Acorn Second Processors

A second processor was the generic name for a range of parasite processors that could be linked to Acorn's original 8 bit machines via what was called the 'Tube' interface. Basically the host machine became dedicated to handling the Input and Output while the second processor would do the higher level functions (like running your programs).

The second processor ran asynchronously to the host processor allowing incredible increases in execution speed for programs. A wide range of processors were supported this way allowing Acorn's eight bit range of machines to remain viable and useful for much longer than their technology would suggest.

The Second Processors that existed are :-

Z80 second processor.

6 MHz RAM.
64k Memory.
CP/M OS.
External second processor for all eight bit machines.

6502 second processor.

3 MHz RAM.
64k Memory.
Extended version of the BBC MOS.
External processor for all eight bit machines.

32016 second processor.

6 MHz RAM.
256k-4096k Memory.
Panos.
External processor for all eight bit machines.

ARM 1 second processor.

4 MHz RAM. (At a guess...)
4096k Memory.
Brazil OS.
External processor for all eight bit machines.

6502 co-processor. (internal second processor)

4 MHz RAM.
64k Memory.
Extended version of BBC MOS.
Internal processor for Master 128 machines but could be fitted external to the other eight bit machines.

80186 co-processor.

10 MHz RAM.
512k Memory.
DR-DOS+ with GEM.
Internal processor for Master 128 machines but could be fitted external to the other eight bit machines.

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Last edit: 10th Apr 2016 at 4:55pm (2937 days ago)

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