Burroughs, Inc.

Craig W Harris

Robert D Catiller

Richard A Loskorn

Ronald D Mathews

Lyle O Jevons, Jr

A data transfer network uses an I/O subsystem to support a main host computer in managing data transfers to and from remote data terminals. The I/O subsystem may constitute one or more units called a Line Support Processor. The Line Support Processor uses internal processor means to control a plurality of line adapters each of which has a data-comm line to a data set or data terminal. Control operations by said internal processor permit selected line adapters to operate selected types of protocols using synchronous or asynchronous transmission. Data communication information and commands in high level language data are loaded into auxiliary memories in the internal processor means and into each line adapter where the internal processor means acts to convert this language data into usable protocols.

Data transfer network for variable protocol management

Data transfers between remote data sets, data terminals and a main host computer are controlled by a peripheral-controller designated as a Line Support Processor (LSP). The LSP manages a plurality of line adapters, each of which handles a separate data comm line. The LSP includes internal processor means and interface circuit means to effectuate data transfer operations using a variety of protocols and systems both for bit-oriented and byte-oriented data transfers.

Line support processor for data transfer system

A system provided within the Interface Circuit of a subsystem-controller for rapid and direct data transfer between the memory means of the subsystem controller and the main memory of a host computer or selected remote peripheral terminals.

Direct memory access logic system for a data transfer network

An interface circuit for a subsystem-controller is used in a data communications network. The interface circuit has a first (DLI) data link interface logic unit which includes a PROM sequencer which, when initiated by a master processor in the subsystem, acts to transfer data between a main host computer and a shared memory unit in the subsystem-controller. The interface circuit further includes a second (MLI) message level interface logic unit which is controlled by a slave processor (NDL) through the master (MLI) processor and functions to edit, translate and manage protocols for data transferred to and from a selected line communications processor which services a plurality of remote terminals.

Interface circuit for subsystem controller

A dual-processor, general purpose mini-computer which is programmed as a front-end data communications processor and is called a Network Support Processor. Data transfer commands received from a main host computer are executed and result messages are returned to the main host computer by the Network Support Processor. A base connection module providing slide-in connector cards houses and supports circuit cards which make up the Network Support Processor. These cards include a master controller which includes a master processor card, a master memory control card and an Interface Card which connects to a main host computer and to one or more line communications processors, each of which may handle up to 16 data communications lines. A slave controller likewise includes a slave processor circuit card, and a slave memory control circuit card. A series of slide-in memory cards forming a shared memory storage means connect to both the master and the slave memory control circuit cards.

Subsystem controller

Base connection modules are used to house slide-in cards which form a Network Support Processor which executes data transfer operations for up to four main host computers. One Network Support Processor can control up to four Line Support Processors, each one of which manages up to 16 Line Adapters connected, via data communication lines, to remote terminals. The line Support Processor, via its Line Adapters, handles a wide variety of communication line disciplines but provides a common discipline to its Network Support Processor and the host computer.

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El Toro, CA, United States of America

Craig W Harris