IBM 3767
| Company type | Product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Research Triangle Park, Fujisawa, Greenock , United States, Japan, United Kingdom |
| Products | Serial printer terminal |
IBM 3767 Communication Terminal represents a serial printer terminal that employs dot matrix printing technology alongside the innovative Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC) protocol within IBM's Systems Network Architecture (SNA) framework. Launched in 1974, this device gained extensive use from the late 1970s through the 1990s, interfacing with IBM System/360 and System/370 mainframe computers as well as the IBM System/7, serving as an alternative to the 2741 typewriter-style terminal.
Demand for Enhanced Terminal Efficiency
During the late 1960s and into the 1970s, computing environments evolved beyond mainframe batch processing with punched cards to accommodate remote data terminals. Asynchronous serial communication was typical in printer terminals like the IBM 2741, while display terminals such as the IBM 2260 and IBM 3270 utilized the Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC) protocol.
The need for more efficient communication protocols and dependable remote printer and display terminals increased significantly. IBM addressed these requirements by introducing the IBM 3767 serial printer and the IBM 3770 communications system under the "Advanced Communications Function" (ACF) initiative, which also unveiled SNA and SDLC protocols. Subsequently, in 1975, IBM expanded this lineup with the IBM 3760 Data Entry Station, enhanced IBM 3270 models, and the IBM 3790 communication system.
Features, Capabilities, and Variants of the 3767
Key characteristics of the IBM 3767 Communication Terminal included:
- IBM's exclusive wire matrix serial print-head mechanism
- Integrated keyboard for user input
- Support for communications via SNA/SDLC or BSC protocols
- Data transmission rates ranging from 200/300 to 19,200 bits per second
- Compatibility with US English and several major international languages
The product line offered variations based on:
- Printing line width options of either 80 or 120 characters
- Availability of an internal modem in certain models
Connectivity was established with IBM System/360 or System/370 mainframes through IBM 3705 communications controllers, leveraging the 3705 Network Control Program alongside mainframe applications such as CICS and IMS.
The terminal was developed at IBM Systems Development Division's Fujisawa laboratory (later known as Yamato) in Japan and produced at manufacturing facilities located in Research Triangle Park (North Carolina, USA), Fujisawa (Japan), and Greenock (Scotland, UK).
IBM 3760
Introduced in 1975, the IBM 3760 Data Entry Station featured the IBM 3767 as an integrated terminal component. The 3760 formed part of the distributed processing family associated with the IBM 3790 system.
See also
- IBM System/360 and System/370
- IBM 2741
- IBM 3770
- IBM 3270
- Systems Network Architecture (SNA) and Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC)
- IBM SYSTEM/7
References
- IBM 3767 Communication Terminal Operator's Guide (IBM System Reference Library manual GA18-2000)
External links
- IBM history of Far Eastern Languages in Computing. Part 3. IBM Japan taking the lead, accomplishments through the 1990s (IEEE Annals of the History of Computing, Volume 27, Issue 1, Jan.-March 2005)
- GA27-3099 Advanced Functions for Communications System Summary (bitsavers)