# VAX Simulator Configuration

The VAX was the most popular 32-bit minicomputer. Introduced by DEC in 1977, it remained in active production until 1999. The VAX family included many processor designs:

- 1977: VAX-11/780 (TTL ); derivative design, VAX-11/785
- 1980: VAX-11/750 (TTL gate arrays)
- 1982: VAX-11/730 (TTL)
- 1984: VAX 8600 (ECL gate arrays); derivative design, VAX 8650
- 1984: MicroVAX I (4u NMOS data path chip + TTL control)
- 1985: MicroVAX II (3u NMOS)
- 1986: VAX 8800 (ECL gate arrays)
- 1987: CVAX (2u CMOS); derivative designs CVAX II (1.5u CMOS) and SOC (1u CMOS)
- 1989: Rigel (1.5u CMOS); derivative design Mariah (1u CMOS)
- 1990: VAX 9000 (ECL gate arrays)
- 1991: NVAX (.75u CMOS); derivative design NVAX+ (.75u CMOS) and NVAX+5 (.5u CMOS)

While the relationship between processor designs and system models is obvious for TTL and ECL processors, the VAX microprocessors were used in many different types and models of systems. For example, CVAX was the basis for the MicroVAX 3500, the VAX and VAXstation 3100, and the VAX 6200. A complete chart of the VAX processors and their instruction sets and system implementations can be found here.

Option | Description | Capacity
CPU and memory | MicroVAX 3900 (CVAX CPU) | 16MB - 64MB
Console | Full duplex asynchronous interface |
Paper tape | PCV11 paper tape reader and punch |
Real time clock | VAX standard real-time and TOY clock |
Line printer | LPV11 line printer |
Terminal multiplexor | DZV11 multiplexor | 4-16 lines
| DHQ11 multiplexor | 8-32 lines
Disk | RLV12/RL01-RL02 cartridge disk | 5-10MB
| RQDX3/RX50, RX33 floppy disks | .4-1.2MB
| RQDX3/RD51,RD52,RD53,RD54, RD31 disks | 10.8-155.6MB
| RQDX3/RA72,RA82,RA90,RA92 disks | 608-1470MB
Floppy disk | RXV21/RX02 floppy disk | 512KB
Magnetic tape | TS11/TSV05 1600bpi 9 track magnetic tape |
| TQK50/TK50 TMSCP magnetic tape |
Network | DELQA/DEQNA Ethernet controller |

Updated 30-Jun-2004 by Bob Supnik (bob AT supnik DOT org - anti-spam encoded)