VARS: Takes Raster Graphics on to a New Plane

VARS: Takes raster graphics on to a new plane.

FERRANTI

Computer Systems

VARS is a comprehensive range of raster scan computer graphics controllers, generating high resolution graphics for display on monochrome or colour monitors. It is designed specifically for use in interactive and dynamic applications where speed of response and complex picture composition and generation are of the essence. Exhibiting an exceptional performance/price ratio, VARS is supremely flexible in use. It provides a unique combination of facilities including special features of particular interest in CAD/CAM, control rooms, simulation and research applications.

VARS: Resolution

The VARS controller provides the facility for the user to define screen formats, allowing him to choose the monitor, colour or monochrome, best suited to his particular application. Resolutions in excess of 1280 x 1024 are supported and interlaced or non-interlaced rasters are generated at high refresh rates.

VARS: Fast Screen Reorganisation

An unusual and functional feature of the VARS system is the flexible relationship of the data on the screen to its physical position in the pixel memory.

The mapping system consults every frame as the picture is produced, and obviates the need to move large quantities of pixel data when the screen is organised. This reduces the demands on processing power and allows more effective use ofmemory capacity.

VARS: Performance

To achieve a high level of performance, VARS is based on two on-board processors, a 16-bit supervisory microprocessor and a VLSI graphics display controller.

The graphics controller is enhanced by external circuitry to increase system performance, for example to allow simultaneous writing to all memory planes, thus preventing loss of performance when colour vectors are drawn. Drawing facilities are hardware-supported to give recognisably faster operation than those supported by software or firmware.

- GENERAL SPECIFICATION -

VARS is a complete high resolution computer graphics controller that accepts commands from a host computer and generates video signals for display on a monochrome or colour, interlaced or non-interlaced display monitor. A local

printer may be connected, together with a 107 key keyboard and an interactive pointer device.

VARS: Functionality

VARS provides comprehensive facilities for the drawing of all normal graphics primitives, like characters, vectors individual dots, arcs, circles, rectangles and pattern filled rectangles.

Important additional standard facilities include instant polygon fill, smooth pan and scroll of the whole screen, plus picture repair, a hardware cursor and synchronisation of the controller to an external source for video mixers.

VARS: Compatibility

VARS is based on the well proven MultibusTMformat with a private bus for pixel data. It is a modular system comprising a self-contained rack or desk mounted chassis into which plugs a range of card modules, selectable to meet application requirements.

This construction technique allows for simple expansion and provides an upgrade path.

The VARS controller generates both serial and parallel interfaces to facilitate connection to the host computer, local printers and interactive devices.

The VARS comprehensive product range also includes monochrome and colour monitors at various resolutions, keyboard, tracker ball, data tablet and graphics printers.

VARS: Flexibility

In order to provide maximum flexibility in use, the VARS controller provides features which allow for different system configurations.

User-selectable variables include:

• Pixel frequency

• Pixel memory architecture

• Screen format

• Video parameters

•Interface port parameters

The provision of a pixel memory mapping system provides an extremely fast and efficient method for implementing task window functions on a screen and offers numerous possibilities for developing man/machine interface techniques.

VARS: Utility

VARS is characterised by its high dynamics, wide choice of screen resolution and the maintenance of performance standards through monochrome to colour use. It is ideally suited for use in CAD/CAM products and, with its outstandingly high performance, is of particular interest in situations involving image display such as insimulatorsand trainers.

Resolution:

User-selectable, inexcess of 1024x 1024.

Memory Planes:

• 4 Mbits per pixel memory board

• Up to 2 Mbits per plane

Video Output:

• User-loadable RAM look-up table

• 4 or 8 bit DACs(Pallette:

4096 or 16 million colours)

• RGB output to RS343A Communications:

• Four RS232C or V24 serial ports(up to 19.2K.baud)

• One 8 bit parallel input port(host)(up to 50Kbytes/sec)

• One 8 bit parallel output port (printer)

•RS422 option

Its unique combination of features makes VARS attractive for command and control room applications and areas such as traffic control, industrial process control and SCADA systems. VARS is of great benefit in establishments employed in scientific and re search projects. Many computer aided composing systems use a VARS-based display as a high definition page make-up screen.

VARS: Standardisation

VARS is designed to follow current and future international graphics standards as they are developed, providing an easily implemented and supported product for both end user or OEM customer.

VARS native protocol is based on the principles defined by the draft ISO standard GKS. Other protocols are also available such as CAD/PRO, the Ferranti CAD/CAM protocol, and various emulators such as VT100TM and TektronixTM 4014.

Graphics Controller:

• NEC 7220 GDC VLSI controllerprovides: characters, vectors, dots, arcs,circles, rectangles, pattern-filled rectangles and 1:8 zoom.

• Additional circuitry to provide:

Smooth pan and scroll, 'instant' or flash polygon fill, picture repair (XOR) function and a multiple task windows facility.

Performance:

• Vector drawing rate 12,500 vectors pets second maximum rate

•Character drawing rate 12,500characters per second.

Peripherals:

• Keyboard, data tablet, tracker ball, printers and monitors.

Ferranti Computer Systems Ltd. Wythenshawe Division, Simonsway, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M22 5LA. United Kingdom. Telephone: 061-499 3355 Telex: 668084

Overseas Companies

Ferranti GmbH,

D6200 Wiesbaden, 1,

Taunusstrasse 52,

Federal Republic of Germany.

Telephone: (06121) 5801-0

Telex: 4186102

Ferranti International Controls Corporation, P.O. Box 36556, Houston, Texas 77236, USA. Telephone: (713) 780 5432 Telex: 762444

Ferranti Computer Systems NV,

Noorderlaan 111, B-2030 Antwerp,

Belgium.

Telephone: (03) 542 62 73

Telex: 35325

Ferranti Computer Systems Limited follows a policy of continuous improvement-Information in this leaflet is therefore subject to change without notice. TMVTlOOis a registered trade mark of Digital Equipment Corporation. TMTektronix is a registered trade mark of Tektronix Inc.TMMultibus is a registered trade mark of Intel Corporation.