GE 235 User guide

@En235
SYSTEM
MANUAL
COMPUTER DEPARTMENT

Copyright @ 1963
by
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
In the construction of the equipment described,General
Electric reserves the right to modify the design for
reasons of improved performance and operational
flexibility.

TITLE SECTION
INTRODUCTION
......................................... 1-1
PROGRAMMING AIDS ...................................... 11-1
SYSTEM CONTROL OF INPUT-OUTPUT PERIPHERAL DEVICES .............. 111-1
CENTRAL PROCESSDR ..................................... IV-1
GE-235 PUNCHED CARD EQUIPMENT .............................
V-1
GE-235 HIGH-SPEED PRINTER ................................ VI- 1
GE-2 35 MAGNETIC TAPE SUBSYSTEM ............................ VLI- 1
GE-235 MASS RANDOM ACCESS DATA STORAGE ....................... VLII-1
GE-235 PERFORATED TAPE EQUIPMENT
.......................... IX-1
GE-235 12-POCKET DOCUMENT HANDLER
.......................... X-1
GE-2 35 DATANET- 15 DATA TRANSMISSION SUBSYSTEM .................. XI- 1
GE-2 35 CUSTOM DIGITAL INPUT/OUTPUT EQUIPMENT .................. XII- 1
PAGE
G-235 SYSTEM INSTALLATION DATA
............................ 1
ALPHABETIC LIST OF GE-235 GAP INSTRUCTIONS .................... 2-14
REPRESENTATION OF GE-235 CHARACTERS
........................ 15
INDEX
............................................. 17-20

The GE-235 is the fastest, most versatile memberof the GE-200 Series of information processing
systems (GE-215, 225, and 235). Like the other members of this family, the GE-235
is comple-
mented by a full range of powerful programmingtools. Together, the equipment and programming
tools provide an integrated system adaptable to a wide variety of business, scientific, and engi-
neering applications.
The basic design philosophy oftheGE-235 systemis the same as that of the GE-215 and 225, which
have proved themselves fast, accurate, reliable, and economical in widely divergent fields. This
design similarity makes the
GE-235upwardcompatiblewith the GE-215 and 225 in respect to logic,
programming, and coding. As a result,mostprograms and applications originally designed for the
other members of the family can immediately be processed on a GE-235 having the same system
configuration. Only in the relatively few programscontaining timing loops, minor changes may
be
necessary.
GE-235 INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM

The basic system comprises a central processor with a six-microsecond core memory, card or
pe~foratedtape inputandoutput, electric typewriter input and output, and an operator's control con-
sole. The system configuration can readily be expanded to fit increasing information processing
needs. Equipment available includes:
Magnetic core memory
-- 4096-, 8192-, or 16,384-word capacity
Card readers
-- 400 or 1000 cards per minute
Card punch
-- 100 or 300 cards per minute
Perforated tape reader
-- 250 or 1000 characters per second
Perforated tape punch
-- 110 characters per second
Magnetic tape handlers
-- read and write 15,000 characters per second (at 200 bits per inch)
or
15,000/41,600 characters per second (at 200/555.5 bits per inch)
Mass random access data storage (MRADS)
-- 18.8 million alphanumeric characters or up to
34.4 million numeric digits per unit
High-speed printers
-- 900 alphanumeric lines per minute, on line, or 900 alphanumeric lines
per minute, on/off line
Document handler
-- reads and sorts 1200 documents per minute, on oroff line
Data communication controllers
Floating point arithmetic capability (through the Auxiliary Arithmetic Unit)
An outstanding feature
is thatup to ten input-output devices may be operated concurrently within the
system, allowing great flexibility in system configuration. Some typical system configurations for
various applications are shown on the following pages.
Programming aids available for the GE-235 include:
GECOM
-- the general compiler, anallpurpose, problem-oriented language program that may
be used with:
COBOL-type statements (specific, simplified English language statements)
ALGOL-type statements (algebraic expressions)
TABSOL (structureddecision tables)
GECOM Report Writer (for programming business reports)
FORTRAN
-- a scientific compiler
ZOOM
-- a macroassembly system
WIZ
-- a highly competent, one-pass algebraic compiler
GAP
-- a fast, compact, machine-oriented assembler
I-2

Standard report generators, sort/merge routines, BRIDGE (an operatingsystem), GE-235/~~~(a
major network analysis technique), andother specializedprogramsand routines are also available.
Thus, the GE-235 provides
all the tools for effective management decision-making, for fastand
economical solution of data processing and scientificproblems, and for potential growth in desired
areas. The characteristics and capabilities of this new member of the GE-200 Series are fully
described in thismanual. However, detailedinformationfor operating and programming the system
is in separate manuals on these subjects.
I- 3

CENTRALPROCESSOR
1
\I
CARD READER
HIGH-SPEED PRINTER
CARD PUNCH
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION FOR ENGINEERING CALCULATIONS OR REPORT GENERATION
MAGNETIC TAPE
HIGH- SPEED PRINTER
'
---my . , .. C.. .
. .
*
-
CARD PUNCH
fl"=-,
UNIT
CARDREADER
(1000 CPM)
CENTRAL PROCESSOR
AND AUXILIARY
ARITHMETIC UNIT
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION FOR SCIENTIFIC CALCULATIONS OR DATA RETRIEVAL AND REDUCTION

MAGNETIC TAPE UNIT
- P. . +*q!Fi
,~ T+.
.. .
,? -
CARD PUNCH
. . I a@
11
rt .
I
- ---
.. ..
I
. --
_C--
-. - -
1
rC
PERFORATEDTAPE W
HIGH-SPEED * PRINTER /
CENTRAL PROCESSOR
--2 4
.P
CARD READER
DATANET- 15
-.
-!u7*-
z7-; - I
. -
-. - d
.. .
* .. .
-~-' -T I - 'v:-??? (.
-1
DATA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION FOR BUSINESS OR MANUFACTURING
!

MAGNETIC TAPE UNIT
HIGH-SPEED
PRINTER
CARD PUNCH
fW
CENTRAL PROCESSOR
DOCUMENTHANDLER
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION FOR BANKING
CARD READER

PROGRAMMINGAIDS
The General Electric Computer Department has developed a large library of programming aids to
help theprogrammercommunicatewiththe GE-235 andsimplify the task of producing useful results
from the computer. This section describes some of the available programming tools: compilers,
generators and special programs designed toenhancetheuse of the GE-235 information processing
system.
GECOM, THE GENERAL COMPILER
The General Compiler (GECOM) System introduces a fresh, versatile approach to computer com-
munication. This exclusive General Electric product makes available in one package both proved
and newly developed programming techniques. GECOM acceptsmany languages, soproblem state-
ments may be written in familiar terminology. The source languages available to the General
Compiler are broad and comprehensive.
GECOM will process English language sentences (COBOL-type statements),algebraic expressions
(ALGOL-type statements), structured decision tables (TABSOL), and a language for report gener-
ation. The user may select only that portion of the system applicable to his needs, using any
combination of the language features for anyspecificprogram run. Because the machine coding
is
derived directly from the logic of theproblem statement, program check-out on the GE-235 may be
done at the logic level.
Because GECOM problems are written in familiar languages, they can be more easily read and
understood. In addition, program format provides a high degree of standardization. The selected
approach allows the user to accommodate the more important common coding languages and still
incorporate later changes conveniently. Several distinct advantages over manual programming
methods can be realized.
GECOM automatically produces a documented record of the program it produces. A permanent
-
record of the program, in itsoriginalsourcelanguage form and with a detailed listing of its trans-
formation to machine instructions,
is available for reference, revision, oraugmentation.
Because plans call for implementing GECOM on the General Electric family of general-purpose
computers, programming conversion costs arereducedasinstallationsoutgrow their present com-
puter equipment.
Using familiar language sharply reduces personnel training time and expense. Manual coding
is
eliminated and debugging cutto a minimum. ~hus,a machine program maybe produced quickly and
efficiently.
COBOL came into being as a result of a conference on Data Systems Languages sponsored by the
U. S. Department of Defense. Computer manufacturers and users developed the language called
COBOL (Common Businessgriented Language) to achieve standardization of data processing
languages.
COBO~ reduces progra&ing effort and achieves a more effective utilization of
computers. The language first available with the General Compiler
is based primarily on COBOL,

which satisfies the needs of the broadest spectrum of data processing applications. COBOL is so
close to English syntax that it can easily be read and understood by management, systems, and
accounting personnel. As a result, close coordination between management and computer appli-
cation isboth practical and efficient.
COBOL
is well suited to creating and processing information contained in data files. In contrast,
ALGOL provides an excellent means for expressing the mathematics and logic associated with
scientific applications.
ALGOL was developed by an international group prompted by a growing interest in a standardized
notation for numerical methods for computers.
ALGOL (ALGOrithmic Language) has proved to be far superior to any of its predecessors and has
enjoyed the first widespread acceptance and respect accorded a computer language. ALGOL no-
tations are gaining acceptance internationally in numerical methods, text-books and university
classes.
TABSOL, the language of decision making, resulted from a need for a language that could solve an
unwieldy number of sequential decisions, without involving extensive data file processing orpro-
found mathematics.
CEHERAL~ ELECTIIC
C~.,",,. .1...,. 1.7. .0,",1. A.110..
OENERAL COMPILER SENTENCE FORM
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SAMPLE TABSOL TABLE

TABSOL depicts, by meansoftables,the relationshipsof logical decisions that are written in terms
of the conditions to be satisifedandthe subsequent action to be taken. The TABSOL structure pro-
vides a readable, understandable table of decisions.
TABSOL encompasses both scientific and business applications. GECOM accepts COBOL and
ALGOL-type statements within the framework of the table, thus providing an even more efficient
method for stating the logic of complex information systems.
The GECOM Report Writer
is an extension to the General Compiler that simplifies the program-
ming of business reports. Readily understandable programdocumentation and ease of preparation
a
of new and revised report are realized by use of this tool.
In brief, the Report Writer performs any orall of the following functions:
Prints report headings once at the beginning of the report
Prints report footings once at the end of the report
Maintains page control by line count and or skip to a new page at specified line printings
Maintains line spacing on the page
Prints page headings at the top of each report page
Prints page footings at the bottom of each report page
Numbers pages
Issues detail or body lines of the report
Accumulates detail field values conditionally orunconditionally to one or more levels of
total
Counts detail lines and/or detail conditions to one or more levels of total

Detects control breaks atone or more levels so as to:
a. Control the tabulation procedure
b. Issue logical control totals
c. Issue logical control headings
Edits data fields for reporting (for example, comma, decimal point, and dollar-sign
insertion and zero suppression)
The COBOL-61 to GECOM Translator converts programs described in COBOL-61 language into
language acceptable to GECOM. The source language of the basic compiler isbased in part on
COBOL-60. ThetranslatorenablesGECOM toprovide for additional functions defined in COBOL-61
specifications.
FORTRAN
FORTRAN
II Compiler
Using this compiler with the GE-235, a source program written in the language of FORTRAN II, a
scientific compiler, will produce an assembled program ready for use.
FORTRAN II Compiler With Card Input-Output
This compiler will compile a FORTRAN I1 source program on a GE-235 system with a minimum
input-output configuration. The full FORTRAN language
is not implemented in this compiler
(magnetic tape operations, for example, are omitted).
ZOOM
Simplicity and flexibility of coding are principal features of the macroassembler called ZOOM (in
some respects a compiler). The simplicity of ZOOM coding isillustrated by the fact that the pro-
grammer writes algebraic expressions with such ordinary symbols as the plus, minus, and equal
signs. Since they are easily read, the expressions are easily and quickly checked for errors.
ZOOM translates these algebraic expressions into nearoptimumGAP coding. To the programmer
who has a working knowledge of GAP, ZOOM allows for more condensed and readable symbolic
programs and produces near optimum object programs. Input
is punched cardswith combinations
of GAP coding and ZOOM statements; output can be punched cards, magnetic tape, orprinter
listings.
Engineers and other users of the GE-235 who are not primarily programmers will find the WIZ
System a simple, easy-to-use algebraic compiler. The compiler translates source programs
written in the simple WIZ language, usingordinarymathematical symbols, into GE-235 object pro-
grams ready to run. WIZ produces GE-235 instructions on cards at a rate of 500 to 700 instruc-
tions per minute. WIZ makesiteasyfor the user to perform either simple orcomplex calculations
and print the results in edited form.

WIZ works with both floating point and fixed point numbers and handles typical algebraic and
trigonometric problems quickly and easily. Modification I permits use of paper tape aswell as
punched cards. Use of the optional AAU with the WIZ System significantly decreases the run
time of the object program.
GAP, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PROGRAM
The General Assembly Program allows theprogrammertowrite instructions for the GE-235 com-
puter in symbolic notation rather than in the absolute code of the computer. Mnemonic codes for
each instruction are carefully chosen to provide significance to the user. Memory addresses may
be assigned by using decimal notation or by using symbolic notation chosen for maximum con-
venience to the particular program orprogrammer. To extend the use of the General Assembly
Program the programmer can call on various subroutines (described below) as required by the
program. The General Assembly Program also provides facility for assembling of programs in
either absolute or relocatable form.
A wide range of assembler (pseudo) operations are available as follows:
ALF The ALF
is used to enter an alphanumeric constant in the program.
BSS The BSS
is used to reserve a block of memory storage.
DDC This
is used to enter a double-word decimal constant in the object program.
DEC This isused to enter a single-word decimal constant in the object program.
EJT This operation causes the printer to slew the GAP listing paper to the top of the following
page.
END The END (~ndof Program) indicates the end of the program to be assembled.
EQO Performs the same function as the EQU operation but the operand is assumed to be an
octal number.
EQU Used to over-rule the normal memory assignment performed by the assembly program.
FDC This
is used to enter a floatingpointdecimal constant in the object program. If no binary
scale
is specified, determines the binary scale and yields a normalized floating point
number.
LOC This operation performs the same function as the ORG operation but the contents are
assumed to be in octal form.
LST This pseudo-operation may be used to start the listing again after it has been suppressed
by the NLS.
MAL This pseudo-operation can be used to specifyfrom
1 to 9 words of alphanumeric constants
on one card.
NAL This pseudo-instruction causes any
A/N constantorgroup of constants to be assembled in
the 2's complement form.

NAM
NLS
OCT
ORG
PAL
REM
SBR
SEQ
TCD
ZXX
Permits a program name to be printed at the top of each page of the GAP listing.
Suppresses listing of the object program during assembly.
The OCT converts up to seven octal digits into a binary equivalent.
ORG (Origin)
is used to indicate the location of the first instruction of the program.
This pseudo-operation can be used to specifyfrom
1 to 9 words of alphanumeric constants
on one card. The last word generated will have the sign set to terminate a print line.
The pseudo-operation PLD will cause the assemblyprogram to punch loader cards. When
the PLD pseudo-operation is encountered, all cards from that point to the end of the as-
sembly will be punched in loader format.
The REM programmer's remarksimmediatelyfollowing arenotprocessed by the assembly
but they do appear on the final program listing.
This pseudo-operation
is used to calla specifiedsubroutine master tape during assembly.
Checks the sequence number of each card against the sequence number of the previous
card.
Generates an instruction that transfers control to the location specified in the operand
field, at execution time; however, does not indicate end of assembly.
The ZXX pseudo-operation is usedto settheoperation bits of the assembled instruction to
any desired configuration. The operand can be decimal or symbolic, and indexing
is
optional. In use, a Z is placed in column 8 with the two octal digits (XX) desired asan
operation code in columns
9 and 10.
SAMPLE GAP CODING

SUBROUTINES, SERVICE ROUTINES AND BRIDGE II
Subroutines
Subroutines are designed to handle, manipulate, move, or sort information within the computer
memory. Some of the important routines accomplish the following:
a
Conversion of data from one radix to another (octal, binary; BCD)
a Word replacement
a Internal memory sort
To solve problems in scientific areas, mathematical routines are available to calculate complex
functions and mathematical procedures such as:
Sine-cosine, square root, arctangent, exponential, and logarithm
Matrix transposition, inversion
a Scalar multiplication
a Linear simultaneous equations
a Multiple regression
a Roots of a polynomial
a Least squares polynomial fit
a Linear programming
Service Routines
The main functionsof serviceroutines areto assist in debugging programs and in simplifying oper-
ating procedures. These routines have been prepared in symbolic and/or object program form.
Service routines to perform tasks such as the following are available:
a Reset memory
Dump memory to cards, magnetic tape, paper tape, or printer
a Load programs into memory
a Trace programs
a Compare, correct, and print out contents of tape
a Correct cards

Scan memory
Convert, analyze, and relativize card decks
Reproduce cards or print out contents
Bridge
II
Bridge 11 is a tape maintenance and run sequencing program. Upon the use of simple instructions
by the programmer, Bridge
11 provides such functions as:
Run collection and sequencing from cards or tape
Tape correction of binary or symbolic programs
Dating of magnetic tape, using either date created or current date
Blocking of tape records
Provisionof run-to-runlinkage
Provision of altering run sequencing
Combining of runs with subroutine or relocatable sections
Provision for loading priority programs for use with API
The functions of Bridge I1 are directed by control cards that establish the run sequence for run
execution. For installations that have a steady work load, use of Bridge I1 reduces over-all time.
SIMULATORS AND GENERATORS
Forward Sort/Merge Generator
The Forward Sort and MergeGeneratorproduces tailored card ortape programs to efficiently sort
and merge GE-235 data files, The sorts and merges are tailored at generation time according to
descriptive parameters written by the user. Extensive options that allow for use of GAP coding
enable users to attain complete flexibility in data format and selection and to utilize input/output
media other than tape.
IBM-650 Simulator
The IBM-650 Simulator accepts IBM-650 System programs anddata as input, selects and executes
the required routines to simulate the IBM-650 computer commands, and produces the same results
and outputs as the IBM-650 computer. An existing IBM-650 program need not be written in GE-235
language in order to run on the GE-235 computer.

Potential users of the GE-235 who have theIBM-650 computer can make a smooth transition to the
GE system through the use of simulators provided by General Electric.
The simulator program achieves the following objectives without loss of accuracy orflexibility:
Simulates the basic IBM-650 System, with 2000 words of drum memory, one 533 card
reader, and punch with alphabetic device. An extended version provides the capability of
core storage, index registers, floating point, andmagnetic tapes. The simulator program
runs on the GE-235, with atleast8192words of memory, card reader and card punch, and
typewriter.
Control cards preceding the IBM-650 program deck define the IBM-650 plugboard wiring
and console switch settings.
Can be modified to include other IBM-650 configurations orfeatures with a minimum of
programming effort. Documentation
is detailed and complete so that features peculiar to
certain applications may be readily incorporated.
LGP-30 Simulator
The LGP-30 Simulator executes the Royal McBee LGP-30 system instructions in the GE-235 and
produces essentially the same results and outputs as that computer.
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
Special needs of computer usersarefilledby specialized programs such as the text searching sys-
tem and the GE-235/cP~program. Other programs are tailored to needs of a specific industry
oruser.
The Text Searching System
The Text Searching System permits retrieval of information from texts. The System consists of
three principal programs. One converts texts (written in a natural orartificial language) into a
form suitable for searching. A second program compiles programs to search the texts for
requested symbol occurrences. The third program executes the compiled programs to search
converted texts and announce the search results.
The GE-235/Cp~program adapts a major network analysis technique to the GE-235. Complex
projects (such asnewproductintroduction, largeconstructionprojects, and assembly-line planning)
consisting of as many as2100 activitiesand 1000 events can be analyzed by the GE-235 in minutes.
Alternate schedules with optimum time and cost data, orother major project parameters, are
produced as a printed output. The GE-235/~~~program can be used with GE systems having at
least an 8K memory,
4 magnetic tape handlers, a card reader, and a printer.

BankPac
A series of generalized programs, called BankPac, have been tailored to the needs of commercial
banks. General Electric prepares broad programs to do such jobs as updating and maintaining
files, issuing reports, making customer statements,andthe handling of many other normal banking
functions. The user can readily add desired detailed programs. BankPac program will cover
demand deposit accounting, installment loans, savingsaccounts,transititems, and personal trusts.
Electric Utility Routines
Groups of Electric Utility Routines were tailored to needs of individual utility companies. These
programs are designed to computeloadflow, optimal loading, load duration, gas flow and pressure,
and short circuit conditions.