Robert D Rawlings

US Patent:

42926696, Sep 29, 1981

Filed:

Aug 10, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/065521

Inventors:

James E. Wollum - San Clemente CA
Robert L. Rawlings - El Toro CA

Assignee:

Burroughs Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

G06F 1120

US Classification:

364200

Abstract:

A data communication subsystem for operation with a main host computer, the subsystem involving a plurality of Front-End Controllers (each of which handles data transfers for a particular type of peripheral terminal and type of transmission line), a Data Communication Processor which controls the activity of the Front-End Controllers, a local "autonomous" memory (sometimes called data communications memory) dedicated to storing instructions, control data, and information data primarily for data transfer operations, and a Basic Control Interface unit which ties together the autonomous memory, the Data Communications Processor, and the Front-End Controllers. The data communication subsystem includes means for sensing a halt or failure in the main host system and then operating in an "autonomous" mode to continuously provide for data transfer operations independent of the main system condition. The data communication subsystem also provides means for storage of data (tanking) on disk files when the main system is halted. Such disk storage also alleviates memory space requirements for the main memory and the local autonomous memory.