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The VAXstation 35x0 is a symmetric multiprocessor, graphics workstation that was introduced by Digital Equipment Corporation in January 1989. The 3520 is a two-processor configuration, and the 3540 is the same system configured with four-processors. The CPUs are CMOS VAX microprocessors running at 80ns cycle time. The processors are benchmarked at 2.7 VUP each.
The multifunction I/O module attaches a SCSI bus, Ethernet, and four serial ports. A Q-bus adapter is also available as an option.
The graphics board contains a dedicated graphics co-processor, which is aided by a 3D Geometry Accelerator. The base system uses 8-plane color, which can be expanded to 24-planes. The 19" RGB monitor has a resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels.
These systems support motion in three dimensions, smooth shading, depth cueing, and true (24-bit) color display in hardware. The image display is double-buffered, and can be used concurrently with a 24-bit Z-buffer for hidden-surface calculations for solids modeling applications.
| Slot | Module | Description | M-bus id (Nexus) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| part # | option | |||
| ps | H7868-A | first power supply | ||
| 1 | L2006 | VCB03 | 16-plane graphics | |
| 2 | L2005 | LEGSS | 8-plane graphics | |
| 3 | L2004 | LEGSS | base graphics | 7 |
| 4 | L2003 | multifunction I/O | 5 | |
| 5 | L2007 | MS60 | 16MB ECC memory | 4 |
| 6 | L2001 | KA60 | dual SMP CPU | 3 |
| 7 | L2001 | KA60 | dual SMP CPU | 2 |
| 8 | L2007 | MS60 | 16MB ECC memory | 1 |
| 9 | L2008 | VS60B | TQK70 adapter | 0 |
| 10 | M7559 | TQK70 | TK70 controller | Q-bus slots |
| 11 | - | - | empty | |
| 12 | - | - | empty | |
| ps | H7868-A | second power supply | ||
During the design and development of the 35x0 it was known by the
codename FireFox. A vestige of this name can be seen behind
the right hand power supply - there is an etch that reads
FIREFOX BACKPLANE next to the socket for slot number one.
Some of the backplane slots are dual-function; slot number 6 can take a dual CPU module or a memory array. Other slots are reserved; the graphics boards occupy slots 1 through 3. Slot 9 can take a Q-bus adapter, which provides a communications link to quad-height Q-bus modules in slots 10 through 12.
The architecture of the backplane is called the M-bus. Processors, memory arrays, and I/O adapters connect to this system bus. An attachment point is known as a Nexus.
The slots are vertical, and are numbered from right to left. They are housed in a 27" high BA213 cabinet which measures 21" wide by 17.8" deep. The front panel of the card cage contains connectors for the RGB monitor, mouse/keyboard, modem, serial printer and switchable AUI/BNC Ethernet. Above the cards there are four bays for full-height SCSI devices, one of which is accesible through the front panel for a tape cartridge drive. There is a connector for SCSI expansion, a DC indicator light, and switches for Restart/Run and Halt.
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last modified: 10-OCT-2002
Copyright © 1998 mikeu@osfn.org