IBM Series/1
The IBM Series/1 is a 16-bit minicomputer, introduced in 1976, that in many respects competed with other minicomputers of the time, such as the PDP-11 from Digital Equipment Corporation and similar offerings from Data General and HP. The Series/1 was typically used to control and operate external electro-mechanical components while also allowing for primitive data storage and handling.
IBM Series/1, 1978 | |
| Manufacturer | IBM |
|---|---|
| Introduced | November 16, 1976 |
| Discontinued | 1988 |
| Cost | $10,000–$100,000 |
| Type | 16-bit |
| Frequency | 660–800 ns |
| Memory | 16–128 KB |
Although the Series/1 uses EBCDIC character encoding internally and locally attached EBCDIC terminals, ASCII-based remote terminals and devices could be attached via an I/O card with a RS-232 interface to be more compatible with competing minicomputers. IBM's own 3101 and 3151 ASCII display terminals are examples of this. This was a departure from IBM mainframes that used 3270 terminals and coaxial attachment.
Series/1 computers were withdrawn from marketing in 1988 at or near the introduction of the IBM AS/400 line.
A US government asset report dated May 2016 revealed that an IBM Series/1 was still being used as part of the country's nuclear command and control systems.