Abstract A data processor is described particularly suited to provide a universal link between a peripheral mechanism and a central computer. The arrangement provides, in addition to an input selection and masking unit and a selective masking output unit, a processing unit for performing logic operations on input information relating to, e.g., incoming and status signals relating to the associated peripheral mechanism in order to derive an output signal pattern for controlling the actuation of the peripheral. In order to carry out a program of stored instructions, each of which specifies a function to be performed, it is frequently necessary that data resulting from the performance of preceding functions is required to undergo processing, for example, comparison with, or modification in the light of, a second item of data. A double set of registers is provided and the processing unit is able, under control of some functional instructions to address a single register in each set so that the contents of both addressed registers are rendered available concurrently on a single program step. There is also provision for using one of the specified addresses as the destination for the result of the prescribed function.
In a data processing system in which items of data are required to be applied through peripheral data handling units, at least one peripheral unit function control device including: groups of input lines arranged to carry input information; groups of output lines; control word storage registers arranged in at least two groups; means for storing instruction words; means for reading out instruction words in succession from the instruction storing means, the instruction words read out specifying functional linkages required to be set up between input and output lines; means responsive to a first portion of a first instruction word to select one of the groups of input lines and to mask input lines of the selected group to render effective only some of the lines of that group to pass information; means responsive to a second portion of said first instruction word to select a word storage register in one of said groups to receive information fRom the effective ones of the masked input lines; control means responsive to the second and a third portion of a following instruction word to read the received information from the selected word storage register and to read out other information from a word storage register of a different group and to combine logically said contents of the word registers read out to produce a resultant multi-digit output control word; and means responsive to the output control word to energise with an output signal pattern a plurality of selected ones of the output line groups, the energisation pattern being related to the digits of the output control word.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
264 words
In a data processing system in which items of data are required to be applied through peripheral data handling units, at least one peripheral unit function control device including: groups of input lines arranged to carry input information; groups of output lines; control word storage registers arranged in at least two groups; means for storing instruction words; means for reading out instruction words in succession from the instruction storing means, the instruction words read out specifying functional linkages required to be set up between input and output lines; means responsive to a first portion of a first instruction word to select one of the groups of input lines and to mask input lines of the selected group to render effective only some of the lines of that group to pass information; means responsive to a second portion of said first instruction word to select a word storage register in one of said groups to receive information fRom the effective ones of the masked input lines; control means responsive to the second and a third portion of a following instruction word to read the received information from the selected word storage register and to read out other information from a word storage register of a different group and to combine logically said contents of the word registers read out to produce a resultant multi-digit output control word; and means responsive to the output control word to energise with an output signal pattern a plurality of selected ones of the output line groups, the energisation pattern being related to the digits of the output control word.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including a buffer register connected to receive the output control word from the logical combining means; and means for retransferring the output control word from the buffer register into one of the word storage registers read out in response to said second instruction.