System Description; Introduction; Computer Modularity - Control Data 3100 Reference Manual

Section 1
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
The CONTROL DATA
*
3100 is a medium-sized, solid-state, general-purpose digital
computing system. Advanced design techniques are used throughout the system to
provide expedient solutions for scientific, real-time, and data processing problems.
Modular packaging facilitates expansion of the basic 3100 System to accommodate
increasing customer needs.
The 3100 is upwards compatible with the CONTROL DATA 3200 and 3300 Computer
Systems; i.e., as computation requirements exceed the capabilities of the 3100 System,
the user may escalate to a 3200 or 3300 System without the necessity to revise existing
3100 programs. Its input/output characteristics are identical to the 3200, 3300, 3400,
3600 and 3800 Computer Systems - a fact which facilitates incorporating the 3100 into
a SATELLITE
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configuration.
Various software systems are available for the 3100 System. The SCOPE operating
system is used in 3100 Systems to provide efficient job processing. SCOPE requires a
minimum of storage and time requirements. COMPASS, operating under the control
of SCOPE, is the assembly system used to assemble relocatable machine language
programs. Other applicable software includes FORTRAN, COBOL, the Data Processing
Package, Generalized Sort/Merge and Basic System. These systems are described in
the Software Section of this manual. Other software and hardware publications perti-
nent to 3100 Systems may be obtained from the nearest Control Data sales office listed
on the back cover of this manual.
A wide selection of peripheral equipment is available for use in a 3100 System. Equip-
ment that is applicable for 3100 Systems may be found in the 3000 Series Computer
System Peripheral Equipment Reference Manual, publication number 60108800.
This manual provides programming and operating information in conjunction with a
description of special features of the 3100. Reference information and supplementary
information may be found in the Appendix section.
COMPUTER MODULARITY
A 3100 Computer consists of various logic cabinet modules designed to perform specific
operations. If additional storage, input/output channels, or arithmetic capabilities are
desired for an existing installation, an appropriate module is integrated into the system.
The 3104 (Figure 1-1), described later in this section, constitutes the basic 3100 modular
configuration.
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