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BRL 1961, GE 100 ERMA, start page 0262
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GE 100 ERMA
General Electric 100 Electronic Recording Method
Accounting
MANUFACTURER
General Electric Company
Computer Department
Phoenix, Arizona
Photo
Photo by Bank of America (Abbate Photo)
APPLICATIONS
Located in San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jose, Los Angeles,
North Hollywood, Covina, and Paramount, California, the
systems are being used for commercial deposit accounting
(checking accounts). The Bank of America is now operating 7
ERMA Centers in the locations indicated above. Each center is
equipped with 2 to 3 GE-100 Computing Systems depending on
projected account vole for area being serviced. Checks and
deposits, which are delivered to the ERMA Centers in the early
evening, are processed and sorted at night for early morning
return to the branches.
STORAGE
No. of No. of Access
Medium Words DigitsMicrosec
Magnetic Core 4,000 28,000 32
Work structure consists of 7 decimal characters. The
first character contains sign, numeric-alpha numeric
designation and checking digits.
BRL 1961, GE 100 ERMA, start page 0263
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INPUT
Media Speed
Magnetic Tape 30,000 char/sec
3/4 inch tape - 10 channel - 2 digit in parallel.
Paper Tape 200 char/sec
7 channel punch paper tape photo reader
Flexowriter 10 char/sec
7 channel punch paper tape mechanical reader
Sorter/readers 750 items/min
Magnetic ink coded documents. The sorter/readers are
equipped with character recognition.
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Magnetic Tape 30,000 char/sec
Flexowriter 10 char/sec
Printer 600-900 lines/min
Revolving drum/hammer type, operable both off-line and on-
line. The printer is used off-line with magnetic tape
input.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 150 Kw
Power, air conditioner 185 Kw
Volume, computer 18,000 cu ft
Volume, air conditioner 33,500 cu ft
Area, computer 2,000 sq ft
Area, air conditioner 1,900 sq ft
Room size, computer 80 ft x 25 ft x 9 ft
Room size, air conditioner 87 ft x 20 ft x Mezzanine
Floor loading 250 lbs/sq ft
Capacity, air conditioner 150 Tons
Weight, computer 23,000 lbs
False ceilings and plenums are required for air supply
and negative pressure. Building type is either of pre-
stressed concrete panels or cast concrete: no modifications
are necessary since the buildings are specifically designed
as ERNA Centers. Power distribution is provided by
underfloor conduit and pull boxes.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Because of the recent development and installation of our
current GE 100 Systems, accurate figures are not yet
available on our ultimate personnel requirements. However,
typical operating personnel in an ERMA Center consist of a
manager, assistant managers, branch liaison officers,
console operators, sorter reader operators and printer
operators. Programming activities for all our various
installations are centralized within the Bank of America's
Systems and Equipment Research Department. Engineer and
technician requirements are to be determined by the
manufacturer, General Electric Company, under terms of the
contractual agreement to provide necessary maintenance.
Operation tends toward open shop.
Key personnel, i.e. managers, liaison officers and console
operators receive a six-month training course prior to their
initial assignment. The first seven weeks consist of
attendance at a programming school. The remaining weeks are
spent in controlled on-thej-ob training in all phases of an
ERMA Center's operation. All other employees are given on-the-
job training in their respective assignments.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Average error-free running period 2 Hours
Good time60 Hours/Week (Average)
Attempted to run time62 Hours/Week (Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 0.967
Above figures based on period 1 Aug 60 to 31 Aug 60
Passed Customer Acceptance Test 1 Jul 59
Time is available for rent to qualified outside or-
ganizations. Although we have available computer
time now, it is not being offered on a rental basis
due to our projected volume which will utilize this
time.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Outstanding features include magnetic ink character
recognition and simultaneous read one tape, write one tape,
and compute is permitted. Magnetic ink character recognition
units on the sorter/readers allow computer input directly
from source documents.
Magnetic tapes receive an internal label under program
control as well as a manually produced external label. Tapes
are stored in a fire-proof tape vault which has humidity and
temperature control. Critical "back-up" tapes are sent daily
to off-premise storage locations.
The system was designed by General Electric as a general
purpose computer to be used primarily in deposit
accounting. Therefore, in order to utilize source documents
as immediate input, the system was provided with magnetic
character recognition facilities rather than punched card
input.
Components of a basic system are a central processing
unit, main power unit, console, eight tape units, tape
control unit, printer, printer control unit, three
sorter/readers, and a sorter/reader control unit.
Under the term of the sales contract, cost/price
figures per system will not be available prior to
equipment acceptance at final installation.
FUTURE PLANS
Additional ERMA Centers are planned to service the
branches of the Bank of America in the Sacramento, Fresno,
West Los Angeles, Southwest Los Angeles, Montebello, and San
Diego areas. It is anticipated that these centers will all
be in operation by June 30, 1961.
Due to the fact that our ERMA Centers are either
relatively new or still in the planning stage, and since the
equipment has yet to be utilized to the maximum extent of
which it is capable, no additional components, major
modifications or plans for retirement are under
consideration at the present time.
INSTALLATIONS
Bank of America NT & SA
Systems and Equipment Research Department
500 Howard Street
San Francisco, California
BRL 1961, 210, start page 0264
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GE 210
General Electric Model 210
MANUFACTURER
General Electric Company
Computer Department
Photo
Photo by General Electric Company
APPLICATIONS
Manufacturer
System is designed for general purpose, commercial, data
processing and utility billing applications. Computer
Department, General Electric
System is used for banking, utility billing, and
inventory
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Manufacturer
Internal number systemBinary coded decimal
Decimal digits/word 6
Decimal digits/instruction 6
Instructions/word 1
Instructions decoded 124
Arithmetic system Fixed point
Instruction type One address
Number range -999,999 999,999 to
+999,999,999,999
Instruction word format
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| | | | | | | |
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| | Operation | Operand Address |
| | Code | |
+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
There are automatic built-in subroutines. A complete
library of subroutines for business data processing is
available. G. E. Com. and General Electric Common Language
(Common to all G. E. Machines including Automatic Coding
Techniques and Assembly Compiler are available.
Registers
N Location of next instruction
M Input & output memory transfer
J Memory Buffer
I Contains current instruction
R Accumulator
BRL 1961, 210, start page 0265
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L Used with R for double length word operations
B Address portion on instruction
P Peripheral Buffer
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Manufacturer
Incl. Stor. Access Exclud. Stor. Access
Microsec Microsec
Add 64 32
Mult 550 Avg. 518
Div 1200 Avg. 1168
Construction (Arithmetic unit only)
Transistors 9,998
Condensers 7,430
Diodes 39 333
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
Operation Concurrent
STORAGE
Manufacturer
No. of No. of Access
Media Words Digits Microsec
Core Memory 4,000 or 8,000 24,000 or 48,000 32
Magnetic Tape 1,400,000 8,400,000 5000
No. of units that can be connected 13 Units
No. of chaxs/linear inch 66 Chars/inch
Channels or tracks on the tape 11 Tracks/tape
Blank tape separating each record 1 Inch
Tape speed 60 or 100 Inches/sec
Transfer rate 30 to 50 KC Chars/sec
Start time 4.5 Millisec
Stop time 4.5 Millisec
Average time for experienced
operator to change reel 30 Seconds
Physical properties of tape
Width 3/4 Inches
Length of reel 1200, 2400, 3600 Feet
Composition Mylar
INPUT
Manufacturer
Media Speed
Magnetic Tape 30 or 50 char/sec
Magnetic Documents 750 or 1200 documents/min
Paper Tape 200 or 500 char/sec
Punched Cards 400 or 1500 cards/min
Console Typewriter 10 char/sec
OUTPUT
Manufacturer
Media Speed
Magnetic Tape 30 or 50 char/sec
Magnetic Documents 750 or 1200 documents/min
Paper Tape 60 char/sec
Console Typewriter 10 char/sec
High Speed Printer 72 Column 600 (Alpha) lines/min
1200 (Numeric) lines/min
120 Columm 600 to 1000 lines /Min
E13B Magnetic Font (off line}
300 lines/min
CHECKING FEATURES
Manufacturer
Internal checking is performed on all operations by
the Modulo-3 method.
A 2-way parity check is performed in all magnetic tape
operations.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Manufacturer
KVA, computer 10 KVA 208v
Area, computer 50 sq ft
Room size 680 sq ft
Floor loading 150 lbs
Weight, computer 10,000 lbs
Capacity, air conditioner 7 Tons
Computer Department, General Electric
KVA, computer 40 KVA
Area, computer 1100 sq ft
Floor loading 250 lbs concen max
Weight, computer 9,650 lbs
Weight, air conditioner central
Site preparation included a false ceiling and floor, and
brick construction.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Manufacturer
Number produced to date 8
Number in current operation 8
Number in current production 8
Number on order 50
Time required for delivery12 - 15 months
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Manufacturer
Basic system Cost
Central Processor $225,000
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Manufacturer
Entirely dependent on application and utilization.
Training made available by manufacturer to users includes
complete training in all aspects of electronic data
processing - programming classes, operator training, and
consultation service. Full time site application engineer
assigned to customer from time of order until 3 months
after installation. Computer Department, General Electric
One 8-Hour Shift
Supervisors 1
Analysts 2
Programmers 2
Coders 3
Clerks 8
Librarians 1
Operators 2
Engineers 4
Technicians 2
In-Output Oper 5
Operation tends toward open shop.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Manufacturer La.rge scale computer fully
transistorized and proven by 1 1/2 years of continuous daily
operation in processing an actual application.
Computer Department, General Electric
Average error-free running period 95%
Good time 35 Hours/Week (Average)
Attempted to run time 40 Hours/Week (Average)
Operating ratio (Good/Attempted to run time) 95,%
Passed Customer Acceptance TestJune 59
Time is available for rent to outside organizations.
BRL 1961, 210, start page 0266
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ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Manufacturer
Outstanding features include automatic address
modification, blockette write, table look-up
command, special commands for internal sorting, and
ease of programming.
Unique system advantages include dual document
handlers on-line; automatic Mod-3 and parity check,
and simultaneous read/write/compute ability.
Computer Department, General Electric
System is completely solid-state. It has the
ability to read ABA E13B Font.
Magnetic tapes are stored in vaults and fireproof
cabinets.
FUTURE PLANS
Manufacturer
Future plans for this system include thermo plastic
tape storage, broader use of magnetic ink, and
character reading.
INSTALLATIONS
General Electric Company
Computer Department
13430 North Black Canyon Highway
Phoenix, Arizona
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BRL 1961, GE 225, start page 0268
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GE 225
General Electric Model 225
MANUFACTURER
General Electric Company
Computer Department
Photo
Photo by General Electric Company
APPLICATIONS
System is designed for business data processing, business
paper processing, and scientific computing.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits/word (19 + sign) = 20
Instructions/word One
Instructions decoded 59 plus input and output
Arithmetic system Floating point optional
Fixed point standard
Instruction type One address
Instruction word format
+-----------+-----------------------+--------------+
| 4 | 5 6 | 7 |
+-----------+-----------------------+--------------+
| Operation | Address Modification | Operand |
| Code | Bits Process | |
+-----------+-----------------------+--------------+
Automatic built-in subroutines include double precision
add and subtract. Standard double precision multiply and
divide are optional.
The standard GE 225 is equipped with a compiler which is
an automatic coding technique which allows the program to
be prepared with little or no knowledge of the intricacies
or internal language of modern computers.
Registers
A Register an accumulator
Q Register used for double length operations
M Register memory location
N Register output register for typing
I Register instruction register
B Register memory buffer, holds information dur-
ing arithmetic operations
P Counter instruction counter
GE 225 accommodate alphabetic or numeric, binary or
decimal. information.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Incl. Stor. Access Exclud. Stor. Access
Microsec Microsec
Add 40 20
Molt 250 230
Div 500 480
Construction (Arithmetic unit only)
Transistors 3,194
Condensers 4,747
Diodes 4,183
Magnetic Cores 327,680
BRL 1961, GE 225, start page 0269
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Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
Operation Sequential
System is concurrent in that input-output equipment
operates simultaneously with central processor, which
performs calculations. This substantially reduces
processing time.
STORAGE
Access
Media No. of Binary Words Microsec
Magnetic Core 2048, 4096, 8192 or 20
16,384
Magnetic Drum 8192 or 16,384 8,300
20-bit words
Magnetic Tape
No. of units that can be connected 64 Units
No. of chars/linear inch 200 Chars/inch
Channels or tracks on the tape 7 Tracks/tape
Blank tape separating each record 3/4 Inches
Tape speed 75 Inches/sec
Transfer rate 15,000 Chars/sec
Average time for experienced
operator to change reel of tape 30 Seconds
Physical properties of tape
Width 1/2 Inch
Length of reel 2,400 or 3,600 Feet (Max)
Composition Mylar
The tape language is compatible with most existing
tape installations.
INPUT
Media Speed
Magnetic Tape 15,000 char/sec
Horizontal and vertical parity checking
Document Sorter 1,200 docum/min
Sorter under control of central processor
Paper Tape Reader 1,000 char/sec
Parity check
Card Reader 400 cards/min
Reads binary or Hollerith CD. Photoelectric
Control Console
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Console Typewriter 10 char/sec
This is under the control of the central processor
Card Punch 100 cards/min
Punches binary or Hollerith cards
High Speed Printer 600 lines/min
Flexible print format-parity check
Magnetic Tape 15,000 char/sec
Horizontal and vertical checking
Punched Paper 60 char/sec
5, 6, 7, 8 channel tape
Data Transmitter - 60 char/sec
Receiver Unit
CHECKING FEATURES
Parity checking
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
KVA, computer 15
Room size 1,200 sq ft
Capacity, air conditioner 3 Tons
Weight, computer 8,900 lbs
PRODUCTION RECORD
Time required for delivery from receipt of order
12 months
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Basic System Cost
Central Processor $200,000 or $4,000/mo.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Entirely dependent on application and utilization. Training
made available by manufacturer to users includes complete
training in all aspects of electronic data processing -
programming classes, operator training, and consultation
service. Full time site application engineer from time of
order until 3 mos. after installation.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
The data mating function of GE 225 provides a common
control and inter-communication link for the wide range of
either data processing peripheral units or unusual, special
purpose input-output devices associated with the system.
A general compiler provides the programmer with a highly
advanced and effective automatic coding technique.
The equipment flexibility of the GE 225 offers an
additional degree of freedom in the planning of a system
by allowing the computer to grow to meet the demands of
expanding systems requirements.
INSTALLATIONS
General Electric Company
Missile and Space Vehicle Department
3198 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia 1, Pennsylvania
BRL 1961, GE 250, start page 0270
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GE 250
General Electric 250 Information Searching Selector
MANUFACTURER
Computer Department
General Electric Company
Photo
Photo by Computer Department, General Electric Company
APPLICATIONS
The GE 250 Information Searching Selector is a data
processing system specifically designed to provide
rapid inquiry and selection from large data files.
In its simplest form, the Information Searching
Selector provides: storage of information, storage
of the search questions, and the means for comparing
the two, detecting desired information, and recording
the result.
The information file is stored on magnetic tape
which provides a compact record with unlimited ex-
pansion. Search questions are stored in the memory
of the Selector. Whenever search questions are sat-
isfied, answers are recorded.
It can be used to retrieve information from vast
files of data as found in: industry (chemicals,
metals, petroleums, pharmaceuticals), government
(patents, military, personnel, intelligence, law
enforcement, census), and the professions (law, medi-
cine, applied research, libraries).
The first GE 250 Information Searching Selector will
be delivered to the Center for Documentation and Com-
munications Research at Western Reserve University.
It will be used to accelerate the abstracting service
of a metals information center now in operations, as
well as to facilitate further effort into other docu-
mentation and library research - including language
translation.
BRL 1961, GE 250, start page 0271
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PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Up to ten inquiries may be prepared on punched paper tape
and entered into the Selector's main memory for
simultaneous processing. Successive reels of magnetic tape
file are searched at the rate of 15,000 characters per
second for satisfaction of any or all of the ten inquiries.
Each tape may contain four million or more characters.
A printed text or identifying information is provided in
answer to all selected questions and the search criteria
they fulfill. If desired, acceptance through partial
satisfaction of requirements can be specified.
The GE 250 Information Searching Selector retrieves
selected information from a large storage file, permits
immediate and efficient use of recorded knowledge, answers
questions through high-speed electronic searching,
correlates scattered information in complex files, reduces
costs of file preparation and searching, and simplifies
updating of information with new material - simplifies
elimination of obsolete information.
ARITHMETIC UNIT
System reviews and compares 15,000 char/sec.
Several thousand abstracts can be processed per
minute.
Up to ten unrelated inquiries can be searched
simultaneously.
STORAGE
Magnetic Tape15,000 char/sec
Buffer Storage Expansible
Number of magnetic tape units is variable.
INPUT OUTPUT
Media Speed
Magnetic Tape15,000 char/sec
Cards Read-punch unit
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
System is fully transistorized.
CHECKING FEATURES
Adequate checking provides accuracy.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
The GE 250 Information Searching Selector can operate with
any indexing, classifying or coding systemeven simple
English notation. Professional assistance will be provided
for developing systems and adapting well-tested procedures.
Outstanding features are that it is compact, easy to
install, and easy to operate. It requires little power as
it is fully transistorized.
FUTURE PLANS
The first Information Searching Selector will be used by
Western Reserve University, Center for Documentation and
Communication Research, to provide rapid inquiry and
selection of information from vast data files.
INSTALLATIONS
Western Reserve University Center for Documentation and
Communication Research Cleveland, Ohio
General Electric Company
Computer Department
Deer Valley Park
Phoenix, Arizona
BRL 1961, GE 312, start page 0272
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GE 312
General Electric Model 312
MANUFACTURER
General Electric Company
Computer Department
Photo
Photo by General Electric Company
APPLICATIONS
System is designed for process and production control
as well as for data logging and monitoring.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits/word 20 19 + Sign
Binary digits/instruction 19
Instructions/word Single address or 1+1 Mode
Instructions decoded More than 60
Arithmetic system Fixed point
Instruction type One address
Number range -524,288 to +524,288
Instruction word basic format
+----+---------+-----------------+
| 1 | 2 5 | 6 19 |
+----+---------+-----------------+
| | Command | Operand Address |
+----+---------+-----------------+
An eleven bit automatic modification of instruc-
tion address is provided for automatic instruction
modification, linkage for sub-routines, counters,
etc.
Registers
A Primary Arithmetic Register
Q Arithmetic and Temporary Storage
N I/0 Buffer
X Instruction Modification
X Current Instruction
B Location of Next Instruction
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Incl. Stor. Access Exclud. Stor. Access
Microsec Microsec
Add 192 (1 Add) 288(1+1 Add) 96
Mutt 2016 max (1+1) 1920 Max
Div 2592 Max (1+1) 2496 max
Construction (Arithmetic unit only)
Transistors 2,572
Condensers 1,409
BRL 1961, GE 312, start page 0273
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Diodes 2,265
Arithmetic mode Serial
Timing Synchronous
Operation Sequential
STORAGE
Access
Medium No. of Words Microsec
Magnetic Drum 2,048 to 50,000 6,250 avg
Optional: Fast Access Core Storage can be provided.
INPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape Reader 20 char/sec
Standard equipment
Paper Tape Readers Up to 240 char/sec
Optional equipment. Additional or alternatives.
Process Analog and
Digital Information
Requires optional equipment
When coupled to process instrumentation, analog or
digital inputs may be accommodated within limits which
virtually are determined only by the requirements of the
users.
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape Punc 20 char/sec
Standard equipment
Electric Typewriter 10 char/sec
Standard equipment
Paper Tape & Card Punch 60 char/sec
Optional
Analog Output
(Digital-to-Analog Converter)
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Type Quantity
Diodes
ED216o 445
1x1692 32
ED2231 1,788
Transistors
2N219 2,290
2N321 51
2N527 135
2N388 96
CHECKING FEATURES
Parity checking
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 4 Kw 120v ¤ 10,% 60 cps
Volume, computer 168 cu ft
Area, computer 27 sq ft
Floor loading 110 lbs/sq ft
Weight, computer 3,000 lbs
Air conditioner Self contained
105oc max, 95% humidity
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced to date 4 (1 Aug 60)
Number in current operation 4
Number in current production 12
Number on order 12
Time required for delivery 8-12 months
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
GE 312 Digital Control Computer System
Standard Basic Price with 8,000 word
drum memory $85,200
In usual applications the GE 312 is Price range from
used as Central Processor for On 150,000 to
Line Data Processing & Computer $500,000
Control Systems for utility &
industrial plants, depending upon
the system configuration.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Completely dependent upon application. Training made
available by manufacturer to users includes a 3 week
programming course and an 8 week maintenance course.
Following the 3 and 8 week courses, is on-site training
during installation and initial operation.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
On-Line reliability of 99%, over a 6 month period.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Outstanding features include up to 52,000 word drum
memory expansion, single & 1 + 1 address, and automatic
address modification.
Unique system advantages include a flexible command
structure, including a special instruction for computer
direction of system input/output equipments.
BRL 1961, GENERAL MILLS AD/ECS, start page 0274
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GENERAL MILLS AD/ECS
General Mills AD/ECS Computer
MANUFACTURER
General Mills
Mechanical Division
Photo
Photo by General Nulls
APPLICATIONS
System is a general purpose digital computer, which may be
used for on-line and real time applications as well.
System can communicate with conventional digital I/0, as
well as A/D converters, and other buffering equipment.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits/word 36 + sign
Binary digits/instruction 18
Instructions per word 2
Instructions decoded Up to 64
Arithmetic system Fixed point (Floating optional
Data processing is in alphanumeric
Instruction type One address
Number range- (1-2-36) through + (1-2-36)
Instruction word format
+--------+---------+----------+--------+-------------+
| | Instr I | Instr II |
+--------+---------+----------+--------+-------------+
| Break- | Oper | Address | Oper | Address |
| point | | | | |
+--------+---------+----------+--------+-------------+
| 1 | 6 | 12 | 6 | 12 |
+--------+---------+----------+--------+-------------+
Instructions are not permanently designed into the
machine, but are constructed from microprogrammed
"instructions" by means of placing appropriate diode logic
on a special circuit card called an "instruction card". Many
specialized orders can be constructed using this technique.
One index counter is standard. There are up to 8
additional index counters available as an option.
BRL 1961, GENERAL MILLS AD/ECS, start page 0275
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Photo
Photo by General Mills
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Incl Stor Access Exclud Stor Access
Microsec Microsec
Add 80 60
Mult 840 800
Div 940 920
Construction (Arithmetic unit only)
Transistors 1,000
Diodes 10,000
Arithmetic mode Parallel
Timing Asynchronous
Operation Sequential
System is entirely solid state.
STORAGE
No. of No. of Access
Media Words Digits/Word Microsec
Magnetic Core 4,096 36 bits + sign 8
Magnetic Drums 10,000 36 bits + sign 8,000 (avg)
(optional)
Magnetic Tape
No. of units that can be connected 64 Units
No. of chars/linear inch of tape 200 Chars/inch
Channels or tracks on the tape 7 Tracks/tape
Blank tape separating each record 0.75 Inches
Tape speed 150 Inches/sec
Transfer rate 30,000 Chars/sec
Start time 5 Millisec
Stop time 5 Millisec
Average time for experienced
operator to change reel of tape 60 Seconds
Physical properties of tape
Width 0.5 Inches
Length of reel 2,100 Feet
Composition 3M 186 magnetic instrumentation tape
INPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape 150 char/sec
Typewriter 12 char/sec
Paper tape is standard but computer can also accommodate a
wide variety of other input devices, e.g. cards. Unit will
read any code one 8 bit character at a time or std word or
block.
BRL 1961, GENERAL MILLS AD/ECS, start page 0276
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OUTPUT
Media Speed
Paper Tape 60 char/sec
Typewriter 12 char/sec
Paper tape is standard but computer can also accommodate a
wide variety of other output devices, e. g. cards, printers.
Unit will punch any code one 8 bit character at a time or
std word or block. Alphanumeric with format control.
Paper tape units will handle data in any format up to 8
levels. System is capable of handling up to 64 input-output
devices of almost any sort. These devices could exchange
information with two 64-word magnetic core buffers at the
normal input-output device information rate. The central
computer initiates these external machine and buffer
operations but does not wait for their execution. The AD/ECS
goes on with other computation while buffer operations are
proceeding and then takes in the buffer information at the
central computer rate.
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Type Quantity
Diodes 15,000
Transistors 1,500
Magnetic Cores 37,000; 74,000; or 148,000
System is entirely solid state. Quantity of magnetic
cores is dependent upon the memory option.
CHECKING FEATURES
Parity check on all input-output. Marginal checking on
frequencies and voltages.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 1 Kw
Volume, computer 65 cu ft
Area, computer 10.5 sq ft (not including
console)
Floor loading 60 lbs/sq ft
Weight, computer 600 lbs
No special site preparation or air conditioning
required.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced to date 2
Number in current operation 2
Number in current production 1
Number on order 1
Time required for delivery 6 months
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
Basic System Cost
Paper Tape Reader (150 char/sec) $ 3,932
Paper Tape Punch (60 char/sec) 3,283
Central Computer 109,956
Typewriter 12,952
Console plus Desk 11,857
--------
Total $ 141,980
Additional Equipment
Floating point $ 3,200
Extra index, counters: 1 through 4 760 plus
1,930 each
5 through 8 1,520 plus
1,930 each
Binary to BCD and BCD to binary
instruction cards 155 each
Bin to alpha-- and alphanum to bin
instruction cards 205 each
Not available for rent.
On-site or on-call maintenance is available.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Programming and, if desired, maintenance training
courses are available. Personnel requirements depend on
application and size of system.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Completely transistorized. Designed to work without air-
conditioning in range of 32o F - 125o F. System constructed
of very few basic building blocks. Has operated reliably
outdoors for extended months) periods.
BRL 1961, GENERAL MILLS AD/ECS, start page 0277
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ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Outstanding features include the ability to have
extremely flexible order structure, due to instruc-
tion card principle, flexible external machine commun-
ications, magnetic core I/0 buffers, and air-condi-
tioning is not required.
Unique system advantages include special instruc-
tion for individual requirements without any modifi-
cation of the computer, and ease of addition of a
wide variety of peripheral equipment without computer
modification.
FUTURE PLANS
Continued development of 1/0 equipment.
INSTALLATIONS
General Mills
Mechanical Division
2003 East Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis 13, Minnesota
BRL 1961, GENERAL MILLS APSAC, start page 0278
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GENERAL MILLS APSAC
General Mills APSAC Computer
MANUFACTURER
General Mills
Mechanical Division
Photo
Dust Covers Removed Photo by General Mills
APPLICATIONS
General purpose computer used in on-line automatic survey
system.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Binary digits/word 35 (plus sign)
Binary digits/instruction 18
Instructions per word 2
Instructions decoded 29
Arithmetic system Fixed point
Instruction type One address
Number range 2-35 to 2+35
Instruction word format - 36 bits
+--------+----------+-----+--------+----------+-----+
| 6 | 12 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 3 |
+--------+----------+-----+--------+----------+-----+
| Oper | Address | | Oper | Address | |
+--------+----------+-----+--------+----------+-----+
Explanation of last three bits in each instruction
Address Clear A Breakpoint
A Reg- Register
First two bits in this group are not used by every
instruction.
Registers include an accumulator register (A) and a
remainder register (R).
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Incl Stor Access Exclud Stor Access
Microsec Microsec
Add 120 120
mat 1,520 1,500
Div 16,200 Done by sub routine
BRL 1961, GENERAL MILLS APSAC, start page 0279
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Construction (Arithmetic unit only)
Transistors Approx 1,200
Condenser-Diodes Approx 16,000
Magnetic Cores Approx 20,000
Arithmetic mode Parallel
Timing Synchronous
Operation Sequential
STORAGE
No. of No. of Access
Medium Words Digits Microsec
Magnetic Core 512 35 + sign 10
Magnetic Tape
No. of units that can be connected 2 Units
No. of chars/linear inch 48 Chars/inch
Channels or tracks on the tape 7 Tracks/tape
Blank tape separating each record 0.667 Inches
Tape speed 25 Inches/sec
Transfer rate 1,200 Chars/sec
Start time 3 Millisec
Stop time 3 Millisec
Average time for experienced
operator to change reel of tape 60 Seconds
Physical properties of tape
Width 0.5 Inches
Length of reel approx 300 Feet
Composition Mylar
INPUT
Medium Speed
Flexowriter 10 chars/sec
OUTPUT
Medium Speed
Flexowriter 10 chars/sec
Typewriter and punch
System has, in addition to Flexowriter and magnetic tape,
real-time input from digital clock and from astrolabe.
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Type Quantity
Diodes 20,000
Transistors 1,500
Magnetic Cores 20,000
CHECKING FEATURES
Magnetic tape has parity check across tape, and markers
for usable and non-usable tape. Paper tape also has parity
check.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 0.86 Kw o.96 KVA 0.9 pf
Volume, computer 52 cu ft
Area, computer 15 sq ft
Floor loading 35 lbs/sq ft
35 lbs concen max
Weight, computer 520 lbs
No special site preparation or air conditioner
needed.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced to date 1
Number in current operation 1
Number in current production Now in field test
Number on order Now in field test
Time required for delivery 6 months
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Operator, programming, and maintenance courses are
optional. Ordinarily GMI trains maintenance personnel,
although it can be handled on contract basis if desired.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Both computer and magnetic tape equipment designed to
operate under field conditions. Average operating time
between component failures is about 600 hours.
FUTURE PLANS
Anticipate repackaging to minimize space requirements.
INSTALLATIONS
General Mills Mechanical Division
1620 Central Avenue
Minneapolis 13, Minnesota
BRL 1961, GEORGE, start page 0280
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GEORGE
Argonne National Laboratory "GEORGE" Computer
MANUFACTURER
Argonne National Laboratory
Photo
Photo by Argonne National. Laboratory
APPLICATIONS
Scientific problems. Data handling
and data reduction.
PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Internal number system Binary
Number of binary digits per word 40 or 80
Number of binary digits per instruction 20 to 100
Number of instructions per word Variable
Total number of instructions decoded 220
Arithmetic system
Floating Point Fixed Point
Sign + 62 bit fraction Sign + 39 bit fraction
Sign + 10 bit power 20 bit positive integers
6 bit index of significance
Instruction type Modified two-address
for fixed point
Variable zero through
four-address for floating point
Number range
Fixed Point -1 < n <= 1-2-39
Floating Point [-1/2 <= c <= +1/2] [2-1024 <= e <= 2+1024]
Instruction word format
+-------------+-----------+---------+-------------------+
| B -Address | Order | Tag | A-Address |
| 0 - 11 | 12 - 19 | 20 - 27 | 28 39 |
+-------------+-----------+---------+-------------------+
+-------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
| Order | A-Address | B-Address | C-Address | D-Address |
| 0 - 19| 20 - 39 | 40 - 59 | 60 - 79 | 80 - 99 |
+-------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+
Automatic built-in subroutines
Square root on floating point
Automatic coding
GAR -George Assembly Routine (with Macro-instruc-
tions)
Registers and B-boxes
Fixed and floating point arithmetic registers
Four high speed floating point registers
16 high speed index registers and any memory lo-
tion An index of significance is carried with each
floating point number and is corrected with each operation
as to the number of bits which are still significant.
BRL 1961, GEORGE, start page 0281
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Photo
Photo by Argonne National Laboratory
ARITHMETIC UNIT
Operation time, excluding storage access, Microseconds
Fixed Point Floating Point
Add 7 3
Mult 485 26
Div 595 27
Construction, arithmetic unit only
Vacuum tubes 1,800
Transistors 20,000
Crystal diodes 6,000
Arithmetic mode Parallel
Timing Asynchronous
Operation Concurrent
GEORGE is composed of two arithmetic units, a fixed point
unit and a floating point unit. Each has its own word
length and instruction code. The two arithmetic units work
concurrently with a single memory.
STORAGE
Media Number Number Access
of Words of Digits Microseconds
Magnetic core 4,096 42 bits/word 7.5
Wide magnetic 4 x 106 42 bits/word
tape
Magnetic tape system features are:
Maximum number of units that can be
connected to the system 4 Units
Channels or tracks on the tape 42 Track/tape
Tape speed 43 Inches/sec
Physical properties of tape
Width 2 Inches
Length of reel 1200 Feet
Composition Mylar Sandwich
Tape has fixed blocks of 128 words. The time per
block is 70 millisec: Including start, read or
write, and stop. Tape may be searched for a partic-
ular block while the computer is computing.
BRL 1961, GEORGE, start page 0282
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INPUT
Media Speed
Paper tape (2 readers) 1,000 alphanumeric char/sec
Narrow mag tape 15,000alphanumeric char/sec
Keyboard Manual
OUTPUT
Media Speed
Paper tape 60 alphanumeric char/sec
Narrow mag tape 15,000 alphanumeric char/sec
Buffered 16 microsecond tieup for computer
On-line printer 72 columns; 600 lines/minute
Buffered 28 microsecond tieup for computer
Console typewriter 10 char/sec
Cathode ray tube
CIRCUIT ELEMENTS OF ENTIRE SYSTEM
Tubes
Type Quantity
5670 70% of 3,500
Diodes
1N191 30% of 6,000
1N628 20% of 6,000
S55G 50% of 6,000
Transistors
2N393 85% of 20,000
Magnetic cores 164,060
CHECKING FEATURES
Parity on Input, Output, and Core memory.
Complete redundancy and Dropout error.
Correction on wide magnetic tapes.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND
SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 50 K.W.
Air conditioner part of building system.
PRODUCTION RECORD
Number produced to date 1
Number in current operation 1
Floating point is under construction. Completion date is
31 December 1960. Fixed point has been in operation
since September 1957.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Two 8-Hour Shifts
Supervisors 3
Analysts 3
Programmers 15
Clerks 2
Librarians 1
Operators 2
Engineers 1
Technicians 2
In-output oper 2
Description of the order structure and the programming
systems available are found in ANL-5995, GEORGE
Programming Manual by Loretta Kassel.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Fixed Point GEORGE has been operating two and 1/2
years with an average effective time over 80%. In the past
year the effective time has been about 90%.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
Outstanding Features:
1. FLIP (Floating Point Unit) numbers have index of
significance, i.e. an indication of how many significant
bits remain in the number.
2. In fixed point (GEORGE) the first 12 bits of any
memory location can be used as an index register. Thus, 4096
"index registers" are available.
3. In fixed point operations, GEORGE Instructions 2-nd
address (B-address) has a variety of uses, it can be used as
an index address, a "preliminary add" address, a store
address, and/or a jump address.
Unique System Advantages:
1. Flexibility of B-address allows for compact coding -
to make for better use of the 4096 word memory in fixed
point operations.
2. Length of floating point word, and the index of
significance, allow for more accuracy in floating point
operations.
INSTALLATIONS
Argonne National laboratory
9700 Cass Avenue
Argonne, Illinois
FUTURE PLANS
Present plans call for a 128,000 word drum and for a
larger, faster core memory.
[ page 283 is blank ]
BRL 1961, GE0TECH AUTOMATIC, start page 0284
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GE0TECH AUTOMATIC
Geotechnical Automatic Chart Reader
MANUFACTURER
The Geotechnical Corporation
Photo
Photo by the Geotechnical Corporation
APPLICATIONS
System reads information contained on plotted
charts, converts into several forms of output, and
performs simultaneous computations, digital or ana-
logue. The recorded charts are scanned optically,
output is produced proportional to trace ordinate,
and operations are performed on the output.
So many different sizes and configurations of charts
and films are recorded by such a variety of techniques
that no one instrument configuration could possibly
be designed to read them all. However, the basic
techniques, utilizing the BASIC READER,
the CONVERSION UNITS, or the COMPUTING UNITS, can be
applied successfully to many unusual types of charts and
films. A drive system for the chart is often ob-
tained by employing a drive similar to the one on
which the chart was originally recorded. For best
results, the trace on the chart should have good
contrast with the chart paper. For example, a BASIC
READER, with the digital computer, reads year-long
river and stream water level charts, feeds the com-
puter which computes daily mean discharge and water
level, and reads out to punched tape, then automatic
typewriters.
BRL 1961, GE0TECH AUTOMATIC, start page 0285
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PROGRAMMING AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM
Computations are performed with modular computing units.
Rack mounted computing units may be added in building
block fashion. Computing units perform integration,
multiplication, addition, subtraction, reciprocal,
variable functions and others.
INPUT OUTPUT
The BASIC READER consists of an optical projection system,
a scanning system, and electronic circuitry. It is located so
that a thin strip of light, focused on the chart at right
angles to the long axis of the chart, reflects a narrow cross-
sectional image of the chart onto a rotating scan disk. The
dark trace of the chart does not reflect light; however, the
white paper background on either side of the trace does
reflect. Therefore, the strip of light imaged on the scan
disk appears to be broken by a dark "spot." When the drive is
turned on and the chart is set into motion, this spot
undulates back and forth across the surface of the disk
exactly as the trace undulates on the chart. The rotating
scan disk is made of glass with an opaque coating through
which two or more transparent slits have been scribed. These
scribed slits are usually in the form of involute curves
because p rotating involute provides a linear sweep and
always intersects the strip of light from the chart at right
angles. The type and number of slits scribed on the scan
disk, as well as the rotational speed of the disk itself may
vary according to particular requirements, however a speed of
3600 RPM and two involutes are common. As the disk rotates
and its involute slit first intersects the strip of light
imaged on it, light is allowed to pass through the slit to
strike a photomultiplier tube. As rotation continues, the
involute next intersects the dark spot, i.e. the reflected
trace, and light to the photomultiplier is momemtarily cut
off, generating a pulse. A reference trace on the chart or
reference marks on the disk are often used to generate
another pulse which defines the base of the chart. A gating
circuit then forms a measuring pulse whose duration is
proportional to the spacing of these two pulses, and
therefore proportional to the ordinate of the recorded trace.
By rotating the disk containing the two slits at 3600 RPM,
the location of the ordinate of the trace is pin-pointed 7200
times a minute. This system provides a continuous or periodic
pulse-width output proportional to the trace ordinate of the
moving chart, accurate to ¤ .1% of full scale, and this
output is all that is required for many purposes, however,
additional outputs are available with modular conversion
units. By adding optional rack-mounted conversion units in
building-block fashion, the basic pulse-width output may be
converted to digital, analog voltage or current, or
mechanical rotation or displacement.
POWER, SPACE, WEIGHT, AND SITE PREPARATION
Power, computer 1 Kw
Volume, computer 16 cu ft
Weight, computer 300 lbs
COST, PRICE AND RENTAL RATES
$10,000 for analog
$20,000 for digital
Maintenance contract is available
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
One operating technician is required. He can be taught
on-the-job.
RELIABILITY, OPERATING EXPERIENCE,
AND TIME AVAILABILITY
Good time 150 Hours/Week (Average)
Attempted to run time180 Hours/Week (Average)
ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND REMARKS
SPECIFICATIONS
Chart Drive Synchronous motor
Chart Speed 12" per minute. Others available
upon request.
Scan Rate 120 scans per second. Approxi-
mately 600 scans and PWM pulses
per linear inch of chart at speed
of 12" per minute.
Accuracy PWM pulses proportional to trace
ordinate are accurate to within
+ 0.1% of full scale.
Analog voltage output proportional
to trace ordinate is accurate to
within + 1% of full scale.
Output This model: 1 MA into 40 K ohms,
designed to match a TI recti/riter
recorder.
Power Requirements 500 VA, 115 volts, 60 cps.
Dimensions 24" deep; 24" wide; 50 1/2" high.
Weight 250 lbs (115 kg.)
Chart Requirements This model is designed to read 6"
rectilinear, single-trace charts.
Extraneous Marks Charts must be free from marks
that will produce spurious signals.
Trace Continuous black line at least
.020" wide.
Trace ContrastTrace should have good contrast
with chart paper.
Grid Lines Preferably none; watery-green
grid lines acceptable.
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