What does the acronym SWAC stand for, and what type of device was it?

SWAC stands for Standards Western Automatic Computer. It was an early electronic digital computer, meaning it operated using electrical signals and processed data in discrete numerical values.

When and where was the SWAC computer built, and by whom?

The SWAC computer was built in 1950 in Los Angeles, California, by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS). The National Bureau of Standards was a key institution in the early development of computing in the United States.

Who was the lead designer credited with the SWAC computer?

Harry Huskey was the designer credited with the SWAC computer. Designers like Huskey were instrumental in translating theoretical concepts into functional computing machines during this era.

What was the primary purpose of building the SWAC computer?

The SWAC was designed as a small-scale, interim computer to be built and put into operation quickly. Its purpose was to serve as a computational resource while the NBS awaited the completion of more powerful computers, such as the RAYDAC.

How did SWAC compare in speed to other computers upon its completion in 1950?

Upon its completion in August 1950, SWAC was the fastest computer in the world. This was a significant achievement in the nascent field of electronic computing.

Until when did SWAC maintain its status as the world's fastest computer?

SWAC held the title of the world's fastest computer until the IAS computer was completed approximately one year later. The competition to build faster machines was intense during this period.

What were the basic operational speeds of the SWAC for addition and multiplication?

SWAC could add two numbers and store the result in 64 microseconds. A multiplication operation took 384 microseconds. Microseconds are millionths of a second, indicating the rapid processing capabilities for its time.

How many vacuum tubes did the SWAC computer utilize?

The SWAC computer utilized 2,300 vacuum tubes. Vacuum tubes were common electronic components in early computers, acting as switches and amplifiers, though they were prone to failure and generated significant heat.

What was the memory capacity of the SWAC, and how was it stored?

SWAC had a memory capacity of 256 words, with each word consisting of 37 bits. This memory was stored using Williams tubes, an early form of random-access memory that used cathode ray tubes.

What were the seven basic operations that the SWAC computer could perform?

The SWAC computer's seven basic operations included add, subtract, fixed-point multiply, comparison, data extraction, input, and output. These fundamental operations formed the basis of its computational abilities.

Was the memory capacity of the SWAC ever expanded?

Yes, several years after its initial completion, drum memory was added to the SWAC. Drum memory provided additional, albeit slower, storage capacity compared to the primary Williams tube memory.

When did the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) cease using SWAC, and who used it afterward?

The NBS used SWAC until 1954 when its Los Angeles office was closed. Subsequently, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) used the computer until 1967, after it had undergone modifications.

What was the hourly cost for using the SWAC computer at UCLA?

The SWAC computer was charged out at a rate of $40 per hour when it was used by UCLA. This pricing structure reflects the value and cost associated with operating such advanced technology at the time.

What significant mathematical discoveries were made using the SWAC in 1952?

In January 1952, Raphael M. Robinson used the SWAC to discover five Mersenne primes. Mersenne primes are a specific type of prime number that has played a significant role in number theory and computational mathematics.

How did the SWAC contribute to scientific research in the field of molecular structure?

The SWAC was crucial for performing the intensive calculations required for the X-ray analysis of the structure of vitamin B12. This type of analysis uses the diffraction patterns of X-rays to determine the precise arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

What major scientific award was Dorothy Hodgkin recognized with, partly due to the SWAC's computational assistance?

Dorothy Hodgkin received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964 for her work on vitamin B12, which relied on the calculations performed by the SWAC. This highlights how early computers enabled groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

What does the caption of the first image describe about the SWAC?

The caption for the first image states that it shows SWAC, with its Williams tube memory located in the center rear. This points to a key component of the computer's architecture and its physical layout.

What does the second image depict, according to its caption?

The caption for the second image identifies it as a SWAC Williams tube memory unit. This focuses on a specific, critical part of the computer responsible for data storage.

What does the third image's caption explain about the SWAC's memory?

The caption for the third image describes a memory pattern on a SWAC Williams tube CRT. This visual representation likely shows how data was stored or displayed on the cathode ray tube used for memory.

What is the alternative name for SWAC mentioned in the infobox?

In addition to SWAC, the computer is also known as the Standards Western Automatic Computer. This full name provides more context about its origin and purpose.

Which U.S. government agency manufactured the SWAC computer?

The SWAC computer was manufactured by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS). The NBS was a government agency focused on measurement standards and technological development.

What type of memory technology did SWAC use, as indicated by the infobox and image captions?

SWAC used Williams tubes for its memory storage. Williams tubes were an early form of computer memory that stored data as electrical charges on the screen of a cathode ray tube.

How many SWAC computers were produced or sold?

Only one unit of the SWAC computer was produced. This indicates it was likely a prototype or a specialized research machine rather than a mass-produced model.

What is the relationship between SWAC and SEAC mentioned in the overview?

The overview states that SWAC, like SEAC, was a small-scale interim computer designed for rapid construction and operation. SEAC was another computer developed by the NBS around the same time.

What was the specific bit length of each word in SWAC's memory?

Each word in SWAC's memory was 37 bits long. A bit is the smallest unit of data in computing, representing either a 0 or a 1, and 37 bits provided a certain capacity for numerical representation.

What was the purpose of the 'Digital Computer Newsletter' references in the citations?

The 'Digital Computer Newsletter' references provide specific dates and details about SWAC's operational status and discoveries, such as its completion date and the discovery of Mersenne primes. These newsletters were important for disseminating information about early computing projects.

What does the mention of 'dead link' for some Digital Computer Newsletter citations imply?

The 'dead link' notation indicates that the provided web links for those specific references are no longer active or accessible. This is a common issue with older web content.

What kind of scientific analysis was SWAC used for in Dorothy Hodgkin's research?

SWAC was used for the intense calculation required for X-ray analysis, a scientific technique that uses the diffraction patterns of X-rays passing through a crystal to determine the three-dimensional structure of molecules.

What is listed under the 'See also' section of the article?

The 'See also' section lists 'List of vacuum tube computers.' This category includes other early computing devices that utilized vacuum tubes as their primary electronic components.

What is the significance of the 'Further reading' section regarding SWAC?

The 'Further reading' section provides links to additional resources and articles that offer more information about SWAC, including its history and technical details. These are supplementary materials for deeper study.

What does the 'External links' section offer for users interested in SWAC?

The 'External links' section provides links to external websites and documents, such as IEEE transcripts, oral history interviews, and papers related to SWAC and its associated researchers. These links offer access to primary and secondary source materials.

What role did Alexandra Illmer Forsythe play in relation to SWAC?

Alexandra Illmer Forsythe discussed her husband, George Forsythe's, involvement with SWAC at UCLA. George Forsythe worked with the computer until 1957 when the NBS closed its operation there.

What kind of documents are included in the Margaret R. Fox Papers at the Charles Babbage Institute, related to SWAC?

The Margaret R. Fox Papers include memoranda on and histories of SWAC, along with other early National Bureau of Standards (NBS) computer activities. This collection offers insights into the operational and historical aspects of early computing projects.

What is the significance of the reference to 'MERSENNE AND FERMAT NUMBERS' by Raphael M. Robinson?

This reference points to a document by Raphael M. Robinson detailing his work with Mersenne and Fermat numbers, which includes his discoveries made using the SWAC. It connects his mathematical research to the computer's capabilities.

What is the purpose of the Wikimedia Commons link at the end of the article?

The Wikimedia Commons link provides access to media files, such as images, related to the SWAC computer. Wikimedia Commons is a repository for freely usable media files.

What was the primary difference in the design philosophy between SWAC and computers like RAYDAC, as mentioned in the overview?

SWAC was designed as a small-scale, interim computer intended for quick construction and operation, whereas RAYDAC was a more powerful computer that the NBS was waiting for. This highlights SWAC's role as a stopgap solution.

What does the term 'fixed-point' refer to in the context of SWAC's operations?

Fixed-point arithmetic refers to a method of representing numbers in a computer where the decimal or binary point is assumed to be in a fixed position, typically after the first digit. This contrasts with floating-point arithmetic, where the position of the point can vary.

How did SWAC's performance in discovering Mersenne primes contribute to the understanding of large prime numbers?

By using SWAC to find these large Mersenne primes, researchers were able to identify and verify prime numbers that were significantly larger than any previously known, pushing the boundaries of number theory at the time.

What does the term 'X-ray analysis' imply in relation to Dorothy Hodgkin's work with vitamin B12?

X-ray analysis, in this context, refers to a scientific technique that uses the diffraction patterns of X-rays passing through a crystal to determine the arrangement of atoms within that crystal, thereby revealing the molecule's structure.

What was the role of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) in the development of early computers like SWAC?

The NBS played a significant role by developing and building early computers like SWAC, aiming to provide computational resources while waiting for more advanced machines and contributing to the advancement of computing technology.

What does the term 'interim computer' suggest about SWAC's place in computing history?

The term 'interim computer' suggests that SWAC was a temporary solution, built to fill a gap in computational power while more advanced systems were under development, rather than being a long-term flagship machine.

How did the modifications made to SWAC by UCLA affect its operation?

The text mentions that SWAC was used by UCLA 'until 1967 (with modifications),' implying that these changes allowed it to continue functioning and be utilized for several more years beyond its initial NBS service.

What does the inclusion of ISBN numbers in the references indicate about the sources cited?

The inclusion of ISBN (International Standard Book Number) numbers indicates that several of the sources are published books, which are typically peer-reviewed or professionally edited, lending credibility to the information.

What is the significance of the 'mw-file-element' attribute in the image tags?

The 'mw-file-element' attribute is an internal MediaWiki attribute that identifies the image as a file element within the wiki's structure, enabling its display and management.

What does the 'srcset' attribute in the IMG tags provide for the images?

The 'srcset' attribute provides different image sources for various screen resolutions or pixel densities, allowing the browser to select the most appropriate image for the user's display, improving loading times and visual quality.

What does the 'data-file-width' and 'data-file-height' attributes on the IMG tags represent?

These attributes represent the original dimensions (width and height) of the image file itself, which can be used by the browser or wiki software for layout calculations or rendering.

What does the 'id="cite_ref-X"' and 'href="#cite_note-X"' structure signify in the text?

This structure creates a hyperlink between a citation marker (like [1]) in the main text and the corresponding detailed reference entry in the 'References' section, allowing readers to easily cross-reference information.

What does the 'id="cite_note-X"' within the span tag in the references section represent?

The 'id="cite_note-X"' serves as the anchor point for the citation link originating from the main text. When a user clicks on a citation marker, they are directed to this specific anchor.

What does the class 'mw-cite-backlink' on the span tag in the references section do?

This class likely enables a 'backlink' feature, allowing users to click on a reference entry and return to the exact spot in the main text where the citation was made.

What does the class 'reference-text' signify for the content within the LI tags in the references?

This class indicates that the content within the tag is the actual text of the reference citation, providing details about the source.

Swac Computer Wiki: SWAC: The Genesis of West Coast Computing

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Overview

A Foundational Machine

The Standards Western Automatic Computer, or SWAC, was an early electronic digital computer constructed in 1950 by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS) in Los Angeles, California. Designed by the esteemed Harry Huskey, SWAC represented a significant milestone in the nascent field of computing, particularly on the West Coast.

Origin and Purpose

SWAC was conceived as an interim solution, designed for rapid construction and deployment. It was intended to provide essential computational capabilities while the NBS awaited the completion of more advanced systems, such as the RAYDAC by Raytheon. Its development underscored the urgent need for computational power in scientific research during the post-war era.

Inaugural Operations

Completed in August 1950, SWAC was immediately recognized for its impressive speed, holding the title of the world's fastest computer until the IAS computer became operational a year later. This early success highlighted the potential of electronic computation for complex problem-solving.

Architecture & Components

Core Specifications

SWAC was built using approximately 2,300 vacuum tubes. Its primary memory system utilized advanced Williams tubes, capable of storing 256 words. Each word comprised 37 bits, providing a substantial capacity for its time.

Operational Capabilities

The computer's instruction set was relatively streamlined, featuring seven fundamental operations: addition, subtraction, fixed-point multiplication, comparison, data extraction, input, and output. Later enhancements included the integration of drum memory, expanding its data handling capabilities.

Memory Technology

The use of Williams tubes for memory was a key technological feature of SWAC. These cathode ray tubes stored data as patterns of charged spots on their screens, which were read by an electron beam. The memory unit, with its 37-bit word length, was central to SWAC's processing power.

Performance Benchmarks

Speed and Efficiency

SWAC demonstrated remarkable performance for its era. It could execute an addition operation and store the result in a mere 64 microseconds. A multiplication operation typically took around 384 microseconds, positioning it as a leading computational engine upon its completion.

Operational Lifespan

Initially operated by the NBS until 1954, SWAC was subsequently transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It continued to serve the academic and research community there, with modifications, until its decommissioning in 1967. During its tenure at UCLA, it was available for use at a rate of $40 per hour.

Significant Contributions

Discovery of Mersenne Primes

In January 1952, mathematician Raphael M. Robinson utilized SWAC to identify five Mersenne primes. These were the largest prime numbers known at the time, possessing 157, 183, 386, 664, and 687 digits, respectively. This achievement showcased SWAC's capacity for intensive mathematical computation.

Advancing Structural Biology

SWAC played a critical role in the groundbreaking X-ray analysis of the structure of Vitamin B12, conducted by Nobel laureate Dorothy Hodgkin. The extensive calculations performed by SWAC were fundamental to deciphering the complex molecular structure, a feat that contributed significantly to Hodgkin's Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964.

Enduring Legacy

Transition and Impact

Following its service at the NBS, SWAC's relocation to UCLA marked a new phase in its operational life. It continued to be a vital resource for research, demonstrating the long-term value of early computing innovations. Its eventual retirement in 1967 concluded a significant chapter in the history of digital computation.

Historical Context

SWAC stands as a testament to the ingenuity and rapid progress in computer science during the mid-20th century. Alongside contemporaries like SEAC, it provided invaluable experience and laid the groundwork for future generations of more powerful and complex computing systems.

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References

Hodgkin, D.C.; Pickworth, J.; Robertson, J.H; Trueblood, K.N.; Prosen, R.J; White, J.G. Nature. 1955. 176. 325.

A full list of references for this article are available at the SWAC (computer) Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. It reflects historical technological information and should be viewed within that context.

This is not a substitute for professional historical or technical consultation. The information provided on this website is not intended to replace consultation with experts in computer history, engineering, or related fields. Always refer to primary sources and academic research for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

SWAC: The Genesis of West Coast Computing

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🖥️ A Foundational Machine

🏢 Origin and Purpose

📅 Inaugural Operations

Architecture & Components ⚙️

🎛️ Core Specifications

➕ Operational Capabilities

🗄️ Memory Technology

Performance Benchmarks ⚡

⏱️ Speed and Efficiency

⏳ Operational Lifespan

Significant Contributions 🌟

🔢 Discovery of Mersenne Primes

🔬 Advancing Structural Biology

Enduring Legacy 📜

➡️ Transition and Impact

📚 Historical Context

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Foundational Machine

Origin and Purpose

Inaugural Operations

Architecture & Components

Core Specifications

Operational Capabilities

Memory Technology

Performance Benchmarks

Speed and Efficiency

Operational Lifespan

Significant Contributions

Discovery of Mersenne Primes

Advancing Structural Biology

Enduring Legacy

Transition and Impact

Historical Context

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice