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BRL 1961, EDVAC, start page 0236
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EDVAC
Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer
MANUFACTURER
Moore School of Electrical Engineering
University of Pennsylvania
Photo
U. S. Army Photo
APPLICATIONS
Ballistic Research Laboratories
Exterior ballistics problems such as high altitude,
solar and lunar trajectories, computation for the
preparation of firing tables and guidance control data for
Ordnance weapons, including free flight and guided
missiles.
Interior ballistic problems, including projectile,
propellant and launcher behavior, e.g. physical
characteristics of solid propellants, equilibrium
composition and thermodynamic properties of rocket
propellants, computation of detonation waves for reflected
shock waves, vibration of gun barrels and the flow of fluids
in porous media.
Terminal ballistic problems, including nuclear,
fragmentation and penetration effects in such areas as
explosion kinetics, shaped charge behavior, ignition, and
heat transfer.
Ballistic measurement problems, including
photogrammetric, ionospheric, and damping of satellite
spin calculations, reduction of satellite doppler tracking
data, and computation of satellite orbital
elements.
Weapon systems evaluation problems, including anti-
aircraft and anti-missile evaluation, war game problems,
linear programming for solution of Army logistical
problems, probabilities of mine detonations, and lethal
area and kill probabilities of mine detonations, and
lethal area and kill probability studies of missiles.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits per word 44
Binary digits per instruction 4 bits/command
10 bits each address
Instructions per word 1
Instructions decoded 16
Instructions used 12
Arithmetic system Floating and Fixed point
Instruction type Four-address code
BRL 1961, EDVAC, start page 0237
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Photo
U. S. Army Photo
EDVAC Floating Point
Number range
Fixed -(1-2-43) n (1-2-43)
Floating -(1-2-33)2511 <= n <= (1-2-33)2511
The fractional part of floating point number has 33 bits
plus sign, and the exponent of 2 may range from -512 to
+511.
Instruction word format
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
| A-Add | B-Add | C-Add | D-Add | Order |
| 1 - 10 | 11 - 20 | 21- 30 | 31-40 | 41 - 44 |
+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Microsec
Add time (includ. stor. access) 864
(min 192 max 1,536)
Mult time (includ. stor. access) 2,880
(min 2,.208 max 3,552)
Div time (includ. store access) 2,930
(min 2,256 max 3,600)
Construction Vacuum-tubes and Diode-gates
Number of rapid access word registers 4
Basic pulse repetition rate 1.0 megacycle/sec
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
Operation Sequential
STORAGE
Number Number of
Media of Words Digits Access Microsec
Mercury A.D.L. 1,024 48-384 48-384
Magnetic Drum 4,608 48/Word 17,000
Includes relay hunting and closure.
The rate of information transfer to and from the drum is
at one megacycle per second. The block length is optional
from 1 to 384 words per transfer instruction.
Magnetic Tape 48/Word
Maximum number of units that can
be connected to the system 7 Units
Maximum number of characters per
linear inch of tape 112 Char/inch
Channels or tracks on the tape 8 Track/tape
Blank tape separating each record 1.5 Inches
BRL 1961, EDVAC, start page 0238
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Tape speed 75 Inches/sec
Start time 3 Milliseconds
Stop time 3 Milliseconds
Average time for experienced
operator to change reel of tape 30 Seconds
Physical properties of tape
Width 5/8 Inches
Length of reel 1250/2500 Feet
Composition Red Oxide
The magnetic tape system has the following
features:
Variable block length from 2 to 1,024 words.
The search order releases the machine for
computation during search.
Information which has been taken from a block and
operated upon, can be automatically re-recorded
in the same block.
INPUT
Media Speed
Photoelectric Tape Reader 942 sexadec char/sec
78 words/sec
Card Reader (IBM) 146 cards/min
8 words/card
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape Perf. 6 sexadec char/sec
30 words/min
Teletypewriter 6 sexadec char/sec
30 words/min
Card Punch 125 cards/min
1,000 words/min
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Type Quantity Type Quantity
Tubes, total 5,937
6Y6 1,000 6AN5 275
6J6 1,500 2D21 160
6AG7 1,127 6SN7 150
6V6 900 6AS6 50
6L6 275 Misc 500
Diodes, total 12,000
1N297 6,000 Misc 1,200
1N 34 4,800
Transistors, total 328
2N398 256 2N123 4
2N1008B 60 2N167 4
2N 43 4
CHECKING FEATURES
Two arithmetic units perform computation simultaneously,
discrepancies halt machine. Unused commands halt
machine. Paper tape reader error detection.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 52 K.W.
Space, computer 490 sq. ft. floor
Weight, computer 17,300 lbs.
Power, sir cond. 25 K.W.
Space, air cond. 6 sq. ft. floor
Weight, air cond. 4,345 lbs.
Capacity, air cond. 20 Tons
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced 1
Number in current operation 1
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Approximate cost, basic system $467,000
Rental rates for additional equipment
I.B.M.card reader $82.50 per month
I.B.M.card punch $93.50 per month
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Typical Personnel
Three 8-Hour Shifts
Supervisors 6
Analysts 3
Programmers and Coders 14
Clerks 1
Engineers 1
Technicians 6
No engineers are assigned to the operation of the machine,
but are used for development and design of additions to
the machine. The technicians consult the engineers when a
total break-down occurs.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Average error-free running time Approx. 8 hours
Good time 145 hours/week
Attempted to run time 168 hours/week
Operating ratio 0.87
Figures based on last 3 years. The 23 hours per week are
devoted to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, testing,
modifications and improvements, time lost due to error,
etc. The 145 hours are good, useful production time. EDVAC
has been operating since 1949.
BRL 1961, EDVAC, start page 0239
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Photo
Synchronous Magnetic Drum U. S. Army Photo
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Oscilloscope and neon indicator for viewing contents
of any storage locations at any time.
Exceed capacity options: halt, ignore, transfer
control, or go to selected location.
Unused instruction (command) halt.
Storage of previously executed instruction and which
storage location it came from, for viewing during code
checking.
Storage of current instruction and storage location it
originated from.
Address halt when prescribed address appears in any of 4
addresses of instruction to be executed by computer.
Tape reader error detection.
Built in automatic floating point equipment.
Magnetic tape auxiliary storage unit and high speed
printing techniques are being investigated.
Punching one card requires from 384 to 768
microseconds. The computer may proceed between cards.
INSTALLATIONS
Ballistic Research Laboratories
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
FUTURE PLANS
A second magnetic drum system, of 16,128 words capacity is
being added to the EDVAC. The transistorized track
selector will permit channel switching in 48 microseconds.
BRL 1961, ELECOM 50, start page 0240
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ELECOM 50
Electronic Computer Type 50
MANUFACTURER
Underwood Corporation
Electronic Computer Division
Photo
Photo by Underwood Corporation, Electronic Computer Division
APPLICATIONS
Commercial (Out of Production)
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Decimal
Decimal digits per word10 plus sign
Instructions decoded42 plus combinations
Arithmetic system Fixed point
Number range .000001 to 99999999
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Exclud Stor Access
Microsec
Add time 650
Mult time 39,000
Construction Vacuum tubes
Rapid access word registers 3
Basic pulse repetition rate 67 Kc/sec
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
Operation Sequential
One minor cycle is 650 microseconds. Multiplication
requires 60 minor cycles.
STORAGE
Access
Media Words Digits Microsec
Magnetic Drum (Main) 1001,000 33,000
Magnetic Drum (Working 3 30 325
Registers)
INPUT
Media Speed
Keyboard Manual
Paper Tape 20 dec dig/sec
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Printers (Two-gang) 10 char/sec
Paper Tape 2 dec dig/sec
The printers operate in parallel.
BRL 1961, ELECOM 50, start page 0241
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CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE
SYSTEM
Tubes 160
Tube types 5
Crystal diodes 2,000
Number of different kinds of plug-in units 42
Number of separate cabinets, excluding
power supplies and air conditioners 3
POWER. SPACE. WEIGHT. AND SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 2Kw
Volume, computer 50 cu ft
Area, computer 20 sq ft
Weight, computer 750 lbs
PRODUCTION RECORD
System is out of production.As of June 1957,
the following figures were reported:
Produced 3
In production 50
Operating 3
On order 50
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Approximate cost of basic system $22,500
Rental rates of basic system$ 600/month
(As of June 1957)
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Manufacturer
Daily OperationTech and Operators
One 8-hour shift 1
Two 8-hour shifts 2
Three 8-hour shifts 3
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Manufacturer
Average error-free running period 6 Hours
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Manufacturer
Simple operation
Programming by manufacturer
2,400 step program tape
Interchangeable program tapes
INSTALLATIONS
(As of June 1957)
Underwood Corporation
Electronic Computer Division
35-10 36th Avenue
Long Island City 6, New York (1)
Underwood Corporation
One Park Avenue
New York, New York (2)
American Telephone and Telegraph Company
195 Broadway
New York 7, New York
BRL 1961, ELECOM 100, start page 0242
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ELECOM 100
Electronic Computer Model 100
MANUFACTURER
Underwood Corporation
Electronic Computer Division
Photo
Photo by Underwood Corporation, Electronic Computer Division
APPLICATIONS
Manufacturer Engineering and scientific. System not
in production. U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground Missiles,
aircraft systems accuracy, expansion of firing tables, fire
control problems. Reeves Instrument Company The computer is
owned by the U.S. Navy, Bureau of Aeronautics, and is
operated by Reeves Instrument Company under Project Cyclone.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits per word 30
Binary digits/instruction 30
Instructions per word 1
Instructions decoded 8
Instructions used 8
Arithmetic system Fixed point
Instruction type Three address
Number range -(4-2-27) to (4-2-27)
The 8 instructions include an "external operation" which,
in turn, includes six different operations. Octal number
system is used.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Construction Vacuum tubes
Basic pulse repetition rate 100 Kc/sec
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous (Magnetic Drum)
Asynchronous (Magnetic Tape)
Operation Sequential
25-50 operations persecond may be performed, in-
cluding drum storage access.
STORAGE
Media Words Access Microsec
Magnetic Drum 512 20,000
Magnetic Tape 60,000
Access time is the maximum value. One block of tape is
equivalent to one channel on the drum (64 words). A transfer,
or movement of one block takes approximately 2 seconds.
INPUT OUTPUT
Media Speed
Typewriter (Flexowriter) Manual
Paper Tape (Flexowriter) 7.5 octal dig/sec
Typewriter 7.5 char dig/sec
BRL 1961, ELECOM 100, start page 0243
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Photo
Photo by U. S. Army Development and Proof Services
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Tubes 230
Tube types 6
Crystal diodes 2,200
Separate cabinets 2
Number of different kinds of plug-in units 5
CHECKING FEATURES
Overflow indication and halt
Out of synchronous for tape and halt
Engineering diagnostic tests
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 3.5 Kw
Area, computer 120 sq ft
PRODUCTION RECORD
(June 1957 figures)
Number produced 3
Number operating 3
System out of production
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
(June 1957 figures) Approximate cost of basic
system $60,000. System is no longer in
production.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
One engineer and one technician required per 8 hour shift.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
First unit passed acceptance test on 9 December 1952.
U. S. Army, Aberdeen Proving Ground, D & PS
Good time 1,471 Hours
Attempted to run time 2,225 Hours
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0.66
FUTURE PLANS
System is no longer being manufactured.
INSTALLATIONS
Development and Proof Services
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
Reeves Instrument Corporation
215 E. 91st Street
New York 28, New York
BRL 1961, ELECOM 120, start page 0244
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ELECOM 120
Electronic Computer Model 120
MANUFACTURER
Underwood Corporation
Electronic Computer Division
Photo
Photo by Underwood Corporation, Electronic Computer Division
APPLICATIONS
Manufacturer Engineering and scientific
applications. (out of production).
Westinghouse Electric Corporation Located at the
Kansas City, Missouri, Engineering Department, the system
is used for all types scientific computing, e.g. mechanical
design, and stress calculations, and for semi-automatic
data reduction.
Shell Development Company Located at 3737 Bellaire
Blvd., Houston, Texas, the system is used for scientific
calculations arising in research and for data processing.
RADC Griffiss Air Force Base Located in Bldg. 102,
RADC, Griffiss AFB, N. Y., the system is used for scientific
and engineering applications.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Decimal
Decimal digits/word 8 plus sign
Decimal digits/instruction 10
Instructions per word 1
Instructions decoded 33
Instructions used 33
Arithmetic system Fixed and floating point
Instruction type Two address
Number range
Fixed point -(10-10-10) <= n <= (1-10-10)
Floating point Exponent -50 _< c <_ 49
Coefficient -(1-10-8) <= c <= (1-10-8)
Floating point operation is optional and is supplied with
fixed point at extra cost.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Manufacturer
Exclud Stor Access
Microsec
Add time 330
Mult time 18,300
Div time 18,700
Construction Vacuum tubes and crystal diodes
Rapid access word registers 3
Basic pulse repetition rate 105 Kc/sec
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
Operation Sequential
Above operation times are for average 10 digit multiplier,
dividend and divisor, respectively.
BRL 1961, ELECOM 120, start page 0245
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Photo
Photo by Griffiss Air Force Base, RADC
STORAGE
Manufacturer
Access
Media Words Microsec
Magnetic Drum 1,000-10,000 8,300 avg.
Magnetic Drum 10-100 1,670 avg.
Main storage is on single head per channel basis.
Fast access storage is a group of recirculating channels.
Griffiss AFB
Access
Media Words Digits Microsec
Magnetic Drum1,000 8 plus sign 20,000 max.
330 min.
Magnetic Tape (2) 125,000 8 plus sign1,600
(Potter Mod 902)
Shell
Magnetic Drum 1,000 8 plus sign 20 000 max
Magnetic Tape 100,000 8 plus sign 106.50 word
Westinghouse
Drum 1,010 8 330
INPUT
Manufacturer
Media Speed
Typewriter Manual and 8 char/sec
Paper Tape reader 8 to 1+00 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 400 char/sec
The typewriter is standard equipment. The high-speed paper
tape reader is optional. One magnetic tape unit is supplied as
standard equipment. Standard model includes controls for
additional tape units.
Griffiss AFB
Paper Tape (Flexowriter)8 char/sec
Paper Tape (Ferranti)200 char/sec
Keyboard (Flexowriter)Manual
Shell
Paper Tape (Flexowriter)1 word/sec
Paper Tape (Ferranti)20 words/sec
Keyboard (Flexowriter)Manual
For program check-out and manual modification of
program on data. Paper tape reading system does not
operate satisfactorily. There is no error detection
in reading.
Westinghouse
Paper Tape 200 char/sec
Paper Tape (Flexowriter)8 char/sec
BRL 1961, ELECOM 120, start page 0246
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Photo
OUTPUT
Manufacturer
Media Speed
Typewriter 8 char/sec
Paper Tape 8 or 60 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 400 char/sec
Typewriter is standard equipment. High speed
paper tape punch is optional.
Griffiss AFB
Typewriter (Flexowriter) 8 char/sec
Shell
Typewriter (Flexowriter) 1 word/sec
Paper Tape (Flexowriter) 1 word/sec
Paper Tape (Yawman)6 words/sec
Westinghouse
Paper Tape60 char/sec
Paper Tape (Flexowriter) 8 char/sec
Typewriter (Flexowriter) 8 char/sec
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Tubes 400
Crystal diodes 4,500
95,% of tubes are of two basic types. This system utilizes
the 12AT7, 6CL6, 5687, and 2051 in the arithmetic
unit.Diodes used are 1N34A, 1N140 and 1N91.
CHECKING FEATURES
Internal check for forbidden pulse combinations and check
of drum-writing operations. Parity check on tapes with
automatic re-read.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Manufacturer
Power, computer 5 to 7 Kw
Volume, computer 200 cu ft
Weight, computer 3,500 lbs
These figures are for computer complete with control desk
and one tape unit.
Griffiss AFB
Power, computer 7 Kw 7.5 KVA 0.9 pf
Volume, computer 200 cu ft
Area, computer 50 sq ft
Room size 400 sq ft
Weight, computer 4,500 lbs
Computer sets on locally fabricated false floor. Air
conditioner is shared with many other equipments.
BRL 1961, ELECOM 120, start page 0247
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Photo
Photo by Republic Aviation Corporation
Shell
Power, computer 7 Kw 7.5 KVA 0.9 pf
Volume, computer 200 cu ft
Area, computer 93 sq ft
Room size 10 ft x 20 ft
Floor loading 35 lbs/sq ft
Weight, computer 3,500 lbs
Sound-proof material on walls. Exhaust system. Two tons
additional air-conditioning in air-conditione
room.
Westinghouse
Power, computer 5 Kw 5 KVA
Power, air cond 4.4 KVA 0.8 pf
Volume, computer 250 cu ft
Volume, air conditioner42 cu ft
Area, computer 95 sq ft
Area, air conditioner 6.5 sq ft
Room size, computer20 ft x 20 ft
Room size, air conditioner5 ft x 4 ft min
Floor loading 40 lbs/sq ft
800 lbs concen max
Capacity, air conditioner5 Tons
Weight, computer 4,000 lbs
Weight, air conditioner940 lbs
Power distribution transformer. 5 ton air conditioner.
PRODUCTION RECORD
(June 1957)
Number produced 5
Number in operation 5
System is no longer in production.
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Manufacturer
(June 1957)
Approximate cost of basic system $97,000. Rental
rates of basic system $3,500/month for complete sys-
tem, including maintenance.
System is out of production.
Griffiss AFB
System purchased at $90,000 plus $35,000 for addi-
tional equipment.
Shell
Purchased at $90,000, for central processor, control
desk,Ferranti reader, Yawman punch, and Potter tape
device.
Westinghouse
Basic system purchased at $90,000.
Additional equipment
High Speed Punch $ 3,600
Photo Electric Reader5,000
(2) Flexowriters 5,200
Test Equipment 2,000
BRL 1961, ELECOM 120, start page 0248
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Photo
Photo by Shell Development Company, Exploration and Production Research Division
Card to tape converter rents at $85. Maintenance
performed by local computer group.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
One 8-Hour Two 8-Hour Three 8-Hour
Shift Shifts Shifts
Engineers 1 2 3
Tech and Operators 1 2 3
Griffiss AFB
One 8-Hour Shift
Used Recommended
Engineers 1 1
Operation tends toward closed shop.
Methods of training used include instruction manuals and on-
the-job training. Shell
Five persons are utilized with the system, covering two 8-
hour shifts and performing the functions of supervision,
analysis, programming, coding, operating, and engineering.
Westinghouse
One 8-Hour Shift
Used Recommended
Supervisors 1 1
Analysts 0 1
Programmers 3 3
Coders 3 4
Clerks 0 2
Operators 1 1
Engineers 1 1
Operation tends toward open shop.
Methods of training include on-the-job training, formal
classes, assign new personnel to work with experienced.
All system information for Elecom 120 only. Magnetic tape
use has been discontinued.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run) 0.90 to 0.95 Figure
based on eight month period.
Above up-times (machine time available for problem work
divided by total time reported for 5 Elecom 120 Computer
installations. At one location, up-times of 100% and 99.9%
were obtained for two successive months.
BRL 1961, ELECOM 120, start page 0249
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Photo
Photo by Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Aviation Gas Turbine Division
Shell
Average error-free running period 5 Hours
Good time 80 Hours/Week (Average)
Attempted to run time 100 Hours/Week (Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0.80
Above figures based on period from Jun 59 to May 60
Passed Customer Acceptance Test Jun 54
Time is not available for rent to outside organiza-
tions.
Westinghouse
Good time 60 Hours/Week (Average)
Attempted to run time 62 Hours/Week (Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0.97
Above figures based on period from May 54 to Apr 60
Passed Customer Acceptance Test May 54
Time is not available for rent to outside organiza-
tions.
Above time is average for a 6 year period. Drastic changes
in scheduled work load have occurred during this time.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Westinghouse
An outstanding feature is the high speed input-output,
compared to internal speed mixture of numeric and alphebetic
information. System is very good with automatic data taking
and plotting equipment.
Little is given to magnetic tape protection except air
conditioning for temperature.
Little preventive maintenance done. Circuit modifications
have been made that increase reliability. 6677 tubes to
replace 6CL6 have improved system.
FUTURE PLANS
Shell
Retirement is planned during last quarter of 1960.
INSTALLATIONS
Rome Air Development Center Griffiss
Air Force Base, New York
Shell Development Company
3737 Bellaire Blvd.
Houston, Texas
Westinghouse Electric Company, Box 288
Kansas City, Missouri
BRL 1961, ELECOM 125 125 FP, start page 0250
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ELECOM 125 125 FP
Elecom Type 125 Computer and Elecom Type 125 File
Processor
MANUFACTURER
Underwood Corporation
Electronic Computer Division
Photo
Photo by Underwood Corporation, Electronic Computer Division
APPLICATIONS
Manufacturer Commercial, engineering and
scientific. The Elecom 125FP is primarily commercial. The
system is no longer in production.
Sandia Corporation Located in Building 880 at the
Sandia Corporation, Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Elecom
125 is used for scientific computation and engineering
studies.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Decimal
Decimal digits/word 10 and sign
Decimal. digits/instruction 10
Instructions/word 1
Instructions decoded 36
Instructions used 36
Arithmetic system Floating and fixed
Instruction type Two address
Number range
Coefficient range -(1-10-8) <= c <= (1-10-8)
Exponent range -50 <= e <= 49
Fixed point range-(1-10-10) <= n <= (1-10-10)
Floating point is optional at extra cost and is additional to
fixed point. Fixed point is standard. The Elecom 125FP
utilizes 2 decimal dig/alpha char. It operates on "Items"
containing any integral number of words. Fixed program,
switch-selected; sequence, collate, select, collate and
select, separate, and substitute. The following combinational
operations are available as an option: Select-separate,
collate-separate, substitute-separate, collate-select-
separate.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Exclud Stor Access
Microsec
Add time 330
Molt time 18,300
Div time 18,700
Construction Vacuum tubes
Rapid access word registers 3
Basic pulse repetition rate 132 Kc/sec
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
Operation Sequential
Above operation time is based on average 10 decimal digit
multiplier, dividend and divisor.
Sandia Corporation
Incl Stor Access Exclud Stor Access
Microsec Microsec
Add time 3,500 330
Milt time 22,000 18,000
Div time 22,000 18,000
The above figures are obtained for 10 digit numbers.
BRL 1961, ELECOM 125 125 FP, start page 0251
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STORAGE
Access
Media Words Microsec
Magnetic Drum 4,000 to 10,000 8,300 avg.
Magnetic Drum 50 to 100 1,670 avg.
Main storage operates on a single head per channel basis.
The rapid-access storage is a recirculation channel. The
Elecom 125 FP has a 100 word acoustic delay line.
Sandia Corp.
Media Words Digits
Magnetic Drum 4,000 10 plus sign
Paper Tape
Magnetic Tape
INPUT
Media Speed
Typewriter 8 char/sec and Manual
Paper Tape 8 to 400 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 6,000 char/sec
Cards (IBM 528 or similar)
The typewriter is standard equipment. The high speed tape
reader and punched card unit is optional. Magnetic tape
synchronizing circuits and controls are included as standard
equipment. The Elecom 125 FP unit is utilized in conjunction
with magnetic tape and typewriter. The typewriter and
punched paper tape are used for checking and control.
Sandia Corp.
Paper Tape 400 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 7,500 char/sec
Manual
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Typewriter 8 char/sec
Paper Tape 8 or 60 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 6,000 char/sec
Cards (IBM 523) 6,000 char/sec
Tabulation (IBM 407)
Typewriter is standard equipment. High speed
paper tape and card equipment are optional.
Sandia Corp.
Typewriter (Flexowriter) 8 char/sec
Paper Tape 60 char/sec
Magnetic Tape 7,500 char/sec
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Manufacturer
Tubes 450 for Elecom 125; 250 for 125 FP
Diodes 2,500 for Elecom 125 FP
95% of the tubes are of 2 types. Tube types used are the
6CL6, 12AT7, 5687, and the 5670.
CHECKING FEATURES
Manufacturer Internal check for forbidden pulse
combinations Check of drum writing circuits Parity check on
tape with automatic re-read. The Elecom 125 FP makes a
parity check on all data. Sandia Corp. Magnetic tape
circuits contain check to determine if block read contains
same number of digits as block contained when written.
Automatic re-read takes place if error is detected. The
storage signals are continuously monitored for forbidden
combinations.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 5-7 Kw
Volume, computer400 cu ft
Weight, computer4,000 lbs
Capacity, air conditioner 5 Tons
Volume and weight figures are for computer (complete) with
control desk and three tape units. Room air conditioning is
recommended. No built-in air conditioning is supplied with
system.
Elecom 125 FP requires 7 Kw and occupies 200 cu ft,
including control desk and 5 magnetic tape units. Five tons
of room air conditioning is recommended. No built-in air
conditioning is supplied with system.
Sandia Corp.
Power, computer 20 KVA
Power, air conditioner2 KVA
Volume, computer250 cu ft
Area, computer 50 sq ft
Weight, computer8,000 lbs
Site preparation includes platforms over connecting cables,
duct work over units to draw air through units for cooling,
and normal dust prevention.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Manufacturer
(June 1957 figures)
Number produced 6
In production 2
Number in operation 6
On Order 3
System is no longer in production.
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Manufacturer
(June 1957 figures)
Price
Computer only $155,000
Computer System with File Processor 350,000 to
450,000
File Processor only 85,000
Monthly
Rental
Computer only $4,185
Computer System with File Processor 8,500 to 9,500
File Processor only 2,295
Sandia Corp.
Console, main frame, power supply, storage, tape
drive (4 ea.), paper tape punch, Ferranti, paper tape
reader, and Flexowriter cost $122,500.
Three Flexowriters are used at a total cost of
$7,578.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
One 8-Hour Two 8-Hour Three 8-Hour
Shift Shifts Shifts
Engineers 1 2 3
Tech & Operators 1 2 3
Above figures are the same for the File Processor.
Sandia Corp.
One operator, trained on the job, is required.
Present use is primarily for engineering studies with
job requestor operating facility himself.
BRL 1961, ELECOM 125 125 FP, start page 0252
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RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Manufacturer
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run) 0.90 to 0.95
Figures based on an eight-month period.
Above up-times (machine time available for problem
work divided by total time) reported for 5 Elecom
120 computer installations. (Much of the Elecom
125 internal circuitry is substantially the same as
that of Elecom 120). At one location, up times of
100% and 99.9% were obtained for two successive
months.
Sandia Corp.
System is used very little at present time.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Manufacturer
Two (2) four-digit base registers (B-boxes) are
included as standard equipment.
An important partner in the Elecom 125 System is
the Elecom File Processor. This is an entirely sep-
arate piece of equipment, designed and engineered
to handle the sequencing, collating, extracting and
similar operations necessary in day-to-day business
applications.
The Elecom File Processor extracts from the vol-
uminous "Library Tapes", the particular items upon
which processing is to be done. It is the job of
the Elecom File Processor to pick the pertinent
items out of the tape file, so that the associated
Computer wastes no time in "searching" through un-
wanted items. Once the items have been processed
by the Elecom 125 Computer the Elecom File Processor
puts them back into their proper place (in sequence)
in the main file.
The picture shows the Elecom File Processor on the
left, the Elecom 125 Computer on the right. The
Magnetic Tape Units and the Magnetic Tape Inter-
connecting panel are in the rear. The Elecom High-
Speed Line Printer is not shown.
FUTURE PLANS
Manufacturer
Elecom Universal Data Converter - A device for
transcribing data between Elecom magnetic tapes and
those of other manufacturers. In addition, the con-
verter will be able to handle punched paper tape and
punched cards. The converter is designed to make
the Elecom 125 System, or the Elecom 125 Computer
compatible with the input/output from it to any other
data processing equipment currently manufactured.
INSTALLATIONS
(As of June 1957)
Sandia Corporation (2)
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Underwood Corporation (1)
Data Processing Center
New York City, New York
The Texas Company
Houston, Texas
Sylvania Electric Corporation (1)
Waltham, Massachusetts
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