The PDP-16 (Programmed Data Processor-16)[1][2] was mainly intended for industrial control systems, but with more capability than DEC's PDP-14.
[3] The 16/M was nicknamed "Subminicomputer" and described as "a small microprogrammable computer.
"[4] The general-purpose modules included: The control structure was similar to a flow chart, which was very familiar to software developers.
As a result, the PDP-16 opened up digital system design to those with experience writing software but less hardware design experience than was traditionally required for this work.
The economic strength of the PDP-16 was that it was effective "for designing unique (or relatively low production volume) systems.