Hewlett-Packard HP64100A

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The HP 64100A was a groundbreaking, highly modular development workstation that enabled cross-platform embedded systems work, introduced advanced emulation and debugging capabilities, and helped establish HP as a leader in engineering development tools during the formative years of microprocessor-based computingHewlett-Packard HP64100A

  • Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard
  • Type: Workstation
  • Release Date: 1979
  • Cost at release: USD $50,000 (CAD ~$237,000 adjusted for inflation)
  • MIPS: 0.6-0.7 (600 – 700 KIPS)

Hardware Specifications

  • CPU: Supported a wide range of microprocessor development cards (e.g., Intel 8080, 8085, 8086, 8051, Zilog Z80, Z8001/8002, and others)
  • RAM: Two banks of 32K x 16-bit RAM (total 64K x 16), used for display and system operations; memory tested at power-up for integrity.
  • Display: Includes CRT display with dedicated display driver and control boards.
  • Storage: Optional floppy disk drive or tape transport for storage.
  • Weight: 34 kg (75 lbs)

Operating System & Programming Languages 

  • Operating System: The HP 64100A ran a proprietary operating system designed specifically for the HP 64000 Logic Development System series, providing a file system, text editor, and development tools tailored for embedded systems and microprocessor development

  • Supported Languages:
    • Assembler: Generic assembler/linker for the host, plus cross-assemblers for many target microprocessors (e.g., Intel 8086, Zilog Z80, Motorola 68000, etc.).
    • Pascal: Host Pascal compiler for programs running on the workstation itself, and cross-Pascal compilers for various target processors.
    • C: Host C compiler and cross-compilers for select target microprocessors

Notables

  • The HP 64100A stands out as one of the first truly vendor-agnostic microprocessor development systems, supporting a broad array of processor families at a time when most tools were tied to a single manufacturer
  • The HP 64100A was introduced in 1979 as part of the HP 64000 Logic Development System, a pioneering platform for developing hardware and software for a wide variety of commercial microprocessors-not just one manufacturer’s chips

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Donated By: Arlen Michaels

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