Considerations for Microprocessor-Based Terminal Design.

摘要

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)