IBM5352

Definition

IBM5352 is a DISPLAY STATION model in the 5250 family designed to connect to midrange systems via TWINAX cabling. In this context, the terminal operates in a block-oriented mode (the 5250 data stream): the screen is updated as a page/form, and the user sends data to the host system when data entry is complete (typical for data entry and administrative/business applications).

In historical documentation related to IBM SYSTEM/34, models 5351–5354 appear as display station variants with 4800 bps “nonswitched” connectivity (dedicated line), and the 5352 is one of the available configurations.

Usage context (what it is used for in practice)

In a typical installation, IBM5352 is used as:

• An operator workstation for business applications (customer records, orders, inventory, accounting).

• A consultation and data-entry terminal with field-based forms (protected fields, required fields, video attributes).

• In some historical scenarios, also as a reference console/terminal for system access (depending on the site configuration and host system setup).

Logical architecture: 5250 terminal and data stream

The behavior of a 5250-family terminal is based on these concepts:

• 5250 data stream: a set of commands/attributes that define fields, cursor positioning, protections, and display characteristics.

• Field-based screens: the host sends the screen definition and fields; the user fills them and sends a “block” response.

• Work session: the terminal represents a logical session toward the host, managing input, special keyboard functions, and format constraints.

Physical connection: TWINAX and topology

TWINAX connectivity is historically associated with 5250 terminals and enables terminals and printers to be connected to midrange systems. In many installations:

• The terminal connects via twinax cable (or specific adapters, depending on the plant/wiring).

• Daisy-chain/cluster configurations may exist (depending on the controller and installation).

• Historical line speed for certain families/models is on the order of kbps (for example 4800 bps in the variants cited for SYSTEM/34).

Typical user-side functional elements

While details vary by the exact model and keyboard/display options, a 5250 DISPLAY STATION typically provides:

• A keyboard with function keys (F-keys) and editing/positioning keys.

• Field-attribute handling (protected/unprotected, intensity, underscore, etc.).

• Robust data-entry behavior: form-level validation and block send of user input.

Sketch of the most important connections

                 ┌──────────────────────────────┐
                 │   Midrange host system        │
                 │   (e.g., SYSTEM/34 and later) │
                 └──────────────┬───────────────┘
                                │ line / interface
                                │ TWINAX (5250 data stream)
                                ▼
                       ┌──────────────────┐
                       │     IBM5352      │
                       │  5250 DISPLAY    │
                       │  STATION         │
                       └──────────────────┘

Table 1 – Identification and positioning (English)

Table 2 – Operational and design aspects (English)