Incorporating user-oriented features usually found only in much larger computers, the first models of the Eclipse line, the $100 and $200, use a high speed micro-programmed central processor, and can run with either; core or semiconductor memories, or both. The core and semiconductor memories are available with an error detection and correction feature that can find and correct; single bit errors caused by the computer. The semiconductor memories use a high-speed cache to increase memory speed. The Eclipse $100, the smaller of the two computers, will be used by oems or by end users who need a smaller system to meet their requirements. The Eclipse $100 is 5-1/4 inches high, and holds six standard Data General printed circuit boards. It costs $9200, with 16k bytes of core memory, and $10,700 with 16k bytes of semiconductor memory. Eclipse $100 deliveries will begin in December. The Eclipse $200, a system-oriented
computer that can hold 16 printed circuit
boards, will be used by system builders or end users who will build large scale computing systems around it. The Eclipse $200 is 10-1/2 inches high, and costs $16,300 with 32k bytes of core memory, and $19,300 with 32k bytes of semiconductor memory. Deliveries of the Eclipse $200 will begin in February. The instruction set of both Eclipse computers is microprogrammed in the central processor. There are over 40 new instruction in the Eclipse computers. Programs written on Nova computers will run on either the Eclipse $100 or $200. The central processor includes a Writeable Control Store
making up
to 256, 56-bit words available to write specialized micro-programmed instructions. The instruction set is enhanced to help programmers writing in assembly language or high-level language programs. Hardware memory stacks, supported by comprehensive instructions, make programming more efficient, while block, word, byte and bit manipulation instructions improve system performance. Instructions are both single word and double word instructions.
