Jump to content

List of early third generation computers

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This list of early third generation computers, tabulates those computers using monolithic integrated circuits (ICs) as their primary logic elements, starting from small-scale integration CPUs (SSI) to large-scale integration CPUs (LSI). Computers primarily using ICs first came into use about 1961 for military use. With the availability of reliable low cost ICs in the mid 1960s commercial third generation computers using ICs started to appear.

The fourth generation computers began with the shipment of CPS-1, the first commercial microprocessor microcomputer in 1972 and for the purposes of this list marks the end of the "early" third generation computer era. Note that third generation computers were offered well into the 1990s.

The list is organized by delivery year to customers or production/operational date. In some cases only the first computer from any one manufacturer is listed. Computers announced, but never completed, are not included. Computers without documented manual input (keyboard/typewriter/control unit) are also not included.

Aerospace and military computers (1961-1971)

[edit]

1961

1962

1963

1965

1967

1970

1971

  • AN/GYK-12 Militarized version of Litton L-3050

Commercial computers (1965-1971)

[edit]

This table of commercial 3rd generation computers has been constructed by merging of several lists of computers[42][43][44][45] offered from February 1965, the date of the shipment of the first commercial 3rd generation computer, thru 1971 inclusive and then finding reliable sources as to the generation of the models listed and the associated dates.

Date[a] Manufacturer Model Comment
Feb 1965 Scientific Data Systems SDS 92 First commercial 3rd generation computer
Sep 1965 Systems Engineering Laboratories, Inc. 810
Oct 1965 ASI Computer Division of Electro-Mechanical Research, Inc.[b] ASI 6070[48]
Nov 1965 Systems Engineering Laboratories, Inc. 840
Dec 1965 Honeywell Information Systems 2200[49]
Jan 1966 Computer Control Company DDP-124
Jan 1966 Honeywell Information Systems 1200[49]
Feb 1966 ASI Computer Division of Electro-Mechanical Research, Inc.[b] ASI 6050[48]
Feb 1966 Honeywell Information Systems 120[49]
Jun 1966 Honeywell Information Systems DDP 516[50]
Jul 1966 RCA Spectra 70/35, /45 & /55
Aug 1966 Systems Engineering Laboratories, Inc. 810A/840A
Nov 1966 Ferranti Argus 400
Nov 1966 Hewlett-Packard, Co. 2116A
Dec 1966 Business Information Technology BIT 480[51][52]
Dec 1966 Scientific Data Systems Sigma 7
Jan 1967 Scientific Data Systems Sigma 2
Feb 1967 General Electric GE 4020[53] (in Japanese)
Mar 1967 Interdata, Inc. Interdata 3
Apr 1967 Electronic Associates, Inc. EAI 640[54]
May 1967 Honeywell Information Systems 4200[49]
May 1967 Standard Computer Corporation IC6000[55]
Jun 1967 Univac 9200 & 9300
Jun 1967 Varian Data Machines 620/i
Aug 1967 Burroughs B2500/3500 [56]: 473 
Aug 1967 Xerox Data Systems Sigma 5
Sep 1967 Elbit Computers, Ltd. 100[57]
Oct 1967 Marconi Myriad II[58] Uses DTL
Oct 1967 ASI Computer Division of Electro-Mechanical Research, Inc.[b] ASI 6130[59]
Oct 1967 Digiac Corporation 3080C[60]
Oct 1967 Raytheon Computer 703[61]
Dec 1967 Honeywell Information Systems 125[62]
Jan 1968 Systems Engineering Laboratories, Inc. 840MP
Jan 1968 General Automation, Inc. SPC-12
Apr 1968 Computer Automation, Inc. PDC 808 Uses DTL circuits
Apr 1968 Digital Equipment Corp. PDP-8/I[63]
Apr 1968 Hewlett-Packard, Co. 2115A
c. Apr 1968 Spear Micro-LINC 300 Uses MECL
May 1968 Texas Instruments, Inc 980[64]
Jun 1968 Honeywell Information Systems 1648[65]
Jul 1968 Hewlett-Packard, Co. 2116B
Jul 1968 Redcor Corporation RC-70[66]
Aug 1968 Honeywell Information Systems 1250[62]
Sep 1968 Honeywell Information Systems 110[49]
Sep 1968 National Cash Register Century 100
Sep 1968 Standard Computer Corporation IC4000[55]
Sep 1968 Systems Engineering Laboratories, Inc. 810B
Oct 1968 Digital Equipment Corp. PDP-8/L[63]
Oct 1968 Hewlett-Packard, Co. 2114A
Oct 1968 Varian Data Machines 520/i
Nov 1968 General Automation, Inc. SPC-8
Nov 1968 RCA Spectra 70/46
Dec 1968 Bailey Meter 855
Dec 1968 Computer Automation, Inc. PDC 816 Used TTL for logic
Dec 1968 Honeywell Information Systems DDP 416[67]
Dec 1968 Honeywell Information Systems H632[68][69]
Dec 1968 Micro Systems, Inc Micro 800/810[70][c] TTL MSI, Core Memory, Microprogrammed
1968 Fujitsu, Ltd. FACOM230-25, -35, -45
Feb 1969 Data General Nova
Feb 1969 Honeywell Information Systems 8200
Mar 1969 Fujitsu, Ltd. FACOM-R[71][d]
Mar 1969 Lockheed Electronics MAC-16
Mar 1969 Raytheon Computer 706[72]
Apr 1969 Burroughs B8500[73]
Apr 1969 Philips Electrologica Limited P350 series[74]
Apr 1969 Scientific Control Corporation SCC 4700[75]
May 1969 Datacraft Corporation DC-6024/1[76][77][78]
May 1969 Univac 9400
Jun 1969 National Cash Register Century 200[79]
Jun 1969 Honeywell Information Systems H316[50]
Jun 1969 Standard Computer Corporation IC7000[55]
Jul 1969 Burroughs B6500 [56]: 449 
Aug 1969 Westinghouse Electric 2500[80]
Sep 1969 Tempo Computers, Inc. 1/1-A[81]
Nov 1969 Hewlett-Packard, Co. 2114B
Dec 1969 IBM 360/85
Dec 1969 Xerox Data Systems Sigma 3
1969 International Computers and Tabulators ICT 1900A
Jan 1970 Business Information Technology BIT 483[82]
Jan 1970 GRI Computer Corp. GRI 909[83]
Jan 1970 IBM System/3
Feb 1970 Digital Equipment Corp. PDP-15[63]
Feb 1970 Honeywell Information Systems 3200[49]
Feb 1970 Datacraft Corporation DC-6024/3[84][77][78]
Feb 1970 CII Iris 50
Early 1970 U. of Illinois ILLIAC IV
Mar 1970 Digital Scientific Corp. META 4[85]
Apr 1970 Digital Equipment Corp. PDP-11/20[63]
Apr 1970 Raytheon Computer 704[86]
Apr 1970 Viatron Computer Systems Corp. Viatron 2140 & 2150
May 1970 Data General SuperNova
May 1970 General Automation, Inc. SPC-16
Jun 1970 Texas Instruments, Inc 960[64]
Jul 1970 Unicomp, Inc. COMP-16[87]
Aug 1970 Digital Computer Controls, Inc DCC-112[57]
Sep 1970 RCA Spectra 70/60
Sep 1970 Wang Laboratories, Inc. Wang 3300
Sep 1970 Philips Business Systems, Inc. P850/855/860[88]
Fall 1970 Datamate Computer Systems, Inc. 70[89]
before Nov 1970 GRI Computer Corporation 99[90]
before Nov 1970 Varisystems Corporation PAC-16/2[91]
Dec 1970 Modular Computer Systems, Inc III[92]
1970 Fujitsu, Ltd. FACOM230-15
1970 Unicomp, Inc. COMP-18[87]
Jan 1971 IBM 370/155
Feb 1971 RCA Spectra 70/61
Mar 1971 Digital Equipment Corp. PDP-8/E[63]
Mar 1971 General Electric GE 655
Apr 1971 Data General Corp. Nova 800
Apr 1971 IBM 370/165
Jun 1971 IBM 370/145
Dec 1971 Data General Corp. Nova 1200
1971 Fujitsu, Ltd. FACOM230-45S

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Unless otherwise noted date is "first customer shipment" or "first practical demonstration" taken from the following sources listed in priority order:
    1. Dates with reliable sources in linked Wikipedia articles
    2. Digital Computer Census (1964-1974)[93]
    3. Auerbach EDP Series No.4 - Minicomputers,[43] Appendix C. Product Comparison charts
    4. Dead Medium: Dead computational platforms, dead mainframes, and their dates[42]
    To the extent there is a conflict between sources, only the highest priority source is used.
  2. ^ a b c ASI became EMR-Computer in 1964.[46] Later sold to Univac.[47]
  3. ^ Sold in Europe as Intertechnique Multi-8
  4. ^ Generation 3 estimated based upon dates of other older models from manufacturer

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "1961 Pictorial Report on the Computer Field". Journal of Computers and Automation. 10 (12). Newtonville, Massachusetts: Berkeley Enterprises Inc.: 85 December 1961.
  2. ^ "Science in Overseas Industry". New Scientist. 12 (260). London: 362. 1961-11-09. ISSN 0262-4079.
  3. ^ "Solid Circuit(tm) Semiconductor Network Computer, 6.3 Cubic inches in Size, is Demonstrated in Operation by U.S. Air Force and Texas Instruments". History of Innovation. Texas Instruments. 1961-10-19. Archived from the original on 2006-01-08. Retrieved 2006-01-08.
  4. ^ "IEEE International Convention Record". 10 (1–5). 1962: 50. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  5. ^ Texas Instruments (January 1965). "Series 51 RCTL". Bulletin SCA-1000: Digital Semiconductor Integrated Circuits. pp. 2–3, 9–11.
  6. ^ Dummer, G. W. A.; Robertson, J. Mackenzie (1965). "Texas Instruments Series 51 Semiconductor Networks". American Microelectronics Data Annual 1964–65. Macmillan. pp. 596–650. ISBN 9781483185491. Archived from the original on 2019-07-04.
  7. ^ Laws, David A. (2009). "1962: Aerospace systems are the first applications for ICs in computers". In Laws, David A.; McClure, Jim; Riordan, Michael (eds.). IC at fifty. Mountain View, California: Computer History Museum. p. 26.
  8. ^ Texas Instruments (1961). A Molecular Electronic Computer (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2019-07-04. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
  9. ^ "Section VI: Theory of Operation of the ASD Semiconductor-Network Computer". DTIC AD0273850: Silicon Semiconductor Networks Manufacturing Methods. 1962. pp. 67–113.
  10. ^ "Micrologic / MARTAC 420 ad". Aviation Week: 286. 2 July 1962.
  11. ^ "Across the Editor's Desk: New Products – Radical New Computer With Subminiaturized Multiple Circuits". Computers and Automation. XI (7): 19. Jul 1962.
  12. ^ Hamlin, William O. (January 1963). "Microelectronics". Electronics World. 69 (1): 31. Designed primarily for ICBM pre-launch checkout and control [...]
  13. ^ MARTAC 420 : a multipurpose digital control computer | 102762874 | Computer History Museum. Martin Company. 1962. Retrieved 2018-03-22. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  14. ^ Use of integrated circuitry in a digital system | 102762873 | Computer History Museum. Martin Company. 1962. Retrieved 2018-03-22. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  15. ^ a b Langdon, Glen G. Jr (2012). Logic Design: A Review Of Theory And Practice. Elsevier. p. 29. ISBN 9780323160452.
  16. ^ a b Gill, Jas; Swann, Peter (2002). Corporate Vision and Rapid Technological Change: The Evolution of Market Structure. Routledge. pp. 140–141. ISBN 9781134874767.
  17. ^ Army. Association of the United States Army. August 1962. p. 63.
  18. ^ MAGIC : an advanced computer for Spaceborne Guidance Systems | 102770287 | Computer History Museum. October 1962. Retrieved 2018-03-22. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  19. ^ "MAGIC Documents". www.bitsavers.org. p. MAGIC I Characteristics - p. 2 of the Organization_Of_MAGIC_II_Nov63.
  20. ^ Kearfott Aerospace Digital Computers | 102646245 | Computer History Museum. General Precision, Inc. 1967-05-01. pp. 20–21. Circuitry: Silicon planar epitaxial semiconductor IC
  21. ^ Faber, Rodney B. (1985). Essentials of solid state electronics. John Wiley & Sons Australia, Limited. p. 306. ISBN 9780471865759.
  22. ^ Computer Design. Computer Design Publishing Corporation. 1962. p. 35.
  23. ^ "Fabrication of IC devices". www.tpub.com. Retrieved 2019-01-11.
  24. ^ "BRL Report 1964". ed-thelen.org. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  25. ^ "24-bit Computer Chapter". vipclubmn.org. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  26. ^ "Across the Editor's Desk: Computing and Data Processing Newsletter – Front Cover Story: New Aerospace Computer Features Circuit "Chips" and Thin-Film Memory". Computers and Automation. XII (2): 1, 5, 40. Feb 1963.
  27. ^ "Across the Editor's Desk: Computing and Data Processing Newsletter – UNIVAC 1824 Microelectronic Aerospace Computer". Computers and Automation. XIV (3): 47. Mar 1965.
  28. ^ "UNIVAC brochure". www.honeysucklecreek.net. 1969. pp. 18–19, 26. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  29. ^ "Aerospace Computer UNIVAC 1824" (PDF). product information. pp. C-13-1 - C-13-4 (43-46).
  30. ^ Electronics. Vol. 39. McGraw-Hill Publishing Company. Jul 1966. p. 200.
  31. ^ "See the difference in Minuteman computers". Aviation Week & Space Technology: 64–65. 25 May 1964.
  32. ^ SCA-1000 TI Digital Semiconductor Integrated Circuits. Texas Instruments. Jan 1965. pp. 3, 14.
  33. ^ The Apollo guidance computer: Hardware
  34. ^ "Apollo Integrated Circuits and Reliability". klabs.org.
  35. ^ Baechler 1967, Table 2 no 14 (p. 23 in reader).
  36. ^ Baechler 1969, Table 1 no 16 (p. 9 in reader)
  37. ^ Strohl, Elaine K.; Kilgore, Yvonne H.; Sass, Margo A.; Goldstein, Gordon D. (October 1965). "Computers and Data Processing, North AMerica: 4. Honeywell, Inc., H-8200, Wellesley, Massachusetts - Fully Integrated". Digital Computer Newsletter. 17 (4). Arlington, Va.: Office of Naval Research: 8. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021.
  38. ^ Dummer, G. W. A.; Robertson, J. Mackenzie (2013). "Transitron HLTTL series (military and industrial)". Anglo–American Microelectronics Data 1968–69: Manufacturers R–Z. Elsevier. pp. 2912–2915. ISBN 9781483150604.
  39. ^ Study for a flight failure warning and analysis PEM system Final report. 1965. pp. 6, 56, 69.
  40. ^ Baechler 1967, Table 2 no 16 and 27 (p. 23 in reader).
  41. ^ Baechler 1967, Table 2 no 35 (p. 23 in reader).
  42. ^ a b Watson, Bruce P.; Knight, Dr. Kennethe E. (c. 1976). "Dead Medium: Dead computational platforms, dead mainframes, and their dates". Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  43. ^ a b "Minicomputers - EDP Series, No. 4" (PDF). Bitsavers. Auerbach. March 1971. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  44. ^ "Minicomputers" (PDF). Bitsavvers. Modern Data. June 1971. Retrieved March 30, 2019.
  45. ^ Sidowsksi, Joseph B. (1970). "Minicomputers" (PDF). Behavior Research Methods & Instrumentation. 2 (6): 267–288. doi:10.3758/BF03211027. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
  46. ^ "Charles Babbage Institute: The Computing Industry in Minnesota > A-B: Advanced Scientific Instruments". www.cbi.umn.edu.
  47. ^ Enterprise, I. D. G. (1 November 1972). "Univac Set to Acquire EMR". Computerworld. IDG Enterprise.
  48. ^ a b "Advance Series Expanded From Two to Five Systems". Archive.org. Computers and Automation. July 1965. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  49. ^ a b c d e f "Honeywell Series 200 and 2000" (PDF). Bitsavers. DataPro Research Corp. April 1974. pp. 2–3. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  50. ^ a b "Early Honeywell Mini-Computers". Retrieved March 20, 2019.
  51. ^ "Model 480 general purpose desk-top computer". Computers and Automation (12): 23. Dec 1966.
  52. ^ Datamation, April 1968, p.19
  53. ^ computerfiles :: ComputerIndustryAnnual 1967-68
  54. ^ EAI 640
  55. ^ a b c "Documents on Standard Computer Corp Models 4000, 6000 and 7000". Bitsavers. c. 1968. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  56. ^ a b Auerbach Computer Notebook International 1969. 1969.
  57. ^ a b elbit :: ELBIT 100 Brochure 1969
  58. ^ "Marconi 'Myriad II' Digital Computer Type L 4001" (PDF). Marconi Catalogues 1958-1969 - Radar Extracts. c. 1968. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  59. ^ Datamation, May 1966, p.16
  60. ^ Datamation, Apr 1970, p. 331
  61. ^ "703 IC Systems Computer, Reference and Interface Manual" (PDF). Bitsavers. Retrieved March 18, 2019.
  62. ^ a b "BULL computers chronological history, Honeywell (1955-1985)". www.feb-patrimoine.com. Virtual Museum of French computers. April 22, 2002. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  63. ^ a b c d e Bell, Gordon; et al. (1978). Computer Engineering - A DEC View Of Hardware Systems Design. Digital Press. pp. 116. ISBN 0-932376-00-2.
  64. ^ a b Model 960, Texas Instruments
  65. ^ "Honeywell Series 16 Low-Cost Time-Sharing System" (PDF). Computers And Automation. March 1969. p. 55. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  66. ^ "RC 70 Computer Reference Manual". Redcor Corporation. March 1969. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  67. ^ "u-Comp DDP-416 General Purpose I/C Computer" (PDF). Bitsavers. Honeywell Computer Control Division. 1967. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
  68. ^ "Model 632-001 Series 32 Technical Bulletin" (PDF). Bitsavers. Honeywell Computer Control Division. 1968. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  69. ^ "Honeywell H632 brochure" (PDF). s3data.computerhistory.org. 1968.
  70. ^ "MICRO 800 Computer Reference Manual" (PDF). Bitsavers. Micro Systems, Inc. June 1969. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  71. ^ "FACOM R". Fujitsu, Ltd. 1969. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  72. ^ "Raytheon 706 Users Manual" (PDF). Bitsavers. Retrieved March 18, 2019.
  73. ^ Lynch, John T (August 1965). "The Burroughs B8500". Datamation. pp. 59–60.
  74. ^
  75. ^ "SCC 4700 Computer Reference Manual" (PDF). Bitsavers. 1969. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  76. ^ "Series 6000 Computer System (logic diagrams)" (PDF). Bitsavers. Datacraft Corp. c. 1970. Retrieved March 28, 2019.[page needed]
  77. ^ a b Berkeley, Edmund Callis (1972). "DATACRAFT CORP". Computers and Automation. 21. Edmund C. Berkeley and Associates: 21. Manufacture and sell DC 6024/1, 3, 5 third generation, 24 bit computers
  78. ^ a b Later sold as part of Harris Computer Systems' Slash Series (Slash 1, 3, 4 and 5)
  79. ^ "The Core Memory". Retrieved April 16, 2019. Monolithic integrated logic circuitry is used throughout the Century components.
  80. ^ "Westinghouse 2500 Computer Reference Manual" (PDF). Bitsavers. Westinghouse Computer and Instrumentation Division. September 1971. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  81. ^ "Tempo I system Reference Manual" (PDF). Bitsavers. Tempo Computers, Inc. November 25, 1969. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  82. ^ Chuck(G) (November 15, 2009). "Thread: Bits 483". Retrieved March 25, 2019. the logic appears to be commodity TTL,...
  83. ^ GRI 909 manuals
  84. ^ Datamation, Mar 15, 1970, p. 62
  85. ^ McDonald, J; et al. (September 25, 1973). "Three ECL designs for microprogrammable Writable Control Stores". Conference record of the 6th annual workshop on Microprogramming - MICRO 6. ACM. pp. 26–43. doi:10.1145/800203.806232. ISBN 9781450377836. S2CID 17743482.
  86. ^ "704 IC Systems Computer, Technical Manual" (PDF). Bitsavers. Retrieved March 18, 2019.
  87. ^ a b Ichnowski, Jeanne Astrin (c. 1972). "Catalog list of Unicomp material at Computer History Museum". Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  88. ^ Philips mini computers P850/P855/P860
  89. ^ "Datamate 70 Computer Reference Manual" (PDF). Bitsavers. 1970. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  90. ^ GRI-99 System Reference Manual Oct72
  91. ^ Varisystem
  92. ^ System Designs Handbook, mudular computer systems
  93. ^ "Digital Computer Census" (PDF). Bitsavers. Computers and People. January 22, 1962 – August 15, 1974. Retrieved March 31, 2019.

Works cited

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]