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{{short description|Vector graphics display system by IBM for the System/360}}
<!-- Image with disputed fair-use status removed: [[Image:IBM_logo.svg|thumb|128px|IBM logo]] -->
{{Infobox information appliance
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[[File:HypertextEditingSystemConsoleBrownUniv1969.jpg|thumb|220px| IBM 2250 Mod 4 display station, including lightpen and programmed function keyboard.]]
| name = IBM 2250
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The '''IBM 2250 Graphics Display Unit''' was a [[vector graphics]] display system by [[IBM]] for [[system/360]].
| title =

| aka = IBM 2250 Graphics Display Unit
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==Overview==
| logo = File:IBM Logo 1956 1972.svg
The '''IBM 2250 Graphics Display Unit''' was announced with System/360 in [[1964]].<ref>{{cite book
| logo_size = 120px
| image = HypertextEditingSystemConsoleBrownUniv1969.jpg
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| caption = IBM 2250 Model IV display station, including light pen and programmed function keyboard.
| developer =
| manufacturer = [[IBM]]
| family =
| type = [[vector graphics]] display system
| generation =
| releasedate = {{Start date and age|1964}}<ref name=sixohsix>{{cite book
| last = Pugh
| last = Pugh
| first = Emerson W.
| first = Emerson W.
⚫
|author2=Johnson, Lyle R. |author3=Palmer, John H.
| authorlink =
⚫
| coauthors = Johnson, Lyle R., and Palmer, John H.
| title = IBM's 360 and Early 370 Systems
| title = IBM's 360 and Early 370 Systems
| publisher = The MIT Press
| publisher = The MIT Press
| series =
| volume =
| edition =
| date =
| location = Cambridge, MA.
| location = Cambridge, MA.
| pages = [https://archive.org/details/ibms360early370s0000pugh/page/601 601]
| pages = 601
| url = https://archive.org/details/ibms360early370s0000pugh
| language =
| url =
| url-access = registration
| doi =
| isbn = 0-262-16123-0
}}</ref>
| id =
| lifespan =
| isbn = 0262161230
| price = around {{USD|280000|1970}}<ref name=cdreview>[http://bitsavers.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de/topic/graphics/ComputerDisplayReview_Mar70.pdf Computer Display Review], March 1970, Keydata Corp., pp. V.1980 and V.1964</ref>
| mr =
| zbl =
| discontinued =
| jfm = }}</ref>
| unitssold =
| unitsshipped =
| media =
| os =
| power =
| soc =
| cpu =
| memory =
| storage =
| memory card =
| display =
| graphics =
| sound =
| input = [[light pen]], [[Computer keyboard|keyboard]], function keypad
| controllers =
| camera =
| touchpad =
| connectivity =
| platform =
| service =
| dimensions =
| weight =
| topgame =
| compatibility=
| predecessor =
| successor =
| related =
| website = <!--{{URL|example.org}}-->
}}
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The '''IBM 2250 Graphics Display Unit''' was a [[vector graphics]] display system by [[IBM]] for the [[System/360]]; the Model IV attached to the [[IBM 1130]].

⚫
==Overview==
The '''IBM 2250 Graphics Display Unit''' was announced with System/360 in 1964.<ref name=sixohsix /> A complete 2250 III system with controller cost around $280,000 in 1970, though up to 4 displays could share a single controller, reducing the cost per display by up to 40%.<ref name=cdreview />


A '''display list''' of line segments ([[vector (geometric)|vector]]s) on a 1024 by 1024 grid was stored in [[computer]]'s memory or an optional buffer on the 2250 and repainted on the 2250's [[cathode ray tube|CRT]] up to 40 times per second. The computer altered the display by changing the display list.
A '''display list''' of line segments ([[vector (geometric)|vector]]s) on a 1024 by 1024 grid was stored in [[computer]]'s memory or an optional buffer on the 2250 and repainted on the 2250's [[cathode ray tube|CRT]] up to 40 times per second. The computer altered the display by changing the display list.
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An optional '''character-generator''' feature on all models provided predefined fonts of 63 characters to simplify display of alphanumeric information.
An optional '''character-generator''' feature on all models provided predefined fonts of 63 characters to simplify display of alphanumeric information.


The 2250 was housed in a desk with an alphanumeric (QWERTY) keyboard and a separate '''programmed function keyboard''' which had keys, indicator lights and switches. A plastic overlay label could be placed over the function keyboard. Punches on the top edge of the overlay could be sensed by the computer so the keys, lights and switches could be reprogrammed simply by changing overlays. The 2250s CRT measured 21" diagonal, but the useful display area was 12&nbsp;inch by 12&nbsp;inch. A [[light pen]] was provided as a [[pointing device]], serving the function of the modern [[computer mouse]].
The 2250 was housed in a desk with an alphanumeric ([[QWERTY]]) keyboard and a separate '''programmed function keyboard''' which had keys, indicator lights and switches. A plastic overlay label could be placed over the function keyboard. Punches on the top edge of the overlay could be sensed by the computer so the keys, lights and switches could be reprogrammed simply by changing overlays. The 2250s CRT measured 21" diagonal, but the useful display area was 12&nbsp;inch by 12&nbsp;inch. A [[light pen]] was provided as a [[pointing device]], serving the function of the modern [[computer mouse]].


An '''IBM 2285 Display Copier''' could be attached to the 2250 to provide 8½ by 11&nbsp;inch hard copy of the display contents under operator control.
An '''IBM 2285 Display Copier''' could be attached to the 2250 to provide 8½ by 11&nbsp;inch hard copy of the display contents under operator control.
Line 38: Line 74:


There were four models of 2250:
There were four models of 2250:
* Model 1 - attached directly to a System/360 via a selector or multiplexor channel.
* Model 1 – attached directly to a System/360 via a selector or multiplexor channel.
* Model 2 - attached via a 2840-1 control unit. A 2840 could attach up to four 2250s and provided buffering and a character generator.
* Model 2 – attached via a 2840-1 control unit. A 2840 could attach up to four 2250s and provided buffering and a [[character generator]].
* Model 3 - attached via a 2840-2 control unit.
* Model 3 – attached via a 2840-2 control unit.
* Model 4 - attached to an [[IBM 1130]] minicomputer via the storage access channel (SAC). The 1130 could run either as a standalone processor or as a front-end processor connected to a remote System/360.
* Model 4 – attached to an [[IBM 1130]] minicomputer via the storage access channel (SAC). The 1130 could run either as a standalone processor or as a front-end processor connected to a remote System/360.

==Competitors==

A number of [[plug compatible manufacturer]]s sold competitors to the 2250, including [[Adage, Inc.|Adage]], [[Evans & Sutherland]], [[Information Displays Inc.]], [[Lundy (computer company)|Lundy]], [[Sanders Associates|Sanders]], [[Spectragraphics]], and [[Vector General]].<ref name="peddie">{{Cite book |last=Peddie |first=Jon |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6a8_AAAAQBAJ&lp=314 |title=The History of Visual Magic in Computers: How Beautiful Images are Made in CAD, 3D, VR and AR |date=2013-06-13 |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media |isbn=978-1-4471-4932-3 |language=en}}</ref>


==Successors==
==Successors==
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| volume = XI
| volume = XI
| issue = 48
| issue = 48
| pages = 1,6
| pages = 1, 6
| date = Nov 28, 1977
| date = November 28, 1977
}}</ref>
}}</ref>

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==See also==
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* [[IBM 740]]
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* [[Tektronix 4014]]
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* [[IBM 3179G]]
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* Digital Equipment Corporation [[DEC GT40]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==See Also==
==External links==
⚫
* [[Tektronix 4014]].
⚫
* [[IBM 3179G]].
⚫
* Digital Equipment Corporation [[DEC GT40]].

==External Links==
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/2250/GA27-2701-3_2250mod1Descr.pdf IBM System/360 Component Description IBM 2250 Display Unit Model 1] GA27-2701-3.
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/2250/GA27-2701-3_2250mod1Descr.pdf IBM System/360 Component Description IBM 2250 Display Unit Model 1] GA27-2701-3.
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/2250/A27-2702-0_2250mod2Descr.pdf IBM System/360 Component Description IBM 2250 Display Unit Model 2 IBM 2840 Display Control Model 1] GA27-2702-0.
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/2250/A27-2702-0_2250mod2Descr.pdf IBM System/360 Component Description IBM 2250 Display Unit Model 2 IBM 2840 Display Control Model 1] GA27-2702-0.
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/2250/A27_2721-0_2250mod3Descr.pdf IBM System/360 Component Description IBM 2250 Display Unit Model 3 IBM 2840 Display Control Model 2] GA27-2721-0.
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/2250/A27_2721-0_2250mod3Descr.pdf IBM System/360 Component Description IBM 2250 Display Unit Model 3 IBM 2840 Display Control Model 2] GA27-2721-0.
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/2250/A27-2723-0_2250mod4Descr.pdf IBM 1130 Computing System Component Description IBM 2250 Display Unit Model 4] A27-2723-0.
* [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/2250/A27-2723-0_2250mod4Descr.pdf IBM 1130 Computing System Component Description IBM 2250 Display Unit Model 4] A27-2723-0.
* [http://bitsavers.trailing-edge.com/pdf/ibm/2250/C27-6934-0_2250gfxSubr.pdf IBM 1130/2250 Graphic Subroutine Package For Basic FORTRAN IV] C27-6934-0.

* [https://sites.google.com/site/2250programminginformation/ IBM 2250 Programming Information]
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==See also==
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*[[IBM 740]]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Ibm 2250}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ibm 2250}}
[[Category:IBM display devices|2250]]
[[Category:IBM display devices|2250]]
[[Category:IBM computer terminals|2250]]
[[Category:IBM computer terminals|2250]]
[[Category:Graphical terminals]]

Latest revision as of 07:59, 5 September 2023

IBM 2250
IBM 2250 Model IV display station, including light pen and programmed function keyboard.
Also known asIBM 2250 Graphics Display Unit
ManufacturerIBM
Typevector graphics display system
Release date1964; 60 years ago (1964)[1]
Introductory pricearound US$280,000 (equivalent to $2,196,812 in 2023)[2]
Inputlight pen, keyboard, function keypad

The IBM 2250 Graphics Display Unit was a vector graphics display system by IBM for the System/360; the Model IV attached to the IBM 1130.

Overview[edit]

The IBM 2250 Graphics Display Unit was announced with System/360 in 1964.[1] A complete 2250 III system with controller cost around $280,000 in 1970, though up to 4 displays could share a single controller, reducing the cost per display by up to 40%.[2]

A display list of line segments (vectors) on a 1024 by 1024 grid was stored in computer's memory or an optional buffer on the 2250 and repainted on the 2250's CRT up to 40 times per second. The computer altered the display by changing the display list.

Characters were built of line segments specified by display list subroutines. Thus any character set or font could be displayed, although fonts were generally extremely simplified for performance reasons. An optional character-generator feature on all models provided predefined fonts of 63 characters to simplify display of alphanumeric information.

The 2250 was housed in a desk with an alphanumeric (QWERTY) keyboard and a separate programmed function keyboard which had keys, indicator lights and switches. A plastic overlay label could be placed over the function keyboard. Punches on the top edge of the overlay could be sensed by the computer so the keys, lights and switches could be reprogrammed simply by changing overlays. The 2250s CRT measured 21" diagonal, but the useful display area was 12 inch by 12 inch. A light pen was provided as a pointing device, serving the function of the modern computer mouse.

An IBM 2285 Display Copier could be attached to the 2250 to provide 8½ by 11 inch hard copy of the display contents under operator control.

An IBM 2280 Film Recorder or IBM 2282 Film Recorder/Scanner could be attached to a 2840 control unit providing for output or input/output to photographic negative.

There were four models of 2250:

  • Model 1 – attached directly to a System/360 via a selector or multiplexor channel.
  • Model 2 – attached via a 2840-1 control unit. A 2840 could attach up to four 2250s and provided buffering and a character generator.
  • Model 3 – attached via a 2840-2 control unit.
  • Model 4 – attached to an IBM 1130 minicomputer via the storage access channel (SAC). The 1130 could run either as a standalone processor or as a front-end processor connected to a remote System/360.

Competitors[edit]

A number of plug compatible manufacturers sold competitors to the 2250, including Adage, Evans & Sutherland, Information Displays Inc., Lundy, Sanders, Spectragraphics, and Vector General.[3]

Successors[edit]

In 1977 IBM introduced the 3250 Display System (manufactured by Sanders Associates) as an upgrade to the 2250.[4]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Pugh, Emerson W.; Johnson, Lyle R.; Palmer, John H. IBM's 360 and Early 370 Systems. Cambridge, MA.: The MIT Press. pp. 601. ISBN 0-262-16123-0.
  2. ^ a b Computer Display Review, March 1970, Keydata Corp., pp. V.1980 and V.1964
  3. ^ Peddie, Jon (2013-06-13). The History of Visual Magic in Computers: How Beautiful Images are Made in CAD, 3D, VR and AR. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 978-1-4471-4932-3.
  4. ^ Frank, Ronald A. (November 28, 1977), "IBM Offers Graphics Unit Manufactured by Sanders", Computerworld, XI (48): 1, 6

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=IBM_2250&oldid=1173931460"