HP 2116B

HP 2116B. The HP 2116B was a significant minicomputer model introduced by Hewlett-Packard in 1970 as an enhanced version of the pioneering HP 2116A. It featured improved memory capacity and input/output capabilities, solidifying its role in laboratory automation and industrial control. The computer became a cornerstone of the HP 2100 series, influencing the company's direction in the competitive minicomputer market of the 1970s.

Overview

Introduced in 1970, the HP 2116B represented a direct evolution from the successful HP 2116A, which had established Hewlett-Packard in the minicomputer arena. The model was designed to address the growing demands of its core user base in scientific and industrial settings, offering greater performance and flexibility. It served as a critical bridge between the original 2116A and the subsequent, more expansive HP 2100 series. The system's architecture made it a popular choice for data acquisition and instrument control within laboratories and manufacturing plants.

Design and architecture

The HP 2116B retained the core 16-bit architecture of its predecessor, utilizing a central processing unit based on a microprogrammed control unit. A key design improvement was its enhanced memory-mapped I/O system, which streamlined communication with peripheral devices. The computer's instruction set was optimized for real-time control and computation, supporting direct hardware interfacing. Its physical design, consistent with Hewlett-Packard's engineering standards, featured a modular mainframe that allowed for straightforward expansion. The system bus, a precursor to the HP-IB, facilitated the connection of various HP peripherals.

Technical specifications

The HP 2116B's CPU operated with a cycle time of 960 nanoseconds. Standard magnetic-core memory configurations ranged from 8K to 32K 16-bit words, a significant increase over the HP 2116A. Its input/output structure supported up to 16 priority-interrupt channels, crucial for real-time applications. Standard interfaces included a teleprinter port and a paper tape reader for program loading. The system supported hardware for integer arithmetic and, with optional hardware, floating-point arithmetic. Power was supplied by an integrated unit, and the system was designed for reliable operation in industrial environments.

Variants and models

The primary variant was the HP 2116B itself, which succeeded the HP 2116A. It was quickly followed and subsumed by the broader HP 2100 series, which included models like the HP 2100A and HP 2100S that offered further enhancements. Some specialized configurations were sold as integrated systems for specific applications, such as spectrum analysis or network analyzer control. The underlying architecture also formed the basis for later systems in the HP 1000 line. These models maintained software compatibility, protecting customer investments in assembly language and FORTRAN programs.

Applications and legacy

The HP 2116B was extensively deployed for laboratory automation, controlling instruments like gas chromatographs and spectrometers from manufacturers like Varian, Inc.. It saw significant use in industrial process control within sectors such as petrochemical and automotive manufacturing. Its reliability and I/O capabilities made it a favorite for data logging and factory automation projects. The computer's architecture directly influenced the long-lived HP 2100 series and cemented Hewlett-Packard's reputation in the technical computing market. Its design principles can be traced to later real-time computing systems from the company, impacting fields from telecommunications to aerospace.

Category:Hewlett-Packard computers Category:Minicomputers Category:1970 introductions