Considerations For Microprocessor Based Terminal Design

We discuss the design of hardware and software for inexpensive microprocessor-based terminal/microcomputers. Such devices are fundamentally microcomputers that have been adapted, with specialized software, to operate as remote terminals for a host computer. The discussion centers on a specific video terminal designed and constructed by the authors. This terminal is based on the INTEL 8080 microprocessor and is equipped with software sufficient to emulate the characteristics of standard video terminals required by several available screen-oriented text editors in common use at sites through the ARPAnet. We have found that the microprocessor adequately serves as the controller for such terminals, and that a software-based approach to the design of such terminals offers substantial advantages in capabilities, flexibility, and cost over the hardware-based approach. We suggest guidelines for future designs of microprocessor-based terminals on the basis of our experience designing and using the terminal described here. (Author).

For more than 40 years, Computerworld has been the leading source of technology news and information for IT influencers worldwide. Computerworld's award-winning Web site (Computerworld.com), twice-monthly publication, focused conference series and custom research form the hub of the world's largest global IT media network.

Masters Theses in the Pure and Applied Sciences was first conceived, published, and disseminated by the Center for Information and Numerical Data Analysis and Synthesis (CINDAS) * at Purdue University in 1957, starting its coverage of theses with the academic year 1955. Beginning with Volume 13, the printing and dissemination phases of the activity were transferred to University Microfilms/Xerox of Ann Arbor, Michigan, with the thought that such an arrangement would be more beneficial to the academic and general scientific and technical community. After five years of this joint undertaking we had concluded that it was in the interest of all con cerned if the printing and distribution of the volume were handled by an international publishing house to assure improved service and broader dissemination. Hence, starting with Volume 18, Masters Theses in the Pure and Applied Sciences has been disseminated on a worldwide basis by Plenum Publishing Cor poration of New York, and in the same year the coverage was broadened to include Canadian universities. All back issues can also be ordered from Plenum. We have reported in Volume 26 (thesis year 1981) a total of 11 ,048 theses titles from 24 Canadian and 21 8 United States universities. We are sure that this broader base for these titles reported will greatly enhance the value of this important annual reference work. While Volume 26 reports theses submitted in 1981, on occasion, certain univer sities do report theses submitted in previous years but not reported at the time.

For more than 40 years, Computerworld has been the leading source of technology news and information for IT influencers worldwide. Computerworld's award-winning Web site (Computerworld.com), twice-monthly publication, focused conference series and custom research form the hub of the world's largest global IT media network.