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The IBM 7080 was a variable word length BCD transistor computer in the IBM 700/7000 series commercial architecture line, introduced in August 1961, that provided an upgrade path from the vacuum tube IBM 705 computer.
After the introduction of the IBM 7070, in June 1960, as an upgrade path for both the IBM 650 and IBM 705 computers, IBM realized that it was so incompatible with the 705 that few users of that system wanted to upgrade to the 7070. That prompted the development of the 7080, which was fully compatible with all models of the 705 and added many improvements.
IBM 705 compatibility modes
For backward compatibility with the IBM 705 the machine had two switches on the operator's control panel, 705 I-II and 40K memory, that selected the mode the machine started in.
Software can then command the 7080 to enter full 7080 mode from any 705 startup mode.
Regardless of mode, the 7080 operates at full 7080 speed.
The 7080 system included the IBM 7622 Signal Control, which converted transistor signal levels to levels usable with first generation equipment, allowing all 705 peripherals, including punched card input/output, line printers and the IBM 727 magnetic tape drives, to be used on the 7080. Second generation IBM 729 tape drives connected to the CPU via the IBM 7621 Tape Control.