Assembled macromodular system, circa 1973 (FC157-S19-ss02-B104-F03).
The Computer Systems Laboratory’s (CSL) first major project was the development of macromodular computer systems, which were applied to molecular and neural modeling, ECG rhythm analysis, and speech synthesis.
Macromodules were envisioned as a set of building blocks with which a user could construct computer systems of varying sizes and complexity. The modules contained the necessary electronics to store or route data and to sequence or perform operations. As shown here, they could be arranged in a frame, then interconnected by cables that plugged into faceplate boxes with color-coded overlays indicating module type and function.
From April 1965 to December 1973, CSL’s Macromodular Computer Design Project received support from Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) Contract SD-302. These CSL technical reports make up a three-part, 20 volume final report to ARPA (ARPA, later known as DARPA, is an agency within the U.S. Department of Defense).
Submissions from 1974
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 1, Volume 1, Overview of Macromodules, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 1, Volume 2, A Macromodule User's Manual, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 1, Volume 3, Design of Phase 1 Macromodules, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 1, Volume 4, The Synchronizer "Glitch" Problem, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 1, Volume 5, Laboratory Personnel and Bibliography, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 01, General Standards and System Maintenance, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 02, Electronic Package Assembly, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 03, Electronic Package Assembly, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 04, Electronic Package Assembly, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 05, Logic Drawings, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 06, Printed Circuit Board Outlines and Electronic Package Mechanical Drawings, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 07, Faceplate Specifications, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 08, Faceplate Overlays, Overlay Labels, and Faceplate Boxes, Types 1-4, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 09, Faceplate Boxes, Types 5-10, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 10, Parameter Switches, Mini Console, and L.E.D. Data Indicator, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 11, Cables, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 12, Frame Section and Base Pedestal, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 13, Frame Section and Base Pedestal, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
Macromodular Computer Design, Part 2, Volume 14, Pedestal Controller, Fan Module, Channel Coupler and Jigs, Computer Systems Laboratory, Washington University
