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OARAC
OARAC
Office of Air Research
Automatic Computer
MANUFACTURER
General Electric Company
Syracuse, New York
OPERATING AGENCY
System Dynamics Analysis Branch
Aeronautical Research Laboratory
Wright Air Development Center
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application General purpose scientific Media Words Access
Timing Synchronous Magnetic Drum 10,000 360 min - 17,000 max
Operation Sequential 44 bits per stored word.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM INPUT
Internal number system Binary-coded decimal Media Speed
(2*-4-2-l) Magnetic Tape 20 words/sec
Decimal digits per word 10 plus sign-
Decimal digits per instruction 2 OUTPUT
Instructions per word 1 Media Speed
Total no. of instructions decoded 21 Magnetic Tape 20 words/sec
Total no. of instructions used 21
Arithmetic system Fixed-point NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Instruction type One-Address (Manual setting Tubes l,40O
with option on next address) Tube types 2
Number range Variable Crystal diodes 7000
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Add time(excluding storage access) 180 microsec
Multiply time(" " ") 6000 microsec
(1-7 millisec)
Divide time (" " ") 12000 microsec
Construction Vacuum-tubes and Drum-storage
Number of rapid access word registers 0
Basic pulse repetition rate 150 kilocycles/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial and Parallel.
CHECKING FEATURES COST
Fixed 18 various alarms Approximate cost of basic system $l80,000
Optional 1 alarm System is owned by USAF.
PHYSICAL FACTORS PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Power consumption, Computer 25 K.W. Daily Operation No. of Eng. No. of Tech.
Space occupied, Computer 600 cu ft 80 sq ft Three 8-hour shifts 3 8
Total weight, Computer 6000 lbs. Two operators per shift. No engineers on
System uses partial output of 40-ton air cond. night shift.
MANUFACTURING RECORD RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Number produced 1 Date unit passed acceptance test 1 April 1953
Number in current operation 1 Date unit passed acceptance test 1 April 1953
Delivery time 18 months Average error free running period 3 hours
Operating ratio 0.75 Good time 75 hours
Attempted to run 100 hours
No. of different kinds of plug-in units 7 basic turrets
No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
air cond.) 2
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OLIVETTI-GBM
OLIVETTI-GBM
Olivetti General
Bookkeeping Machine
MANUFACTURER
Olivetti Corporation of America
580 Fifth Avenue
New York 36, N.Y.
GENERAL SYSTEM ARITHMETIC UNIT
Application General Bookkeeping Add time(excluding storage access) 1700 microsec
Timing Synchronous Construction Vacuum-tubes and Magnetic elements
Operation Sequential Basic pulse repetition rate 70 kilocycles/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial
NUMERCIAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Decimal STORAGE Microsec
Decimal digits per word 12 Media Words Access
Instructions per word Fixed sequence Magnetic Drum 5,000 8500
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Magnetic drum stores 60,000 digits.
Instruction type Three-address code
INPUT CHECKING FEATURES
Media Speed Fixed Checking features are included.
Keyboard Manual
PHYSICAL FACTORS
OUTPUT Power consumption, Computer 3 K.W.
Media Speed Space occupied, Computer 9 ft by 3 ft
Typewriter 10 char/sec
Numerical printing included MANUFACTURING RECORD
Machine was designed on specifications for
NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS a special purpose application.
Tubes 112
Tube types 3
Crystal diodes 1450
Magnetic ele~nts 21
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ORACLE
ORACLE
Oak Ridge Automatic
Computer Logical Engine
MANUFACTURER
Argonne National Laboratory
Lemont, Illinois
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
OPERATING AGENCY
Oak Ridge Laboratory
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
(Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Cc)
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Scientific and engineering calculations Media Words Access
Timing Synchronous storage; asynchronous arithmetic Electrostatic tubes (CRT) 1024 20
Computer was constructed by combined staff of Magnetic Tape 4,000,000
Argonne and Oak Ridge engineers. Four tape drives; 40 bits per word; storage
now uses 2 CRTts for each bit, permitting
NUMERICAL SYSTEM 2043 word operation with "impurity free' RCA
Internal number system Binary computer tubes.
Binary digits per word 40
Binary digits per instruction 9 plus 11 for address INPUT
Instructions per word 2 Media Speed
Total no. of instructions decoded 103 Paper Tape 200 char/sec
Total no. of instructions used 103 Photoelectric reader; base 16 characters are
Arithmetic system Fixed-point used.
Instruction type One-address code
Number range -l <= x <= + 1 -2-39
OUTPUT Media Speed
ARITHMETIC UNIT Paper Tape 20 char/sec
Add time(excluding storage access) 11 microsec A new input-output system is under construction,
Multiply time( " " ") 440 microsec utilizing paper tape and magnetic tape output.
Divide time ( " " ") 440 microsec
Construction Vacuum-tubes NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Number of rapid access word registers 4 Tubes 4000
Arithmetic Mode Parallel
CHECKING FEATURES RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Fixed 0dd-even parity check on electrostatic Date unit passed acceptance test June 1953
and tape storage, utilizing storage redundancy Operating ratio 0.90
and compare. No. of separate cabinets(excluding power
and air cond.) 3 plus console.
PHYSICAL FACTORS
Power consumption, Computer 50 K.W. ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Capacity, Air Cond. 25 tons Two operating modes are possible in the ORACLE.
Mode 1 is the 1024 word mode in which time
MANUFACTURING RECORD multiplex is used between a pair of Williams
Number produced 1 tubes to determine the stored information for
Number in current operation 1 each bit. When either tube reads a dash signal,
a dash is replenished tQ both. This method
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS overcomes the most co~on type of screen blemish
Daily operation No. of Eng. No. of Tech. which would prevent storage of a "1" (dot-da~h).
Two 8-hour shifts 2 3 Mode 2 is the 2048 word mode in which each
No. of Oper. tube stores 1024 bits. The first tube is re-
3 generated in the first half of a major cycle and
the second tube in the second half.
IAS type computer.
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ORDFIAC
ORDFIAC
Ordnance Fiscal and
Inventory Automatic Computer
MANUFACTURER
Underwood Corporation
Electronic Computer Division
Long Island City 6, New York
OPERATING AGENCY
Letterkenny Ordnance Depot
Chambersburg, Pa.
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE
Application Data handling and processing Media Words
Timing Synchronous Magnetic Drum 10,000
Operation Sequential Drum speed is 1800 RPM
300 word magnetic core storage has been
NUMERICAL SYSTEM proposed.
Internal number system Decimal
Decimal digits per word 8 plus sign INPUT
Decimal digits per instruction 16 + 2 signs Media Speed
Digits per instruction not decoded 0-13 depending Card Reader (IBM) 100 cards/min
on instruction Switches 1 word at a time
Instructions per word 1/2 or 1 (overflow instruction)
Total no. of instructions decoded 10 with variations OUTPUT
Total no. of instructions used 10 with variations Media Speed
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Card Punch (IBM) 100 cards/min
Instruction type Three-address code
Number range Absolute value less than one for most NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
operations Tubes 600
Excess - 3 coding is used. Tube types 5
Crystal diodes 6000
ARITHMETIC UNIT 250- 6A07
Add time(excluding storage access) 300 microsec 200-l2ATT
Multiply time( " " " ) 2700 microsec 80-2050
Divide tine ( " " " ) 6400 microsec
Construction Vacuum-tubes and Delay Lines
Number of rapid access word registers 5
Basic pulse repetition rate 105 kilocycles/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial
Square Root requires 7,400 microsec.
Special vector operation a x bj + cj
j from 1 to 100, 1.7 secmax.
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Fixed Error checks for forbidden digits. Daily operation No. of Eng. No. of Tech.
Cbannel relay check. One 8-hour shift 1 2
Card jam error check. Two 8-hour shifts 3 4
Three 8-hour shifts 4 6
PHYSICAL FACTORS
Power consumption, Computer 5 K.W. RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Space occupied, Computer 5 x 16 x 8 ft Date unit passed acceptance test April 1954
No. of different kinds of plug-in units 8
MANUFACTURING RECORD No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
Number produced 1 air cond.) 1
Number in current operation 1
Delivery time required after award of ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
government contract 36 months Contract DA-30-069-ORD-242, Electronic Computer
Corporation; Division of Underwood Corporation.
COST
Approximate cost of basic system $206,000
Additional equipment 3-IBM 523
Rental rates for additional equipment $200.00 per mo
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ORDVAC
ORDVAC
Ordnance Variable
Automatic Computer
MANUFACTURER
Univ. of Illinois
OPERATING AGENCY
U.S. Army Ordnance Corps
Ballistic Research Lab, APG
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Applications Firing and bombing tables, Media Words Digits Access
data reductions and other ballistic Electrostatic 1024 40,960 bits 36
computations. Magnetic Drum 10032 401,280 bits 80,000
Timing Asynchronous /48 words
Operation Sequential Electrostatic storage employs 3" C.R.T. of a
type made for experimental purposes, (RCAC83376B,)
NUMERICAL SYSTEM using 2000 volts accelerating voltage.
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits per word 40 INPUT
Binary digits per instruction 10 Media Speed
Binary digits per instruction not decoded 1 Teletype tape (5 hole) 2.5 words/sec
Instructions per word 2 Punched cards 40 words/sec (bin)
Total number of instructions decoded 72 8 words/sec (dec)
Total number of instructions used 72 Approximately 25 sec are required to fill
A4tbmetic system Fixed-point entire electrostatic storage.
Instruction type One-address
Number range -l<= x < 1 OUTPUT
Sexadecimal representation is used externally. Media
Negative numbers are handled as 2 complements. Teletype page printer 0.4 words/sec
Floating-point operation may be programed. Teletype tape 0.4 words/sec
Punched cards 40 words/sec (bin)
ARITHMETIC UNIT 8 words/sec (dec)
Add time(excluding storage access)50 microsec
Multiply time( " " " ) 750 microsec NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Divide time ( " " " )l000 microsec Tubes 2791
Construction Vacuum-tubes Tube types 12
Number of rapid access word registers 3 Crystal diodes 80
Arithmetic mode Parallel
The abift time is 16 us. in the registers.
Above times are average.
PHYSICAL FACTORS RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Power Consumption, Computer 35 K. W. Date unit passed acceptance test 10 March 1952
Space occupied, Computer 229.3 Ft.3 23 Ft.2 Average error free running period 7 hours
Total weight, Computer 3000 lbs Operating ratio 0.72 Good time 120.7 hrs.
Power Consumption, Air Cond. 10 K W (Figures for 1955) Attempted to run 167 hrs./wk
Space occupied, Air Cond. 122.5 Ft.3 17.5 Ft.2 No. of different kinds of plug-in units 1
Total weight, Air Cond. 2000 lbs. No. of separate cabinets (exc1uding power and
Capacity, Air Cond. 7.5 tons air cond.) 3
Operating ratio figures for 1954:
MANUFACTURING RECORD Operating ratio 0.84 Good tine 141 hrs.
Number produced to date 1 Attempted to run 167 hrs./wk
Number in current operation 1
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
COST The ORDVAC belongs to the group of
Rental rates for additional equipment computers whose basic logic was developed
$165.82 per month by the Institute for Advanced Study. This
The additional rented equipment is: family of computers is made up of such
I.B.M. punch $83.32/month machines as the I.A.S., ILLIAC, ORACLE,
I.B.M. reader $82.50 AVIDAC, MANIAC and the JOHNNIAC.
Approximate cost of basic system $223,000 The ORDVAC is a direct-coupled machine
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS using three-dimensional construction. A
Daily operation No. of Tech. direct-coupled machine is one that connects
3-8 hour shifts 8 the voltage level of one component directly
7 days/week to the input of the next, without voltage
No engineers are assigned to the isolation between. This feature is very
operation of the machine, but are helpful in trouble-shooting the system.
used for development and design of Three-dimensional construction is some-
improvements for the computer. The times called low-capacitance wiring. In
technicians consult with engineers when the OBDVAC three-dimensional wiring is
a total break-down occurs, employed by placing the arithmetic registers
on one side of the cabinet, the arithmetic
and other controls on the other side, and inter-
connected wiring running across the open
space between. The machine can be remotely
controlled from commercial Teletype units.
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PEGASUS
PEGASUS
Ferranti Pegasus Computer
MANUFACTURER
Ferranti Ltd.
Manchester 10, England
OPERATING AGENCY
Ferranti Electric, Inc.
Rockefeller, Plaza
New York 20, New York
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Engineering, science, management Media Words Access
Timing Synchronous Magnetostrictive 55 39 bin/dig. Immediate
Operation Sequential Delay Line
Magnetic Drum 4608 40 bin/dig. 8,000 3750RPM
NUMERICAL SYSTEM The fast-access storage contains 55 magnetostrictive
Internal number system Binary delay lines, each holding one word and to each of
Binary digits per word 39 which there is immediate access. The main storage is
Binary digits per instruction 19 a drum with a revolution-time of 16 millisec. Words
Instructions per word 2 may be transferred between the drum and line storage
Total no. of instructions decoded 64 either in blocks of 8 words or 1 word at a time.
Total no. of instructions used 43
Arithmetic system Fixed-point INPUT
Instruction type Modified Two-address Code Media Speed
Number range -l <= x < 1 Paper Tape-5 hole 200 char/sec
Certain instructions facilitate floating-point A self-checking code is used.
operations. There is a provision for a multiplicity of input
The instructions are a modified two-address devices, e.g. paper-tape, magnetic tape, punched
type and not a "one-plus-one" type. cards, etc.
ARITHMETIC UNIT OUTPUT
Add time(excluding storage access) 315 microsec Media Speed
Multiply time ( " " ") 2000 microsec Paper Tape 15 char/sec
Divide time ( " " " ) 5500 microsec A 25 char/sec punch is being developed.
Construction Vacuum-tubes The paper tape is used to operate a page-teleprinter.
Number of rapid access word registers 5 There is a provision for a multiplicity of output
Basic pulse repetition rate 333 kilocycles/sec devices, e.g. magnetic tape, punched card, high speed
Arithmetic Mode Serial printer, etc.
There are 7 accumulators with full facilities
and 43 ordinary registers with addition and NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
subtraction facilities. Tubes 1300
Crystal diodes 10,000
The logical circuits use only one type of tube.
The remainder of computer, excluding power supply,
uses four types.
CHECKING FEATURES COST
Fixed Drum storage is checked by parity digit. Approximate cost of basic system $150,000
Optional There is an overflow indicator. f.o.b. Factory
The code used on the input-output tapes is
semi-automatically checked. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
One technician or operator is required for
PHYSICAL FACTORS each 8-hour shift. One engineer on call.
Power consumption, Computer 12 K.W.
Space occupied, Computer 250 cu ft 60 sq ft RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Total weight, Computer 2560 lbs No. of different kinds of plug-in units 20
Cooling is by fans venting to the room. The No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
dimensions given above include the control desk and air cond.) 1
power unit; the computer proper has a floor area 75% of plug-in units are of 5 types.
of 20 sq ft; a volume of 137 cu ft and dissipates
8 K.W. The computer and desk weigh 1560 lbs. ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Programming is expedited through the use of
MANUFACTURING RECORD 7 accumulators, each of which may be used to
Number on order 10 modify instructions (B-lines).
Delivery time 12 months Order code transfers information between the
two types of storage.
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PENNSTAC
PENNSTAC
Pennsylvania State University
Automatic Calculator
MANUFACTURER
Pennsylvania State University
Department of Electrical Engineering
State College, Pennsylvania
OPERATING AGENCY
Pennsylvania State University
Digital Computer Laboratory
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Activity of organization Education Media Words Access
Application Education and Research Magnetic Drum 2500 2400 (Avg.)
Operation Sequential Total storage is 27,500 dec. digits.
Access time is with no attempt at optimum
NUMERICAL SYSTEM coding. Two-address system permits coder to
Internal number system Decimal reduce average access time.
Decimal digits per word 10 plus sign
Decimal digits per instruction 2 INPUT
Instructions per word 1 Media Speed
Arithmetic system Fixed and Floating-Point Paper Tape 10 char/sec
Instruction type Two-address code Magnetic Tape is anticipated.
Number range Variable
Decimal point may be set anywhere at start OUTPUT
of problem, using fixe& point operation. It Media Speed
must be retained wherever it is initially set, Paper Tape 10 char/sec
for consistent results. Magnetic Tape is anticipated.
2*421 coded decimal system of notation is used.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Add time(excluding storage access) 80 microsec
Multiply time ( " " ") 1000 mmcrosec
Divide tine ( " " ") 2000 nicrosec
Construction Vacuum-tubes and diodes
Number of rapid access word registers 0
Basic pulse repetition rate 135 kilocycles/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial
NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS MANUFACTURING RECORD
Tubes 1500 Pennstac is under construction
Tube types 5
Crystal diodes 6000 COST
Approximate cost of basic system $100,000
CHECKING FEATURES
Fixed Exceed capacity checks RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Unprogrammed Stop No. of different kinds of plug-in units 20
Wrong combination No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
Synchronization Checks air cond.) 3
Divide by zero Pennstac to be completed late 1955
Product Exceed Capacity
Tape Runout ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Power and cooling failure Students participate in construction and
study on the machine.
PHYSICAL FACTORS
Power consumption, Computer, 15 K.W.
Power consumption, Air cond. 12 K.W.
RAYCOM
RAYCOM
Raytheon Computer
MANUFACTURER
Raytheon Manufacturing Co.
Waltham, Mass.
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE
Application Business Data Processing, including Media
Billing, Sales Analysis, Cost Accounting, Magnetic Tape
Material Accounting, Inventory Control, Payroll Digits or char. in a single word are recorded
Preparation, Labor Accounting and Production serially in one channel of the tape, which is 31
Control. channels wide. Data can be read from and recorded
on the tape at a rate of 56,000 decimal digits per
NUMERICAL SYSTEM second. A single reel is 2800 ft long and stores
Decimal digits per word 11 plus 1 proof plus sign. 34,000,000 decimal digits.
Total no. of instructions used. 32 basic
An alphabetic word contains 8 alphabetic char and INPUT-OUTPUT
a proof digit. Manual preparation of data on punched cards.
Standard keyboard operations (approximately 120
ARITHMETIC UNIT decimal digits per minute).
Calculating, transfer, comparison, and
special Punched-card-to-magnetic-tape conversion.
control orders are performed within the central 900 cards per minute.
machine, at a rate of 1000 multiplications per sec, Printing 150 lines per minute (18,000 char per
4000 additions per second, and 5000 comparisons minute maximum).
per second. Sorting Approximately 3,300,000 decimal digits
of information per minute (equivalent to 40,000
punched cards per minute).
Searching for filed data Raycom scans stored
information at the rate of 560,000 decimal dig.
per sec. Scanning is used to find specific items
filed alphabetically, by file numbers, or by any
other system.
FINAL RESULTS RAYCOM MAGNETIC TAPE
Final results are recorded on magnetic tape. As Raycom magnetic tape consists of magnetic record-
the data is read from the tape, a converter prepares ing material sandwiched between several layers of
it in a form suitable for printing on the IBM 407 or, durable plastic. This construction ensures long tal
if desired, for other types of printing, card punch- life and guards the recorded information against
ing, or tape punching, loss due to wear.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS RAYCOM CIRCUITRY
Raycon uses 32 basic orders: Computing and control circuits in the frame of
8 calculating orders control the addition, subtrac- the central machire employ unitized switching
tion, multiplication, and division of pairs of numbers, and amplifier circuits (packages). These packages
8 transfer orders move numerical and alphabetical are assembled from components mounted on printed
information between different sections of Raycom. wire panels and fastened to individual castings.
Several of these orders are especially designed to
speed up such standard processes as sorting, merging,
and reproducing. Individual switching and amplifier packages are
6 magnetic-tape orders control the reading and connected by printed wire panels.
recording of information on magnetic tape. This group
includes several orders that control the search for
specific items on widely separated sections of tape.
5 comparison orders automatically choose a specific
sequence of orders from several possibilities. For
example, the sequence used to compute the pay of an
employee working only standard hours would be different
from that used to compute the pay of an employee
working standard and overtime hours.
3 control orders sustain the fully automatic
features of Raycom operation.
2 special printing orders provide direct access to
intermediate results.
RAYDAC
RAYDAC
Raytheon Digital
Automatic Computer
MANUFACTURER
Raytheon Manufacturing Company
Waltham, Mass.
OPERATING AGENCY
Computer Control Company, Inc.
U.S. NAMTC
Point Mugu, California
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Scientific computation, Data reduction Media Words Access
Timing Synchronous Mercury Delay 1,152 305 max
NUMERICAL SYSTEM Magnetic Tape 400,000
Internal number system Binary Sonic storage capacity is 41,472 digits.
Four units of magnetic-tape at 100,000 words
Binary digits per word 36
Binary digits per instruction 72 each with block search in either direction.
Instructions per word One-half Separate 32-word addressable buffer storage for
Total no. of instructions used 30 each of 4 tape units.
Arithmetic system Fixed-point INPUT
Instruction type - Four-address Media
Number range -l x + 1
Three floating instructions, +, -, and +x are Paper Tape (teletype)
available. The external memory tapes also serve as the
Two normalizing instructions, input-output medium for the machine.
Problems are prepared for the magnetic tapes
Double-precision addition and subtraction. by using modified teletype equipment and a paper-
to-magnetic tape conversion unit.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Add time(excluding storage access) 38 microsec OUTPUT
Multiply time (" " ") 240 microsec Media
Divide time (" " ") 375 microsec
Construction Vacuum-tubes Paper Tape (teletype)
Results are printed directly from the magnetic
Number of rapid access word registers 4 full-word tape, again using teletype and associated equipment.
and 8 special.
Basic pulse repetition rate 3.77487 Megacycles/sec NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
Arithmetic mode Parallel. Tubes 5200
Tube types 12
Crystal diodes 18,000
CHECKING FEATURES
Fixed Transfer Checks
Arithmetic Checks
Configuration Checks
Checking is built into sequencing equipment,
machine stops rather than produce incorrect answer.
PHYSICAL FACTORS
Power consumption, Computer 30 K.W.
Space occupied, Computer 40 ft by 40 ft Room.
Capacity, Air Cond. 16 tons.
Liquid-cooled Freon 114 circulates through racks.
MANUFACTURING RECORD
Number produced 1
Number in current operation 1
COST
Approximate cost of basic system $1,750,000
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Daily Operation No. of Eng. No. of Tech. Opers.
One 8-hour shift 7 7 2
RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Date first unit passed acceptance test July 1953
Average error free running period 1 hour
Operating ratio 0.70 Good time 42 hours/week
Attempted to run 60 hours/week
No. of different kinds of plug-in units 20
No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
air cond.) 17
Raydac is operated by Computer Control Company,
Inc. for the U.S. Naval Air Missile Test Center,
Point Mugu, California.
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RCA BIZMAC
RCA BIZMAC
Radio Corporation of
America Bismac System
MANUFACTURER
Radio Corporation of America
Rockefeller Plaza
New York, N.Y.
OPERATING AGENCY
U.S.Army Ordnance Tank
and Automotive Command
GENERAL SYSTEM ARITHMETIC UNIT
Application Inventory Control In arithmetic operations, the three addresses are
Timing Asynchronous used to specify the High-Speed storage locations of
the least significant characters, respectively, of
NUMERICAL SYSTEM the operands and the result. Execution time for
Data are organized in the RCA Bizmac System in the each of these instructions is variable, depending
following manner: on the number of characters in the operands. Control
7 bits (6 information + 1 parity) comprise one symbols to the left of operands end the operations.
Bizmac character (63 characters including 10 decimal The following timing formulae are available:
digits, 26 letters, control symbols and editing ADD:
symbols). T (in milliseconds) .17 + .05C
A variable number of related characters preceded where C = number of characters in longest operand.
(on the left) by a control symbol comprises an item MULTIPLY:
corresponding to a word). T (in milliseconds) = .16 + .288 n + .145 mm
A group of related items enclosed by control where m no. of digits in multiplicand
symbols is a message (for handling as a unit on n = no. of digits in multiplier
tape). Division is programmed and the time varies with the
An instruction consists of 8 Bizmac characters type of division used, as well as with the character-
interpreted as follows: istics of the operands. The timing formulae shown
above include instruction-staticizing time, as well
Operation Variation Addresses as transfer-of-data time to and from the storage.
B B A B C Basic construction of the Arithmetic Unit is
_ _ _ Vacuum-tube-diode. There are no programmed rapid-
BB BB BB access registers outside of the 40960-character
There are 22 basic operations which may be varied High-Speed storage. Basic pulse-repetition rate is
by the variation characters to obtain approximately 500 kc throughout the Computer. Arithmetic operations
130 distinct combinations. are primarily serial, although pairs of characters
The Computer may perform decimal and binary arithmetic (one from each operand) are read out in parallel.
operations. Operands are completely variable in
length up to 32 characters (including sign).
STORAGE Microsec OUTPUT
Media Words Access Media Speed
Magnetic Core 4096 char 20 per char Electro-Mechanical Printer 600 lines/min
Magnetic Drum 4092 lines 5120 Magnetic Tape Transcriber 20 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 5000 (Magnetic to Paper Tape)
Magnetic Drum stores 32,736 char. Paper Tape Coder 20 char/sec
Random access to any chain in core storage. (Paper to Teletype Tape)
Char. may be transferred in blocks of 4 or 8, Document Printer 9 char/sec
0.08 millisec per block. (Paper Tape to Typewriter
Interrrogation Unit 4 min/inquiry, avg.
INPUT (Magnetic Tape to Typewriter)
Media Speed With the exception of monitor print (via
Card Transcriber 400 cards/min Flexowriter), the output of all high-speed data-
(Card to Magnetic Tape) processing equipment is magnetic tape: 10,000
Tapewriter & Verifier 5000 strokes/hr characters per second with blanks eliminated by
(Key to Paper Tape) Converted to Mag Tape variable word length.
Paper Tape Decoder Converted to
(Teletype to Paper Tape) Magnetic Tape
Paper Tape Transcriber 200 char/sec
(Paper to Magnetic Tape)
NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS CHECKING FEATURES (cont'd)
Tubes 28,759; types 12 General: Only a partial listing of checking
features is presented above. The RCA Biomac
Crystal diodes 62,897 System makes extensive use of hardware checks
Magnetic elements; storage cores 48,278 to insure reliability of each item of equipment,
pulse trans. 9,619 as well as system checks to insure the proper
Transistors 100 operation of the system as a whole. Many of the
above circuit element totals are for OTAC checks are implicit in the design e.g. no erase
system. while reading) or explicit in special circuits
Tubes 12,128; types 12 (e.g. parity checking).
Crystal diodes 30,481
Magnetic elements: storage cores 37,984 ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
pulse cores 3,168 All equipment items in the RCA Bizmac System
Transistors 30 are desimped to accommodate actual data lengths.
Above circuit element totals for second system. All equipment items in the RCA Bizmac System
are designed to permit eouipment integration, i.e.
CHECKING FEATURES central operation of all equipments, including
Parity. The Bizmac code is designed in such a interconnection of tape Stations and operating
fashion that each character of information contains devices. This means of integration permits parallel
a redundant parity bit for even parity checking. operation of equipment items on `tight' schedule
The various devices in the system contain hardware basis.
for extensive utilization of this feature. In the A separate equipment item, the Sorter, is provided
Computer, information circulating internally or to rearrange information on magnetic tape. It
transferred to and from tape is checked for parity. is provided to sort, merge, and extract said informa-
Adder Comparison: The adder forms two sums (the tion with provisions for variations of these basic
second by using complements of the operands). These operations.
sums must be equal or comparator diarms are registered. A separate equipment item, the Interrogation Unit,
Tape Checks: A) Input checks are provided to assure is an optional part of the system. It is a searoh
that the proper sequence of control symbols is sensed and print-out device which permits prompt access to
(marking the beginning and end of messages). The first any message stored on any Tape Station within the
character read in is checked to see that it is one of RCA Bizmac System.
three permissible control symbols. s) Output: An The Biamac Computer has definite operating
echo signal is used to determine that writing on tape advantages:
has properly taken place. Random composition - read-in.
Program Control: Checks are provided to insure (a) that Random composition - write-out.
instructions are properly located, (b) that drum switch- Full algebraic decimal add, subtract, and multiply
ing is correctly completed, (c) that the flow of basic and binary add and subtract using variable length
machine cycles is correct.
Tape Movement: Positive alarms are used to detect operands are possible.
Magnetic tape and drum storage of programs with automatic
failures in tape movement. In addition, a tape may program input from drum memory
be erased only just before writing on it. Automatic rollback function to permit correction
Instruction Characteristics: The following facilities of transient errors.
are present for use in programs: (a) verify instruction Three address instruction code with operating variations
for data comparison, (b) overflow alarm is a variation provided per instruction.
usable with decimal arithmetic instructions. Addressable character extract.
Computer Stop-Rollback Switch: This device is used to Linear-time-dependent transfer of data.
reduce manual intervention when certain types of errors Automatic zero suppression.
are detected: parity, adder comparison, programmed Specific instruction provision for handling subroutines.
verify nnd overflow, control-symbol sequence incoming
from tape. When the switch is in the rollback position
a transfer of control will be made to a specific drum
line, permitting attempts to repeat the affected operation.
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READIX
READIX
Rea Computer
MANUFACTURER
J.B. Rea Company, Inc.
Santa Monica, California
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Scientific and business computing Media Words Access
Timing Synchronous Magnetic Drum 4,000 17,000
Operation Sequential Magnetic Drum 160 8,000
Magnetic Drum 4 440
NUMERICAL SYSTEM Magnetic Tape 50,000/reel (0.5-240)x106
Internal number system Decimal Punched Card 8/card 0.6xl06Decimal digits per word10 plus sign The drum units store 40,000
Decimal digits per word 10 plus sign The drum units store 40,000 dec dig perma-
Decimal digits per instruction 5 nently and 1600 and 40 digits, respecting
Decimal digits per instruction not decoded 5 on a recirculating basis.
Instructions per word 2
Total no. of instructions decoded 5 INPUT
Total no. of instructions used 57 Media Speed
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Punched Cards (IBM) 100 cards/min
Instruction type One-address code Magnetic Tape 15 inches/sec
Number range +9,999,999,999. Paper Tape 5 words/sec
Computer is available for either fixed point Photo Electric Varied
operation alone, or for fixed point and floating (Tape Reader)
point operation. Electric Typewriter Manual
ARITHMETIC UNIT The card equipment handles 8000 dec dig/min
Add time(excluding storage access) 440 microsec max.
Multiply time(" " ") 25,000 microsec, max The magnetic tape equipment handles 1000 dec
Divide time ((" " ") 40,0OO microsec, max dig/sec.
Construction Vacuum-tubes
Number of rapid access word registers 4 OUTPUT
Basic pulse repetition rate 100 kilocycles/sec Media
Arithmetic mode Serial Punched Cards (IBM) 100 cards/min
Magnetic Tape 15 inches/sec
Paper Tape 3 words/sec
Electric Typewriter 10 char/sec
(Flexowriter)
Plotter 1 point/sec
The plotter produces a 11 in x 17 in plot.
NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS COST
Tubes 265 Approximate cost of basic system $55,000.
Tube types 3 Additional equipment
Crystal diodes 4400 Magnetic Tape $10,300
Magnetic reference and power supply Plotter Output 4,800
Punched Card Tie 10,800
CHECKING FEATURES The rental rate for the system at the
Fixed Non-existant code check manufacturing plant is $40.00 per hour.
Parity check on magnetic tape.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
PHYSICAL FACTORS Daily Operation Techs or Operators
Power consumption, Computer 6 K.W. One 8-hour shift 1
Space occupied 134 cu ft 32 sq ft Two 8-hour shifts 2
Total weight 1000 lbs Three 8-hour shifts 3
MANUFACTURING RECORD RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Number produced 1 No. of different kinds of plug-in units 10
Number in current operation 1 No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
Number on order 6 air cond.) 2
Delivery time 4 months Agencies scheduled to operate system:
Delivery time dependent on current backlog Air Tecbnical Intelligence Center
at time of receipt of order. W-PAFB, Ohio
Naval Ordnance Laboratory
White Oak, Maryland
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Floating point number range
+(lO8-1) x 1049 to 1x1050
Each 1200 foot magnetic tape can store 50,000
ten digit alpha-numeric words.
As standard equipment the Readix contains two
internal test panels. The dynamic and a static
test panels check the plug-in boards and logical
diodes respectively.
SEAC
SEAC
Standards Electronic
Automatic Computer
MANUFACTURER
U.S. Department of Co~erce
National Bureau of Standards
Washington 25, D.C.
OPERATING AGENCY
National Bureau of Standards
Data Processing Systems Division
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application General Data Processing, Scientific Media Words Digits Access
Calculations, Egineering Development Acoustic 512 24,576 216 (Avg.)
Timing Synchronous Electrostatic 512 24,576 12
Operation Sequential Magnetic Tape 57,600
Magnetic tape speed is 60 words/sec.
NUMERICAL SYSTEM Average effective access time to the electrostatic
Internal number system Binary storage is 60 microsec.
Binary digits per word 44 binary plus sign Acoustic and electrostatic storage may be used
Binary digits per instruction 45 together in computation.
Binary digits per instruction not decoded 0
Instructions per word 1 INPUT
Total no. of instructions decoded 16 Media Speed
Total no. of instructions used 16 Keyboard (Teletype) 6 char/sec
Arithmetic system Fixed-point Paper Tape (Teletype) 6 char/sec
Instruction type Three or four address code Magnetic Wire (pierce) 3500 binary dig/sec
Number range -4 + 2-42 to +442
SEAC may be operated in either the 3 or 4 address OUTPUT
mode. Media Speed
Printer (Teletype) 6 char/sec
ARITHMETIC UNIT Paper Tape (Teletype 6 char/sec
Add time (excluding storage access) 48 microsec Magnetic Wire 3500 binary dig/sec
(Incl. access 0.192-1.54 ms)
Multiply tine(excluding storage access )2112 microsec NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
(Incl. access 2.3-3.6 ins) Tubes 1424
Divide time(excluding storage access)2112 microsec Tube types 34
(Incl access 2.3-3.6 ms) Crystal diodes 15,159
Construction Vacuum-tubes, Diodes, Delay Lines, 25 Relays
transformers. 1200 Pulse Transformers
Number of rapid access word registers 3
Basic pulse repetition rate 1 megacycle/sec
Arithmetic Mode Serial
CHECKING FEATURES PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Fixed Parity check for acoustic storage Daily Operation No. of Eng. No. of Tech or Oper.
Three 8-hour shifts 6 20
PHYSICAL FACTORS
Power consumption, Computer 15 K.W. RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Space occupied, Computer 155 sq ft Date unit passed acceptance test May 1950
Power consumption, Air Cond. 2000 cfn at 50o F Average error free running period 3 hours
Operating ratio 0.75 Good time 18,000 hours
MANUFACTURING RECORD Attempted to run 24,000 hours
Number produced 1 No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and
Number in current operation 1 air cond.) 18
SEAC is not in production
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
SEAC has two counter registers which may be used
for progran sequencing and address base numbers.
See DYSEAC.
SWAC
SWAC
Standard Western
Automatic Computer
MANUFACTURER
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Bureau of Standards
Washington 25, D.C.
OPERATING AGENCY
University of California
Department of Mathematics
Numerical Analysis Research
Los Angeles 24, California
GENERAL SYSTEM STORAGE Microsec
Application Research in numerical analysis; Media Words Access
scientific computing Electrostatic (Williams Tube) 256 16
Timing Synchronous Magnetic Drum 4096 17,000
Operation Sequential 37 Binary digits per stored word.
Timing for magnetic drum is separate. New 8192-word drum on order
NUMERICAL SYSTEM INPUT
Internal number system Binary Media Speed
Binary digits per word 37 including sign Cards 44 words/sec
Binary digits per instruction 36 Keyboard (Console) Manual (10 sec/word)
Instructions per word 1
Total no. of instructions used 13 OUTPUT
Arithmetic system Fixed-Point Media Speed
Instruction type Four-address code Cards 40 words/min
Number range -1 + 2-36 to 1-2-36 Line Printer 80 lines/min
considering binary point at left of word. Typewriter 8 char/sec
50% of card output is useful for reloading into
ARITHMETIC UNIT machine
Add tine(excluding storage access) 6 microsec Line Printer has 73 characters.
(64 microsec inc access)
Multiply time(excl storage access )269 microsec NUMBER OF CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
(368 microsec inc access) Tubes 2600
Construction Vacuum-tubes Tube types 29
Number of rapid access word registers 3 Crystal diodes 3700
Basic pulse repetition rate 125 kilocycles/sec
Arithmetic Mode Parallel CHECKING FEATURES
Rapid access word registers not available to Fixed Parity check will be installed on new drum.
programmer.
PHYSICAL FACTORS PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Power consumption, Computer 30 K.W. Daily Operation No. of Eng. No. of Operators
Space occupied; Computer 4' x 12' for SWAC 2' x 7' Two 8-hour shifts 2 Programmers operate
for Drum
Capacity Air Cond. 4800 Cu ft/mm of outside air. RELIABILITY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE
Operating ratio 0.95 Good time 4150 hours
MANUFACTURING RECORD Attempted to run 4339 hours
Number produced 1 No. of different kinds of plug-in units 7
Number in current operation 1 with spares; 50-40 without spares.
No. of separate cabinets(excluding power and air
cond.) 2 plus console and input-output devices.
COST
Computer was constructed by the National Bureau of
Standards with financial support of Flight Research ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Laboratory, Wright Air Development Center WPAFB. Title to computer now rests with the office of
Naval Research.
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