HP released its first HP 1000 minicomputer in 1966. Contrary to its name, this model was quite large in modern terms: their performance was considered mid-range at the time. The two extremes: PCs in the modern sense (microcomputer) and mainframes/servers. At the time, minicomputers were easily distinguished by their typical operating system and hardware. This series was the first of HP computers capable of real-time operation (RTE OS - Real-Time Executive Operating System), i.e. it responded to commands immediately.
These machines usually performed special tasks in laboratories, plants and other sites. Their purpose was to collect and process data using sensors. We should note that originally the series were marketed under the name of HP 2100, and they were only later renamed to HP 1000 in the 1970s. Also of interest is the fact that there was a separate 2100 HP model as well.
The 2116A was the first model of the series. It was designed by HP’s Dymec division, after absorbing Data Systems Inc. (DSI). Although the production of the model is ceased in the early 1990s, there are still working pieces on the market. These were all “general purpose computers” which had the typical four basic components of the computers of today: an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a central control unit as well as memory and a peripheral control unit (input and output devices). These parts were connected through buses thus by certain wires.