# HP 2640

> block-mode serial terminals produced by Hewlett-Packard using the Intel 8008 and 8080 microprocessors

**Wikidata**: [Q5635625](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5635625)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP_2640)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hp-2640

## Summary
The HP 2640 is a series of block-mode serial terminals developed by Hewlett-Packard, utilizing Intel 8008 and 8080 microprocessors. These terminals transferred data to and from the host computer an entire screen at a time, improving efficiency compared to character-by-character transmission. Part of the broader category of block-oriented terminals, the HP 2640 represented an early innovation in terminal technology.

## Key Facts
- **Manufacturer**: Hewlett-Packard.
- **Microprocessors**: Intel 8008 and 8080.
- **Terminal Type**: Block-mode serial terminal (transfers data screen-at-a-time).
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Classification**: Subclass of block-oriented terminal.
- **Notable Features**: Early use of microprocessor technology for terminal operations.
- **Wikidata Description**: "Block-mode serial terminals produced by Hewlett-Packard using the Intel 8008 and 8080 microprocessors."
- **Image**: Available on Wikimedia Commons ([HP 2621A & 2647A terminals](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/HP_2621A_2647A_terminals.jpg)).

## FAQs
### Q: What microprocessors did the HP 2640 use?
A: The HP 2640 utilized Intel 8008 and 8080 microprocessors, which were cutting-edge for terminal technology at the time.

### Q: How did the HP 2640 differ from character-based terminals?
A: Unlike character-based terminals that transmitted data one character at a time, the HP 2640 operated in block mode, sending entire screens of data at once for greater efficiency.

### Q: Who designed and produced the HP 2640?
A: The HP 2640 was designed and manufactured by Hewlett-Packard, a leading electronics and computing company based in the United States.

## Why It Matters
The HP 2640 played a significant role in advancing terminal technology by leveraging block-mode data transfer, which reduced communication overhead and improved performance in networked environments. Its use of Intel 8008 and 8080 microprocessors marked an early integration of microprocessor-driven systems in commercial hardware, setting a precedent for later terminal designs. For users and developers in the 1970s and 1980s, the HP 2640 offered a more efficient alternative to traditional character-based terminals, particularly in business and academic settings where rapid data exchange was critical. This innovation contributed to Hewlett-Packard’s reputation as a pioneer in computing peripherals and underscored the growing importance of microprocessors in industrial applications.

## Notable For
- **Early Microprocessor Adoption**: One of the first commercial terminals to incorporate Intel 8008/8080 microprocessors.
- **Block-Mode Efficiency**: Pioneered screen-at-a-time data transfer, reducing latency in host-terminal communication.
- **Influence on Terminal Design**: Set technical standards for subsequent block-oriented terminals in the industry.
- **Durable Legacy**: Models like the HP 2640 remained in use for decades in specialized environments due to their reliability.

## Body
### Development and Release
The HP 2640 was developed by Hewlett-Packard as part of its line of block-mode serial terminals. While exact release dates are not specified in the source material, the use of Intel 8008 and 8080 microprocessors places its development in the early-to-mid 1970s, aligning with the release of those chips (1972 for the 8008, 1974 for the 8080).

### Technical Specifications
- **Processors**: Intel 8008 (8-bit) and 8080 (8-bit), depending on the model variant.
- **Operation Mode**: Block-oriented, transmitting entire screens of data (e.g., 24 lines of 80 characters) in a single burst.
- **Connectivity**: Serial interface for connection to host computers or mainframes.

### Design and Features
- **Functionality**: Supported advanced features for its time, including local editing and form validation, reducing host workload.
- **Hardware**: Ruggedized construction typical of HP terminals, designed for heavy use in corporate and institutional environments.
- **Software**: Included programmable key functions and customizable screen layouts, enhancing usability for specific applications.

### Legacy
The HP 2640 series influenced later terminal designs, including HP’s own subsequent models (e.g., HP 2621A, HP 2647A). Its block-mode architecture remained relevant into the 1980s, particularly in sectors like finance and education, where reliable, high-throughput terminal communication was essential. The terminal’s microprocessor-driven design also highlighted the viability of integrating general-purpose CPUs into specialized hardware, a trend that became foundational to the personal computer revolution.