Risc PC: Difference between revisions
imported>Chris the speller m →After Acorn: replaced: specially-designed → specially designed |
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<!-- include the [[File:]] tag -->| caption = Acorn Risc PC 600 with two case slices, 3.5-inch disk drive and DVD-ROM drive | <!-- include the [[File:]] tag -->| caption = Acorn Risc PC 600 with two case slices, 3.5-inch disk drive and DVD-ROM drive | ||
<!-- include if image is not a logo -->| developer = [[Acorn Computers]] | <!-- include if image is not a logo -->| developer = [[Acorn Computers]] | ||
| manufacturer = [[Acorn Computers]], [[Castle Technology]]<ref name="Acorn press release 1998-10-12">{{cite | | manufacturer = [[Acorn Computers]], [[Castle Technology]]<ref name="Acorn press release 1998-10-12">{{cite press release | title = Acorn announces distribution deal with Castle Technology for RISC based products | date = 1998-10-12 | publisher = Acorn Computers Ltd | url = http://www.acorn.co.uk/acorn/news/press/castle.html | access-date = 2011-01-06 | quote = Acorn announced today that it has completed negotiations with Castle Technology for them to distribute Acorn products. | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19990506180305/http://www.acorn.co.uk/acorn/news/press/castle.html | archive-date = 1999-05-06}}</ref> | ||
| family = | | family = | ||
| type = | | type = | ||
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| discontinued = {{Start date|2003|11|11|df=y}}<ref name="CastlePress 2003-11-11">{{Cite newsgroup | | discontinued = {{Start date|2003|11|11|df=y}}<ref name="CastlePress 2003-11-11">{{Cite newsgroup | ||
| title = Risc PC to Cease Production | | title = Risc PC to Cease Production | ||
| | | first = Mike | last = Williams | ||
| date = 11 November 2003 | | date = 11 November 2003 | ||
| newsgroup = comp.sys.acorn.announce | | newsgroup = comp.sys.acorn.announce | ||
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| compatibility = | | compatibility = | ||
| predecessor = [[Acorn Archimedes|Archimedes]] series | | predecessor = [[Acorn Archimedes|Archimedes]] series | ||
| successor = [[Phoebe (computer)|Phoebe]], [[Iyonix PC]], [[A9home]] | | successor = [[Phoebe (computer)|Phoebe]] (cancelled), [[Iyonix PC]], [[A9home]] | ||
<!-- predecessors / successors listed chronologically -->| related = [[Acorn A7000|A7000]] | <!-- predecessors / successors listed chronologically -->| related = [[Acorn A7000|A7000]] | ||
| website = {{web archive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980202060639/http://www.acorn.com/acorn/products/desktop/section.cgi?section=rpc|title=acorn.com}} | | website = {{web archive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980202060639/http://www.acorn.com/acorn/products/desktop/section.cgi?section=rpc|title=acorn.com}} | ||
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}} | }} | ||
'''Risc PC''' | '''Risc PC''' is<!--Although discontinued, they still exist. Past tense is inappropriate.--> a range of personal computers launched in 1994 by [[Acorn Computers|Acorn]], replacing the [[Acorn Archimedes|Archimedes]] series. The machines use an [[ARM architecture family|ARM]] CPU, developed by Acorn spinoff company [[Arm Holdings|ARM]], and were thereby not [[IBM PC–compatible|IBM PC-compatible]].<ref name="AcornDevNews 33, 1994-04-30">{{cite news |date=1994-04-30 |title=Acorn launches the Risc PC |work=Developers' Newsletter |issue=33 |publisher=[[Acorn Computers]] |url=http://chrisacorns.computinghistory.org.uk/docs/Acorn/DN/Acorn_DevNL33.pdf |access-date=2018-01-26 |quote=... on Friday April 15th ...}}</ref><ref name="chris-rpc">{{cite web |year=2009 |website=Chris's Acorns |title=Risc PC Computers |url=http://chrisacorns.computinghistory.org.uk/Computers/RiscPCComputers.html |access-date=2018-01-26 |first=Chris |last=Whytehead}}</ref><!--SPS exception for subject matter expert--> | ||
At launch, the original Risc PC 600 model was fitted as standard with an ARM 610, a 32-bit RISC CPU with 4 KB of cache and clocked at 30 MHz. CPU technology advanced rapidly in this period though and within only two years a DEC [[StrongARM]] could be installed at 233 MHz which was around 8 times faster.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RiscPC processors | At launch, the original Risc PC 600 model was fitted as standard with an ARM 610, a 32-bit RISC CPU (with 26-bit address bus) with 4 KB of cache and clocked at 30 MHz. CPU technology advanced rapidly in this period though and within only two years a DEC [[StrongARM]] could be installed at 233 MHz which was around 8 times faster.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RiscPC processors – ARM 610, ARM710 and StrongARM |url=https://www.retro-kit.co.uk/page.cfm/content/RiscPC-processors/index.html#StrongARM |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Retro-kit}}</ref> | ||
The machines were supplied with the [[RISC OS]] operating system which has a windowed cooperative multi-tasking design. Unusually for a PC of the period the O/S was stored in [[Read-only memory|ROM]], which enabled a relatively fast boot time. In addition Acorn sold a Virtual PC package that permitted x86 applications to be run in a virtual machine | The machines were supplied with the [[RISC OS]] operating system which has a windowed cooperative multi-tasking design. Unusually for a PC of the period the O/S was stored in [[Read-only memory|ROM]], which enabled a relatively fast boot time. In addition Acorn sold a Virtual PC package that permitted x86 applications to be run in a virtual machine; they also supported the development of an ARM Linux distribution from 1996.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview with Russell King, originator of the ARM Linux port [kerneltrap] |url=https://linuxdevices.org/interview-with-russell-king-originator-of-the-arm-linux-port-kerneltrap/ |access-date=2025-02-19}}</ref> | ||
In contrast to most contemporary IBM clones, the machines supported multiple processors as a standard feature. Secondary (or "guest") CPUs did not need to be ARM based and could be an entirely different architecture. It was possible to add an [[x86]] CPU which enabled use of operating systems including [[DOS]] and [[Windows 95]]. Cards could often be added to other machines of the era to run DOS software but more usually these would implement the majority of an IBM PC clone on the card. The Risc PC required only the addition of the relevant CPU with some interface logic. | In contrast to most contemporary IBM clones, the machines supported multiple processors as a standard feature. Secondary (or "guest") CPUs did not need to be ARM based and could be an entirely different architecture. It was possible to add an [[x86]] CPU which enabled use of operating systems including [[DOS]] and [[Windows 95]]. Cards could often be added to other machines of the era to run DOS software but more usually these would implement the majority of an IBM PC clone on the card. The Risc PC required only the addition of the relevant CPU with some interface logic. | ||
Alternative operating systems ran concurrently with RISC OS in a window. Applications from both operating systems could run at the same time in a similar fashion to a [[virtual machine]] with data shared between them. While now a ubiquitous technology, this was a less common feature in 1994 and more usually only one operating system would run at once on a single PC. | |||
The Risc PC had a novel case design where additional chassis, known as "slices", could be stacked on top of each other, expanding the height of the machine. Up to six additional slices could be stacked, each containing additional drives or expansion cards (known as "podules"). At the time the IBM clone industry was standardised around the PCI bus, but Acorn used its own bus implementation that was not compatible and required its own unique expansion cards. The machines did use the then industry standard IDE or [[SCSI]] drives found in contemporary PCs. | The Risc PC had a novel case design where additional chassis, known as "slices", could be stacked on top of each other, expanding the height of the machine. Up to six additional slices could be stacked, each containing additional drives or expansion cards (known as "podules"). At the time the IBM clone industry was standardised around the [[Peripheral Component Interconnect|PCI bus]], but Acorn used its own bus implementation that was not compatible and required its own unique expansion cards. The machines did use the then industry standard IDE or [[SCSI]] drives found in contemporary PCs. | ||
Acorn discontinued production of the Risc PC in 1998 after a corporate reorganisation but [[Castle Technology]] continued manufacturing the machines until 2003 and subsequently then produced their own similar designs. RISC OS is still available after becoming an open source product.<ref>{{Cite web | | Acorn discontinued production of the Risc PC in 1998 after a corporate reorganisation but [[Castle Technology]] continued manufacturing the machines until 2003 and subsequently then produced their own similar designs. RISC OS is still available after becoming an open source product.<ref>{{Cite web |website=RISC OS Open |title=Welcome |url=https://www.riscosopen.org/content/ |access-date=2023-09-10}}</ref> | ||
== Technical specifications == | == Technical specifications == | ||
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[[Category:Computers designed in the United Kingdom]] | [[Category:Computers designed in the United Kingdom]] | ||
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 1994]] | [[Category:Computer-related introductions in 1994]] | ||
[[Category:32-bit computers]] | |||
Latest revision as of 13:50, 9 October 2025
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Risc PC is a range of personal computers launched in 1994 by Acorn, replacing the Archimedes series. The machines use an ARM CPU, developed by Acorn spinoff company ARM, and were thereby not IBM PC-compatible.[1][2]
At launch, the original Risc PC 600 model was fitted as standard with an ARM 610, a 32-bit RISC CPU (with 26-bit address bus) with 4 KB of cache and clocked at 30 MHz. CPU technology advanced rapidly in this period though and within only two years a DEC StrongARM could be installed at 233 MHz which was around 8 times faster.[3]
The machines were supplied with the RISC OS operating system which has a windowed cooperative multi-tasking design. Unusually for a PC of the period the O/S was stored in ROM, which enabled a relatively fast boot time. In addition Acorn sold a Virtual PC package that permitted x86 applications to be run in a virtual machine; they also supported the development of an ARM Linux distribution from 1996.[4]
In contrast to most contemporary IBM clones, the machines supported multiple processors as a standard feature. Secondary (or "guest") CPUs did not need to be ARM based and could be an entirely different architecture. It was possible to add an x86 CPU which enabled use of operating systems including DOS and Windows 95. Cards could often be added to other machines of the era to run DOS software but more usually these would implement the majority of an IBM PC clone on the card. The Risc PC required only the addition of the relevant CPU with some interface logic.
Alternative operating systems ran concurrently with RISC OS in a window. Applications from both operating systems could run at the same time in a similar fashion to a virtual machine with data shared between them. While now a ubiquitous technology, this was a less common feature in 1994 and more usually only one operating system would run at once on a single PC.
The Risc PC had a novel case design where additional chassis, known as "slices", could be stacked on top of each other, expanding the height of the machine. Up to six additional slices could be stacked, each containing additional drives or expansion cards (known as "podules"). At the time the IBM clone industry was standardised around the PCI bus, but Acorn used its own bus implementation that was not compatible and required its own unique expansion cards. The machines did use the then industry standard IDE or SCSI drives found in contemporary PCs.
Acorn discontinued production of the Risc PC in 1998 after a corporate reorganisation but Castle Technology continued manufacturing the machines until 2003 and subsequently then produced their own similar designs. RISC OS is still available after becoming an open source product.[5]
Technical specifications
Use
The Risc PC was used by music composers and scorewriters to run the Sibelius scorewriting software.[6]
Between 1994 and 2008, the Risc PC and A7000+ were used in television for broadcast automation, programmed by the UK company OmniBus Systems: once considered "the world leader in television station automation" and at one point automating "every national news programme on terrestrial television in the United Kingdom".[7] The Risc PC, in the form of the OmniBus Workstation, and a customised version of the A7000+ built into a 19-inch rack mount unit, known as the OmniBus Interface Unit, were used to control/automate multiple television broadcast devices from other manufacturers in a way that was unusual at the time. In 2002, OmniBus products were "in constant use worldwide at nearly 100 broadcasters" including the BBC and ITN.[8]Template:Rp
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- 1994 – Risc PC 600 launched, featuring a 30 MHz ARM610 CPU.[2]
- 1995 – 40 MHz ARM710 CPU upgrade and Risc PC 700 model launched.[2][9]
- 1996 – 200 MHz StrongARM CPU upgrade released, offering a five-fold increase in raw processing power compared to the ARM7 used in the previous high-end machines.[10]
- 1997 – Acorn launch Acorn J233 StrongARM Risc PC, featuring an uprated 233 MHz model of StrongARM and including Browser and Java software.[11]
- 1998 – Castle Technology acquire the rights to continue to market and produce the Risc PC during the breakup of Acorn Computers.[12]
- 2000 – In May, Castle Technology reveal the Kinetic Risc PC range which included a faster processor card with onboard memory.[13]
- 2001 – Viewfinder Podule, AGP adapter allows the use of IBM PC clone AGP graphics cards (e.g. a range of ATI Rage and Radeon).[14]
- 2003 – Castle Technology announce the end of production and sale of the Risc PC.[12]
Risc PC 2
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Acorn set about designing the Risc PC 2, later renamed to Phoebe 2100Template:Snd a design with a 64 MHz front-side bus, PCI slots, and a yellow NLX form-factor case.[15] Slated for release in late 1998, the project was abandoned just before completion, when Acorn's Workstation Division was closed. Only two prototypes were ever built, and one was publicly displayed for historical interest at the RISC OS 2001 show in Berkshire, England.[16] The remaining cases were bought by CTA Direct who sold them off to the public.[17]
After Acorn
In 2003 it was confirmed that no more Risc PCs would be produced.[12] However RISC OS computers based on other ARM processors machines have been manufactured by companies since this date.
- Castle Technology – Iyonix PC based on the Intel XScale ARM processor and PCI bus
- Advantage Six – A9home based on the Samsung S3C2440 ARM processor
- RiscStation – R7500 based on the ARM7500-FE processor
Significantly better performance has been reached on the aged Risc PC design by using the newer 203 (and later 236) MHz StrongARM CPU, using third-party video cards, overclocking, and having specially designed CPU cards with RAM located upon them to sidestep the speed bottleneck of the slow system bus.
Limitations
The 16 MHz front-side bus is usually recognised as being the most significant fault of the computer; and the arrival of the (five times faster) StrongARM processor in 1996 meant that the Risc PC had a CPU significantly faster than the computer had been designed for. Acorn had originally expected ARM CPUs to progress from the 30 MHz ARM6 to the 40 MHz ARM7, and then onto the ARM8 cores, which at the time were clocked at around 50–80 MHz. In 2000, Castle released "Kinetic", a new StrongARM processor board with its own onboard memory slots augmenting main memory, reducing the need to negotiate the slow front-side bus for memory accesses.
The podule bus on the Risc PC can achieve a maximum data throughput of approximately 6100 KByte/s. It is 32-bit and Risc PC predecessors have a 16-bit bus.[18] For comparison, the PCI bus, which was available in systems at the time of the Risc PC's introduction, is over 20 times faster. The transfer of 650 MB would take 2 minutes via podule, compared to 5 seconds via PCI.
See also
References
External links
- Acorn's 10-slice Rocket Ship Risc PC, including pizza oven and kitchen sink
- Castle reveal Kinetic Risc PC to the press
- Risc PC 10th Birthday
- Risc PC production ceases
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