VT100

VT100
ManufacturerDEC
TypeComputer terminal
Release date1978 (1978)
CPUIntel 8080
Memory3 KB RAM
8 KB ROM
175 byte NVRAM
Display12 in (30 cm) CRT
80x24 or 132x14 characters
SoundSpeaker (in keyboard)
Input83-key detachable keyboard
ConnectivityRS-232 serial
(optional) 20 mA current loop
MassMonitor: 30 lb (14 kg)
Keyboard: 4.5 lb (2.0 kg)
PredecessorVT50
SuccessorVT220

The VT100 is a video terminal, introduced in August 1978 by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). It was one of the first terminals to support ANSI escape codes for cursor control and other tasks, and added a number of extended codes for special features like controlling the status lights on the keyboard. This led to rapid uptake of the ANSI standard, which became the de facto standard for hardware video terminals and later terminal emulators.

The VT100 series, especially the VT102, was extremely successful in the market, and made DEC the leading terminal vendor at the time. The VT100 series was replaced by the VT200 series starting in 1983, which proved equally successful. Ultimately, over six million terminals in the VT series were sold, based largely on the success of the VT100.[1]

  1. ^ "VT 510/520 Video Display Terminal" (PDF). Boundless Technologies. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2015-02-05.