SBC6809 Lab-mate computer
Dublin Core
Title
SBC6809 Lab-mate computer
Subject
computer hardware
Description
Historical context
(by Z. Stachniak)
In April 1972, Intel Corp. of Santa Clara, CA, announced its first 8-bit microprocessor, the 8008. Shortly after, the company introduced the 8008-powered SIM8-01 single-board computer designed as a trainer and a software development system for the 8008-based applications. The introduction of this novel hardware marked more than just a leap in microprogrammable controller technology. Within months, prototypes of the first general-purpose computers powered by the 8008 chip were operational on-site at the French company Réalisations et Études Électroniques located in the suburbs of Paris and at Micro Computer Machines with headquarters situated on the outskirts of Toronto. The SIM8-01 board generated the first wave of computer hobby activities in North America. It also became an educational tool that enabled electrical engineering students to gain a deep understanding and appreciation of this new microprocessor technology.
In 1973, the SIM8-01 board became the primary hardware at the newly established digital design labs at the University of Maryland and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. These labs broadened the digital system design curriculum, introducing students to microprocessor technology recognized as a crucial component in computer engineering education. Other universities opted for various microprocessor development and demonstration systems, such as the Motorola MEK6800 single-board computer introduced in 1975, or developed and constructed their own hardware to support their microprocessor laboratories.
The SBC 6809 Lab-mate
The SBC 6809 Lab-mate single-board computer was designed by Peter Bubonja, research associate in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Toronto (U of T), between 1984 and 85. The computer was designed and developed at the U of T Power Group computer applications lab to enhance the capabilities of the U of T M6809 single-board computer designed at the university in 1979 and sold by Exceltronix Components and Computing of Toronto. The Lab-mate was used in digital electronics labs at, among other places, the University of Toronto and Ryerson Polytechnical Institute. One of the main differences between the U of T Board and the Lab-mate was that the latter was designed around the STD bus allowing a range of off-the-shelf STD cards to be directly used with the computer. This provided an effective way to expand and tailor the system towards the user's needs.
Technical Specifications:
CPU - Motorola MC6809, 8-bit
RAM - up to 48K using six memory slots
ROM - 16K
ports and interfaces:
Documentation - extensive documentation including SBC6808 Operating Manual by Peter Bubonja, 1986.
The museum has two Lab-mate computers (serial numbers 18 and 19) used at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in the second half of the 1980s.
(by Z. Stachniak)
In April 1972, Intel Corp. of Santa Clara, CA, announced its first 8-bit microprocessor, the 8008. Shortly after, the company introduced the 8008-powered SIM8-01 single-board computer designed as a trainer and a software development system for the 8008-based applications. The introduction of this novel hardware marked more than just a leap in microprogrammable controller technology. Within months, prototypes of the first general-purpose computers powered by the 8008 chip were operational on-site at the French company Réalisations et Études Électroniques located in the suburbs of Paris and at Micro Computer Machines with headquarters situated on the outskirts of Toronto. The SIM8-01 board generated the first wave of computer hobby activities in North America. It also became an educational tool that enabled electrical engineering students to gain a deep understanding and appreciation of this new microprocessor technology.
In 1973, the SIM8-01 board became the primary hardware at the newly established digital design labs at the University of Maryland and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. These labs broadened the digital system design curriculum, introducing students to microprocessor technology recognized as a crucial component in computer engineering education. Other universities opted for various microprocessor development and demonstration systems, such as the Motorola MEK6800 single-board computer introduced in 1975, or developed and constructed their own hardware to support their microprocessor laboratories.
The SBC 6809 Lab-mate
The SBC 6809 Lab-mate single-board computer was designed by Peter Bubonja, research associate in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Toronto (U of T), between 1984 and 85. The computer was designed and developed at the U of T Power Group computer applications lab to enhance the capabilities of the U of T M6809 single-board computer designed at the university in 1979 and sold by Exceltronix Components and Computing of Toronto. The Lab-mate was used in digital electronics labs at, among other places, the University of Toronto and Ryerson Polytechnical Institute. One of the main differences between the U of T Board and the Lab-mate was that the latter was designed around the STD bus allowing a range of off-the-shelf STD cards to be directly used with the computer. This provided an effective way to expand and tailor the system towards the user's needs.
Technical Specifications:
CPU - Motorola MC6809, 8-bit
RAM - up to 48K using six memory slots
ROM - 16K
ports and interfaces:
- two STD bus expansion ports,
- STD bus I/O port,
- two parallel I/O ports (MOS Technology 6522 Versatile Interface Adapter)
- programmable parallel peripheral interface (Intel 8255)
- universal interrupt controller (Advanced Micro Devices AM9519A)
- two serial ports (MOS Technology 6551 Asynchronous Communications Interface Adapter)
- programmable timer (Motorola MC6840)
- counter/timer peripheral (Advanced Micro Devices 9513A)
- cassette tape interface
Documentation - extensive documentation including SBC6808 Operating Manual by Peter Bubonja, 1986.
The museum has two Lab-mate computers (serial numbers 18 and 19) used at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in the second half of the 1980s.
Creator
Peter Bubonja
Date
1986
Files
Citation
Peter Bubonja, “SBC6809 Lab-mate computer,” York University Computer Museum Canada, accessed December 21, 2024, https://museum.eecs.yorku.ca/items/show/323.