NuBus expansion slots
NuBus was a 32-bit parallel computer bus architecture, characterized by its processor independence, synchronous operation, and revolutionary auto-configuration (plug-and-play) capabilities. Developed at MIT and later standardized as IEEE 1196, it gained prominence as the primary expansion bus…
Key facts
- First appeared
- 1982
- Category
- technology
- Problem solved
- NuBus was created to address the significant challenges posed by older expansion bus architectures, which were typically tied to specific CPU architectures, suffered from performance bottlenecks, and required complex, manual configuration (jumpers, DIP switches) to avoid resource conflicts. It aimed to provide a high-performance, processor-independent, and self-configuring expansion solution for advanced workstations.
- Platforms
- Sun Microsystems (limited early models), Texas Instruments Explorer LISP Machine, Apple Macintosh (Macintosh II, IIfx, IIci, IIsi, IIvx, Quadra, Centris, Performa 6100), NeXT Computer (NeXT Cube, NeXTstation)
Related technologies
Notable users
- Apple Computer
- Texas Instruments
- NeXT Computer
- Sun Microsystems