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PDP-12
Historical scientific computer / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The PDP-12 (Programmed Data Processor) is a computer that was created by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in 1969 and marketed specifically for science and engineering.[1] It is the third in the LINC family and its main uses were for applications in chemistry, applied psychology, patient monitoring and industrial testing.[2] It is the combination of the LINC computer and the PDP-8 and can run programs for either computer.[3] It features a single central processor with two distinct operating modes, each with its own instruction set that allows it to run both computers' programs.[4] A PDP-12 Basic System weighs about 600 pounds (270 kg).[5]
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Manufacturer | Digital Equipment Corporation |
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Product family | Programmed Data Processor |
Release date | 1969; 55 years ago (1969) |
Discontinued | 1972; 52 years ago (1972) |
Units sold | 725 |
Operating system | OS/8, DIALPS, LAP6W |
Memory | 4k 12-bit words; can be expanded to 32K |
Platform | DEC 12-bit |
Predecessor | PDP-8 and LINC |
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/PDP-12_front_panel_and_screen.jpg/640px-PDP-12_front_panel_and_screen.jpg)
Because it is the combination of two different computers, it is very versatile. It can be a laboratory-oriented machine[6] with several facilities for I/O, auxiliary storage, and control and sensing for external equipment or a general purpose computer with a flexible I/O capability that can support multiple peripheral devices.[4] The basic package came with dual LINCtape drives, a scope display and I/O ports for interfacing with external laboratory equipment and peripherals.[7] In addition to a display-based OS other software packages were included for data acquisition and display, Fourier analysis and mass spectrometry.[2]