# VT220

> Computer terminal from Digital Equipment Corporation

**Wikidata**: [Q3553018](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3553018)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VT220)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vt220

## Summary
The VT220 is a computer terminal manufactured by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) that was introduced in 1983 as a successor to the VT100. It features an Intel MCS-51 CPU and was designed for computer input/output operations, serving as an electronic device for entering data into and displaying data from computers.

## Key Facts
- Introduced in 1983 as the successor to the VT100 terminal
- Manufactured by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC)
- Uses an Intel MCS-51 CPU for processing
- Replaced the VT100 and was later replaced by the VT320
- Has aliases including VT240 and VT241
- Classified as a computer terminal and computer input/output device
- Available in multiple languages on Wikipedia including English, Spanish, French, and Russian
- Has a sitelink count of 8 across various language editions

## FAQs
### Q: What is the VT220 terminal?
A: The VT220 is a computer terminal produced by Digital Equipment Corporation in 1983 that serves as an input/output device for entering data into and displaying data from computers. It succeeded the VT100 model and features an Intel MCS-51 CPU.

### Q: When was the VT220 released?
A: The VT220 was released in 1983, succeeding the VT100 terminal which was introduced in 1978.

### Q: What CPU does the VT220 use?
A: The VT220 uses an Intel MCS-51 CPU for its processing capabilities.

## Why It Matters
The VT220 represents an important evolution in computer terminal technology during the early 1980s. As a successor to the popular VT100, it provided enhanced capabilities and reliability for users interacting with mainframe and minicomputer systems. Computer terminals like the VT220 were essential for businesses, universities, and research institutions that relied on centralized computing resources, allowing multiple users to access powerful computers simultaneously through dedicated terminals. The VT220's design and functionality helped establish standards for terminal interfaces that influenced subsequent generations of computer-human interaction devices. Its role in facilitating efficient data entry and display made it a valuable tool during a period when graphical user interfaces were not yet widespread, and text-based interaction remained the primary method for computer operation.

## Notable For
- Successor to the widely-used VT100 terminal, maintaining compatibility while improving functionality
- First DEC terminal to use the Intel MCS-51 CPU, marking a shift in hardware architecture
- Part of the VT series that became an industry standard for terminal emulation
- Available in multiple variants including VT240 and VT241 models
- Featured improved display capabilities compared to its predecessor

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The VT220 incorporates an Intel MCS-51 CPU, which provides the processing power necessary for terminal operations. This 8-bit microcontroller architecture was well-suited for the relatively modest computational requirements of terminal emulation and data display tasks.

### Design and Features
As a computer terminal, the VT220 serves as both an input and output device, allowing users to interact with remote computer systems. It features a keyboard for data entry and a display screen for showing information from the connected computer system. The terminal supports various character sets and display modes appropriate for its time.

### Position in Product Line
The VT220 occupies a specific place in DEC's terminal product line, coming after the VT100 (introduced in 1978) and before the VT320. This progression shows DEC's commitment to evolving terminal technology to meet changing user needs and technological capabilities.

### Usage and Applications
Computer terminals like the VT220 were primarily used in business, academic, and research environments where users needed to access centralized computing resources. These terminals allowed multiple users to work with powerful computers simultaneously without requiring individual workstations for each user.

### Documentation and Resources
The VT220 has documentation available in multiple languages, reflecting its international use. Resources exist in Catalan, Spanish, French, Dutch, Portuguese, and Russian, among others, indicating its widespread adoption across different regions and markets.