital's own systems such as the MIPS-based DECstation ...
interconnect. The upgrade path was to the VAXstation 4000 Model 96.
VAXstation 4000 Model 90
The VAXstation 4000 Model 90, code named "''Cougar''",[ was a further development of the VAXstation 4000 Model 60. Development of the VAXstation 4000 Model 90 began in mid-1991.
The workstation used the KA49-A CPU module containing a ]NVAX
The NVAX is a CMOS microprocessor developed and produced by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) that implemented the VAX instruction set architecture (ISA). A variant of the NVAX, the NVAX+, differed in the bus interface and external cache suppor ...
microprocessor operating at 74.43 MHz (14 ns cycle time) with a 256 KB external secondary cache. The NVAX had a 64-bit data bus to the NMC (NVAX Memory Controller) two gate array. The system module contained eight SIMM slots, and the workstation supported 16 to 128 MB of memory with parity. 16 MB MS44L-BC and 64 MB MS44-DC memory kits were used to populate the SIMM slots. Each memory kit contained four SIMMs with capacities of 4 MB and 16 MB respectively.
The VAXstation 4000 Model 90 supported 3D graphics hardware, the SPXg and SPXgt options. These modules had their own connector on the system module.
I/O was based around the NCA, a gate array which implemented an input/output adapter. The I/O subsystem had two independent 32-bit buses that communicated with the I/O and graphics options available. One of the buses interfaced to a TURBOchannel
TURBOchannel is an open computer bus developed by DEC by during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although it is open for any vendor to implement in their own systems, it was mostly used in Digital's own systems such as the MIPS-based DECstation ...
slot, the firmware contained within ROMs and the graphics options. The other bus interfaced to the Ethernet and EDAL controllers. EDAL was a 16-bit general-purpose bus for I/O. The EDAL controller consisted of a CEAC (CDAL-to-EDAL Chip) and a SQWF chip.
Ethernet was provided by the SGEC (Second-Generation Ethernet Controller) chip. SCSI was provided by the NCR 53C94, which connected to the EDAL bus. Serial lines were provided by a DC7085 quad UART. The four serial lines were used for the keyboard, mouse, modem and printer/console. A 64-entry FIFO queue was provided for all four serial lines and was implemented by a small external SRAM. Voice-quality sound was provided by an AMD Am79C30.
The VAXstation 4000 Model 90 could be upgraded to a VAXstation 4000 Model 96.
VAXstation 4000 Model 90A
The VAXstation 4000 Model 90A, code named "''Cougar+''",[ was a faster version of the Model 90. It used the KA49-A CPU module containing a NVAX microprocessor operating at 83 MHz (12 ns cycle time) but was otherwise the same. The upgrade path was to the VAXstation 4000 Model 96.
]
VAXstation 4000 Model 96
The VAXstation 4000 Model 96, code named "''Cougar++''",[ was a faster version of the Model 90A. It was discontinued on 30 September 1999, with the last shipments concluding on 31 December 1999.
It used the KA49-C CPU module containing a NVAX microprocessor operating at 100 MHz (10 ns cycle time) but was otherwise the same.
]
VAXstation 8000
The VAXstation 8000, code named "''Lynx''",[ was a high-end workstation introduced on 2 February 1988. It was essentially a VAX 8250 packaged in a deskside enclosure with a 3D graphics pipeline developed jointly with ]Evans & Sutherland
Evans & Sutherland is a pioneering American computer firm in the computer graphics field. Its current products are used in digital projection environments like planetariums. Its simulation business, which it sold to Rockwell Collins, sold products ...
. It was the only VAXstation to use a Full VAX processor instead of a MicroVAX as its main CPU.
VXT 2000
The VXT 2000 was an X terminal
In computing, an X terminal is a display/input terminal for X Window System client applications. X terminals enjoyed a period of popularity in the early 1990s when they offered a lower total cost of ownership alternative to a full Unix workstat ...
using the SOC microprocessor. This system was essentially a VAXstation 3100 Model 30 without any mass storage and set up to network boot a VAXeln image that allowed it to be an X-Windows terminal.
VAXstation 100
The VAXstation 100 was a VAXstation-branded graphics terminal
A computer terminal is an electronic or electromechanical hardware device that can be used for entering data into, and transcribing data from, a computer or a computing system. The teletype was an example of an early-day hard-copy terminal and ...
introduced in May 1983. It used a Motorola
Motorola, Inc. () was an American multinational telecommunications company based in Schaumburg, Illinois, United States. After having lost $4.3 billion from 2007 to 2009, the company split into two independent public companies, Motorol ...
68000
The Motorola 68000 (sometimes shortened to Motorola 68k or m68k and usually pronounced "sixty-eight-thousand") is a 16/32-bit complex instruction set computer (CISC) microprocessor, introduced in 1979 by Motorola Semiconductor Products Secto ...
microprocessor
A microprocessor is a computer processor where the data processing logic and control is included on a single integrated circuit, or a small number of integrated circuits. The microprocessor contains the arithmetic, logic, and control circ ...
and connected to its VAX host via Unibus
The Unibus was the earliest of several computer bus and backplane designs used with PDP-11 and early VAX systems manufactured by the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) of Maynard, Massachusetts. The Unibus was developed around 1969 by Gordon ...
. It was used for developing the X Window System
The X Window System (X11, or simply X) is a windowing system for bitmap displays, common on Unix-like operating systems.
X provides the basic framework for a GUI environment: drawing and moving windows on the display device and interacting wi ...
.
VAXstation 500
The VAXstation 500 was a VAXstation-branded successor to the VAXstation 100 with color graphics, introduced in October 1985. It consisted of a MicroVAX I and a Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc., historically widely known as Tek, is an American company best known for manufacturing test and measurement devices such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and video and mobile test protocol equipment.
Originally an independent ...
4125 colour terminal.
Software
DTP software for VMS on the VAXstation included Interleaf
Interleaf, Inc., was a company that created computer software products for the technical publishing creation and distribution process. Founded in 1981, its initial product was the first commercial document processor that integrated text and graph ...
IWPS/IWPS-Plus, CGS Digi-Design/ORIS, DECwrite and WordPerfect.
Mechanical CAE software:
Applicon
Applicon, Incorporated was one of the first manufacturers of Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing ( CAD/CAM) systems. It was co-founded in 1969 in Bedford, Massachusetts by four founders working at the MIT Lincoln Lab: Fontaine Richardson who ...
Bravo (in 1988; with 3D-views),
SDRC
SDRC (''Structural Dynamics Research Corporation'') is a leading company specializing in MCAE (Mechanical Computer Aided Engineering) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software.
History
SDRC was formed by engineers, led by then associate pr ...
applications (incl. FEM pre- and postprocessing, I-DEAS
I-DEAS (''Integrated Design and Engineering Analysis Software''), a computer-aided design software package. It was originally produced by SDRC in 1982. I-DEAS was used primarily in the automotive industry, most notably by Ford Motor Company (who ...
),
Prime
A prime number (or a prime) is a natural number greater than 1 that is not a product of two smaller natural numbers. A natural number greater than 1 that is not prime is called a composite number. For example, 5 is prime because the only ways ...
GNC (GNC i.e. Graphical Numerical Control; a Numerical control application), MCS (Manufacturing & Consulting Services) ANVIL-5000, ISYKON (bought by Intergraph
Intergraph Corporation was an American software development and services company, which now forms part of Hexagon AB. It provides enterprise engineering and geospatially powered software to businesses, governments, and organizations around the w ...
) Proren, EUCLID-IS, Unigraphics
NX, formerly known as "unigraphics", is an advanced high-end CAD/CAM/ CAE, which has been owned since 2007 by Siemens Digital Industries Software. In 2000, Unigraphics purchased SDRC I-DEAS and began an effort to integrate aspects of both softwa ...
,The DEC VAX was the first 32-bit mainframe that Unigraphics was supported on.
MEDUSA
In Greek mythology, Medusa (; Ancient Greek: Μέδουσα "guardian, protectress"), also called Gorgo, was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human females with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those ...
References
Further reading
* Michael A. Callander, Sr. et al., "The VAXstation 4000 Model 90". Digital Technical Journal, Volume 4, Number 3, Summer 1992. Digital Equipment Corporation.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vaxstation
DEC workstations
Computer-related introductions in 1984
32-bit computers