Hybrides Rechnersystem HRS 860 — Kurzbeschreibung

Complete English translation of the original German-language document (16 pages).

AEG Datenverarbeitung — Hybrides Rechnersystem HRS 860

Brief Description (Kurzbeschreibung)

[page 1: cover — photograph of the HRS 860 hybrid computer system showing the HKW 860 digital cabinet and the RA 770 analog console]

Topic	Page
Introduction	2
Characteristics of the computing systems	2
— Digital computer	2
— Analog computer	2
Areas of application, uses of the hybrid computing system	3
Structure — Hardware — Description of the HRS 860
— System components: Digital computer	5
— Characteristics	5
— Peripherals	5
— Technical data	5
— System components: Hybrid coupler unit	7
— Cabinet A	7
— Cabinet B	7
— System components: Analog computer	8
— Computing elements	8
— Control elements	8
Operating modes of the HRS 860	9
— Preparation phase	9
— Computing phase	9
— Evaluation phase	9
Software of the HRS 860
— Operating system: BESY 70 to TR 86	10
— Application program VEPRO	11
— BESY 70 Extension	11
— Programming system	12
— Compiler-Ebene (FORTRAN-HYBRID)	12
— Hybrid programs (HYSTUP)	12
— BESY 70 Extension	12
— Program library	12
— HYSTUP standard subprograms	12
— ERENUM extension	12
— Diagnostic programs
— Test program TST860	13
— Arithmetic check program VAMPIR	13
Technical data of the HRS 860	14
Sales offices	15

Introduction

In a hybrid computing system, digital and analog computers work together on the solution of a task. The division of work, the programming, and the interaction of the two computers are coordinated.

Characteristics of the digital computer

The speed advantage is used for sequential arithmetic problems and for programs with complex decision-making.
The large memory capacity allows programs and data to be held in close proximity.
It offers the ability to store programming instructions and software.

Advantages for real-time operation:

At program time no switching between electric computing elements is required, since these are configured by software.
For some control tasks, digital variable-structure implementations with binary access to any analog quantities are possible.

Characteristics of the analog computer

At programming time no concern about electronic computing elements is necessary. As an integrator, the possibility of iterative solution of differential equations, the simulation of controlled systems, the measurement of dynamic processes and the realization of experimental design is available (measurement).
Through rapid alteration of parameters during the computing cycle, an optimal problem setup can be achieved in the shortest time.
Due to the close binding of the computing elements to real computing time with high computational speed, the analog computer portion is particularly suitable for simulation and for experimental design tasks.

Areas of Application, Uses of the Hybrid Computing System

The areas of application of the HRS 860 include:

Biology
Medicine
Chemical engineering
Process control technology
Mechanical and regulatory technology
Electronics technology
Electrical engineering

The system is suited for the following tasks:

Solution of differential equation systems
Simulation
Parameter identification
Function generation
Correlation analysis

Structure — Hardware — Description of the HRS 860

[page 4: photograph of the full HRS 860 installation with operator at console]

AEG-TELEFUNKEN presents with this publication the Hybrid Computing System HRS 860. The three system components are:

Digital computer TR 86
Minicomputer HKW 860
Hybrid precision analog computer RA 770 (or RA 860 H)

These can be combined to form a system adapted to individual requirements and wishes.

System Components — Digital Computer TR 86

The following essential characteristics of the TR 86 digital computer make it suitable for use in hybrid computing systems:

Word length: 24 bits
Variable integer addressing
Memory capacity: 8 K to 256 K words
Processing speed: 10 ns cycle time
Peripheral devices: up to 200 K words
Special hardware as a direct coupler to the analog computer

Peripheral equipment:

The TR 86 can operate with peripheral devices of all common types in combination. Operationally proven (in combination with the HRS 860 and RA 770 systems) are:

Line printer (e.g. TR 75 Symbionics)
Magnetic tape units (12-track, ~ 18 channels of Zelf data = ~ 100 K data)
Perforated tape reader/punch (~ 18 channels/s)
Disk storage (up to ~ 1000 K data)
Drum printer with standard character set

Technical data of the TR 86:

The digital computer TR 86 is operated from any standard data processing unit. This process in the HRS 860 system fulfills, among other things, the following tasks:

Acquisition of auxiliary data from a state of digital Analogrechners
Analog-Digital conversion
Analog computer element recognition (identification)
Analog computer element addressing

System Components — Hybrid Coupler Unit HKW 860

The coupling of the TR 86 with the analog computer is handled by the HKW 860. Its task is to exchange computing data and control information between the two computers. The HKW 860 consists of two units:

Cabinet A (HMB 960)

It is housed in the same cabinet as the TR 86 and takes over the following tasks:

Expanding the EA (input/output) works of the hybrid system, which, with respect to the address work, has its own address work and with its own fastest memory access, either block-by-block or word-by-word transfers
Transfer of information of the von Koppelwerk to relieve the Analogrechner operating system
Control of the distribution of information for the relief of the Analogrechner
Adaptation of the internal pages of the TR 86 to the pages of the HKW 960 and RA 500 H for EA/Ausgabesignals

Cabinet B (HMB 960)

It is housed in one cabinet as the TR 86 and takes over the following tasks:

Expansion of the EA works of the hybrid system regarding the priority — the Speicherzugriff to work — it has its own address work and with its own fast Speicherzugriff and software-controlled operating of priorities
Transfer of information from the von Koppelwerk to relieve the Analogrechner operating system
Control of the distribution of information
Adaptation of the internal pages of the TR 86 to the pages of the HKW 960 and RA 500 H for EA/Ausgabesignale

System Components — Hybrid Coupler Unit HKW 860 (detailed)

Cabinet A (HKA 900)

It was designed with reference to the properties of the analog computer in order to make the analog data transmission as fast as possible. Its tasks include:

Storage of bitmap information in control program registers for the selection of the analog computer’s addressing work
Transfer of the address of an analog computer to be selected reference element of the digital device’s address register
Periodic coordination of intervals in digital and analog computer operating mode (cycle lock)
Storage of digital control information in parallel output — Betrieb
Control of the dynamic output of binary information to the digital output section
Summary of certain analog quantities (Abtastvorgänge) over the Digitalrechner (via Steuerleitungen from Koppelwerk (over Steuerleitungen to the Analogrechner))
Extension of error handling of the TR 86 for special Fehlermöglichkeiten in Hybridbetrieb
Number of the used data channels for the transfer of reference data in DA- or AD-Direction with the Leitadress-Register

Additionally, Cabinet A contains the following components for data conversion:

In DA direction:

The DA converters and smoothing units (maximum number according to type of coupler unit).
The DA converters in conjunction with an analog computing element can act to multiply the adjacent digital value with an analog computing element.
The smoothing units achieve, over the data transfer, an extrapolation or interpolation of zero-order or first-order between two support points. In this way the DA direction for transfer functions of approximation 1st order can be achieved without integrators.

In AD direction:

After expansion to 16 or 32 data channels that are multiplexed over a multiplexer, the result of 32 output-ranges of the analog computing element is transferred to the digital computer via the DA converters (Analogrechners).

HKA 960—1:

10 DA converters
10 Glättungseinheiten

HKA 960—2:

20 DA converters
20 Glättungseinheiten
10 AD channels

HKA 960—3:

16 doppelt gespeicherte Glättungseinheiten
16 doppelt gespeicherte Glättungseinheiten
10 AD channels (Rechnerwerk with interpolating Extrapolationseinheiten)

HKA 960—4:

16 doppelt gespeicherte Glättungseinheiten
16 doppelt gespeicherte Glättungseinheiten
30 AD channels

From the configurations HKA 960—1 and HKA 960—3 by means of a Erweiterungsrahmen and 20 Ebenen a simple Datenmesswerkzeug can be assembled and delivered for the TR 86 while any tasks can be carried out at the same time.

Part of Cabinet A is also the area (Bereich) which provides the function of the data connection between the digital computer TR 86 and the Hybrid-Rechnersystem (Analogrechner). The TR 86 can be provided independently for further tasks during this time.

System Components — Analog Computer RA 770

The maximum performance of the RA 770 is derived from the following general features:

Computing elements (with Rechenbaustein)
Each individual Rechenbaustein includes: — Multiple Funktionsgeneratoren — Logical units (U, S to be described as Regressors) — Various Funktionsgeneratoren and versatile Anknüpfungsstellen

The elements (Elementen) are functionally organized.

Interface of the RA 770 to the Hybrid Coupler HKW 860

The digital operating panel of the RA 770 contains hardwired programs and operating programs. In autonomous operation the analog computer serves for digital-controlled steering of the Analogrechners. In hybrid operation it is used as a task giver for the cycle control that the digital computer uses. The components of the digital operating panel are also the selection/address register for the Koppelwerk.

At the analog programming field of the RA 770 the DA and AD direction inputs and outputs for the Digitalrechner are accessible. Through the analog programming field the digital computer can take over with freely programmable logical connections the control of the Analogrechners and its peripheral devices. The Digitalrechner can also be used via DA conversion for the Analogrechner to transfer Digitalrechnerdaten to the Digitallrecher via Abtastvorgänge or to write back with input signals of the program monitoring unit.

Peripheral devices of the analog computer

The following standard peripheral devices belong to the analog computer:

Digital voltmeter
Two-beam storage oscilloscope
XY recorder
Keyboard typewriter

And for autonomous operation:

Line printer
Timer

Operating Modes of the HRS 860

Due to the known properties of the computers the digital computer takes over the system guidance in the HRS 860. The operating of the hybrid program normally proceeds in three phases:

In the Preparation Phase the analog computer is in stationary condition. Values and parameters already known to the digital computer are set — for example, by initialization of starting values.
In the Computing Phase the actual calculation or simulation runs. The functional sequence can be influenced by a program set both through a program entry from the RA 770 analog computer as well as by Steuersignale des Digitalrechners from the program. Also during the data exchange between digital and analog computer is a mutual feedback Analog Digitalrechner possible.
In the Evaluation Phase the analog computer is again in stationary condition. Subsequently the digital computer queries the results of the analog computer program and evaluates them. Next the analog computer is prepared by the digital computer program for the next computing cycle.

In the development of hard- and software for the Hybrid Computing System HRS 860 the possibility of replacing through external processes the analog portions of the Analogrechners was also considered.

Software of the HRS 860

The software for the Hybrid Computing System HRS 860 from AEG-TELEFUNKEN is built upon the standard-form software of the TR 86 and is extended by hybrid-specific software. The following overview shows the principal software components:

[page 10: block diagram showing software hierarchy]

Operating system BESY 70 to TR 86 with Management programs (VEPRO)

Subprograms:

FORTRAN IV / FORTRAN HYBRID
Assembler (TAS 86)
ERENUM
Hybridprogramm-Bibliothek (HYSTUP)
Diagnoseprogramme (TST860, VAMPIR)

Operating System: BESY 70 and TR 86

BESY 70 is an electro-mechanical (ITEP 080) operating system for data processing. Using the BESY 70 concept, various Betriebsprogramme types (BSI 560, IBM) can be used and from Herstellern the programming systems processed, which enables TR 86 to connect to the data processing network VEPRO.

BESY 70 counts among its capabilities the planning of the Plattenraumverwaltung, an active console, an Assembler, and full use of Hybridprogrammgebungen.

The program library of the BESY 70 includes the following Programmierungsmodule for the Programmbibliothek:

Binden und Laden von System- und Anwendungsmoduln
Modulares Programmieren
Standard Konventionen für die Ausgabe (Textbibliotheken)
Programme für Änderungen im Anwenderteil (Textbiblio)
Zustandsabfrage und Ablaufsteuerung
Zykluszählsteuerung und Ablaufsteuerung im Hybridprogramm

The Programmbibliothek of the Parts enables the following Steuerprogramme:

SYSTUP — Assembler for TAS 86 Programming
BESP — Band Assembler
BEASM — Assembler (Hybridprogramm)
BREPLA — Verkehr mit Magnetbandstationen
ITEPLAD — Ladeprogramme running during Betriebssystem
IPLOT — Plotter programs (Plotter, Bildgeber)
GLENUS — Unterprogramme for TAS 86-Funktionen 10°

The production of BESY 70 is based on following Compiler:

ACBOL
COBOL
PL/1

Application Program VEPRO

To meet the special requirements of a hybrid system BESY 70 was extended by the management program VEPRO. VEPRO consists of several sub-programs that are resident in core memory (some of them also in the operating system’s overlay area), and some that can be loaded into the overlay area from disk. The resident portions of the operating system handle the following additional tasks:

Central computer terminal — alarm reporting that uses the Hybrid system’s own computing channel
Automatic Normierung (normalization) of the TR 86 reserved for the hybrid system of addresses; Program address registers (28 items at Programmier- und Jobende)
Control of printer (Lernmodul), specifically the programming monitoring unit PUW 34 which is specified for certain tasks
Processing of all Hybridprogramm-Bibliotheks items; BESY 70 manages them normally
Collision protection between the interrupt-driven portions of the operating system and open interrupts of the hybrid program. Thus no collision can occur.
Retrieval and resolution of new parameters can be reliably and in the right order delivered during the Programmlaufzeit — by means of the hybrid standard subprograms HYSTUP and during Abrufen via Typ, Art and Anzahl der Parameters from the calling program, with reference to the tables of the VEPRO standard subprograms.

The non-resident part of VEPRO contains the command handler and management program for the above mentioned functions. For use on Anlagen without a program (ERENUM), VEPRO is basically the previous BESY 70 program available, since ERENUM already contains the Vorgänger commands.

VEPRO services

The services of VEPRO, which are visible in the main task from the Control panel (or a 100-key keyboard, local exchange, or typewriter), encompass the control of all Funktionen des Hybridsystems as well as the digital computer and its peripheral equipment. All commands, including the Betriebssystem commands, are executed while the hybrid program is running. VEPRO provides the possibility of controlling long-running programs from outside without having to suspend the program.

Examples of system commands include:

Aufschalten und Abschalten of multiple Storspeichern via DA-converters
Display of a Betriebssegments with extremely short Reaktionszeiten in the interrupt output area
Verification of sampling-Zykluszähler- (Abtastzählzeit-)registers
Auslesen and Modifying of Rechenelement values
Speichern oder Freigeben von Programmunterbrechungsbereichen (Sperren)

User commands enable, for example:

Activation of an additional program module or its deactivation
Activating an additional Programmodule or Stillegung
Printing of Ergebnislisten
Entering new Datensätze etc.

Programming System

Compiler Level (FORTRAN-HYBRID)

The FORTRAN-HYBRID compiler provides the possibility of writing hybrid programs in FORTRAN form. In contrast to the standard version of the FORTRAN compiler, this special version has the following additions with particular regard to optimization of program runtime:

Two additional number types (FRACTIONAL and FLOATSHORT) for constants of the same type
Conversion functions and standard functions for FRACTIONAL and FLOAT-SHORT numbers (see FLOATSHORT)
INTEGER functions for representation (for representation, e.g., Bitmuster)
Side data: functions for manipulation with Bitmuster (e.g., Bitmuster)
Direct access to HYSTUP-Unterprogrammen via CALL or via the subprogram GOTO-I
Direct access to the Subroutines with the next higher numbered program via GOTO-I
Comprehensive standardization of standard functions (including ERENUM-Unterprogrammen via CALL or via program call via the subprogram GOTO-I)
Comprehensive standardization of standard functions (inclusive ERENUM subprograms) which can be addressed via the directing command SPECIAL I

The FORTRAN-HYBRID compiler handles, in addition to the standard FORTRAN functions (FRACTIONAL, u. FLOATSHORT):

Two additional number types FRACTIONAL (fixed-point number), FLOATSHORT (short floating-point, real Bruch) and INTEGER (for Integer representation) and FLOATSHORT numbers as well as
Conversion functions and standard functions for FRACTIONAL and INTEGER (for INTEGER—2)

The FORTRAN-HYBRID compiler is equipped with “dual-complex” programming language elements of the normal compiler.

Programming Library

For the creation of hybrid programs a comprehensive program library is available, which makes available to the programmer the essential Benutzerkommandos (user commands). These library types encompass three program packages HYSTUP, ERENUM, and VEPRO-Benutzerkommandos.

HYSTUP Hybrid Standard Subprograms

With the HYSTUP programs the various elements and functions of the coupler unit can be addressed and also by Process-controlled programs processed, released or locked. There are available for the following:

Data transfer over AD and DA channels (regardless of the blocking or block Betriebsart of the DA converters)
Anwahl and settings of Servopotentiometern
Setting of Program-mode and operating modes of the analog computer
Controlling of Reference elements of the hybrid computing system
Controlling of Reference elements in the hybrid computing system

Extended Arithmetic: ERENUM

The extended arithmetic unit ERENUM meets the requirements of real-time computing and enables BESY 70 to write hybrid programs in FLOATSHORT (short floating-point), FRACTIONAL (fixed-point), real Bruch (Bruch) and INTEGER (INTEGER—2) as well as Exponentialfunktion, for FRACTIONAL in a corresponding selection.

The subroutines are organized in the following 6 groups:

Arithmetic operations
Trigonometric operations
Comparison operations
Subroutines for processing Bitmuster (INTEGER—2)
Conversion operations for converting different number types to other number types
Dynamic error handling in arithmetic errors

ERENUM-Benutzerkommandos (VEPRO)

For the programming of VEPRO user commands and also further processing, there is available a series of sub-programs that should be entered in the following groups:

Creation and registration of a command list
Processing of the command buffer
Querying of input parameters with parameter type and size
Transferring of work to an activated program
Passing to standard error messages
Various auxiliary routines

Diagnostic Programs

Test Program TST860

The test program TST860 permits monitoring and control of the technical condition of the coupler unit. The program delivers for the programmer or maintenance personnel all 15 programming modules of TST860 an exhaustive test of a function group or element of the system. For easier tests, VEPRO can be used to start the TST860 program.

Arithmetic Check Program VAMPIR

The diagnostic program VAMPIR records the Analogrechner zustand in the operating modes SAVE and SETUP.

SAVE records the current condition with Potentiometereinstellung, Pause and static analog program testing, testing parameters. These values are stored with Lochstreifen as inputs to SETUP function to act as inputs to SETUP — Einrichtung.
SETUP serves for Einstellung of the Potentiometer and comparison of the complete ready analog program with a Planungsstand (a previously established analog program). By means of an already-established analog program, the programmer can repeatedly start a new run.

Technical Data of the HRS 860

System Components — Digital Computer TR 86 and System Components — Analog Computer RA 770

The following table shows the technical data for the main system components and selected sub-units.

System Components — Hybrid Coupler HKW 860

Digital-Analog converters per channel:
— 14-bit resolution
— Conversion time: 5 µs (max. 10 µs)
— 1 to 5 channels (max. 70 µs)
Conversion accuracy per channel:
— 14 bits, Vorzeichendarstellung
— Conversion frequency: 1 to 5 × 10³ Hz
— Accuracy: ± 1 LSB
Multiplexer:
— 16 channels
Settling time up to 10⁻³:
— 15 ns
Zykluszahl-Register (Abtastzahl-Programmregisters):
— 7 Bits
24 Ablaufregisters (24 active Hybrid-Programmregisters)

Cabinet A (HKA 900):

DA converters: 14 bits, Vorzeichendarstellung
AD converters: 10 to 40 Ebenen
High-speed Programmsteuerung
Trommelspeicher mit Standardbefehlswerk