ThePDP-16 (Programmed Data Processor-16)^[1][2] was mainly intended for industrial control systems, but with more capability thanDEC'sPDP-14.

The PDP-16 family of modules was introduced in 1971,^[3] and a pre-assembled system using these modules, the PDP-16/M^[4][5] was introduced in 1972.^[3] The 16/M was nicknamed "Subminicomputer" and described as "a small microprogrammable computer."^[4]

The general-purpose modules included:

1. components to build a data path (registers, memories, ALUs, etc.)
2. components to build a control structure (evoke an operation in the datapath, branch on a condition from the datapath, merge, etc.)
3. other components necessary to complete a digital system (lights, switches, bus termination, backplane, etc.)

The control structure was similar to aflow chart,which was very familiar to software developers.As a result, the PDP-16 opened up digital system design to those with experience writing software but less hardware design experience than was traditionally required for this work.

These modules were in the company's M series ofFlip-Chip modules, which usedTTL circuit technology.

The economic strength of the PDP-16 was that it was effective "for designing unique (or relatively low production volume) systems."^[4]

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