19 Apr
2006
19 Apr
'06
2:30 p.m.
What is the difference between these two?
HP 1350A graphics translator
HP 1351A graphics generator
The 1350A has a product page on hpmuseum.net, but the 1351A has some
docs there that seem to describe the same product. However, one is a
"translator" and the other is a "generator". Can anyone tell me how
they are different?
I only have the HP1350, but I can describe that and hopefully somebody
else can describe the 1351 and we can figure out the differences.
The HP1350 is a vector graphics generator. It takes in commands over an
HPIB interface (I am told there was an RS232 version, I've never seen it,
and the operating/service manual I have for the 1350 doesn't really
describe it), using a command language that is similar to a subset of
HPGL. It then outputs analogue X,Y,Z signals to a vector display.
Inside it's all random logic, no procesor or anything that resembles a
processor-type architecture. Just DRAMs and support circuitry, BCD-binary
converters, state machines, the adder+accumulator circuit to generate the
vectors, DACs, etc.
I ahev no idea why HP called it a 'graphics translator', but that's what
it says on the instrument and the manual.
-tony