Preliminary Specifications: Programmed Data Processor Model Three (PDP-3) October, 1960

"Preliminary Specifications: Programmed Data Processor Model Three (PDP-3)" by Digital Equipment Corporation is a technical document that details the inner workings of an early computer system. It lays out the complete technical description for the PDP-3, covering its architecture, how it works, and its connections to other devices. The book dives into the design of this high-performance machine, explaining things like its electrical and mechanical details, the connections for both basic and optional equipment, and the operating speeds it can achieve. It showcases its processing center, memory setup, and how instructions are formatted for the machine. It goes deep into the data handling and instruction sets, covering storage details and expansion options, and comprehensively details the standard and optional input/output setup. It introduces utility applications tailored for efficient software creation on the PDP-3, emphasizing essential functions like the assembler and compiler in addition to repair tools and floating-point calculation processes.