diff --git a/.zk/notebook.db b/.zk/notebook.db index 52c18fa..170e1b8 100644 Binary files a/.zk/notebook.db and b/.zk/notebook.db differ diff --git a/zk/Relays.md b/zk/Relays.md index d4495bd..14c0537 100644 --- a/zk/Relays.md +++ b/zk/Relays.md @@ -8,7 +8,8 @@ created: Monday, September 09, 2024 A relay is an electrically operated switch. -It uses an electromagnet to mechancially operate a switch. +It uses an electromagnet to mechancially operate a switch. A switch in one +circuit can be used the trigger the operation of another circuit. ## Core components @@ -28,3 +29,11 @@ It uses an electromagnet to mechancially operate a switch. Current flows through the electromagnet which creates a magnetic field. This field attracts the armature which then moves to open or close the contacts. When the current stops, this returns the armature to its original position. + +## Usage + +During the +[electro-mechanical era of computing](The_History_of_Computing_Swade.md) they +were used as precursors to vacuum tubes (and later, transistors) to implement +logic gates. While they were superseded in this domain, they are still used in +industrial control systems and automobiles. diff --git a/zk/The_History_of_Computing_Swade.md b/zk/The_History_of_Computing_Swade.md index 277572f..4e3761e 100644 --- a/zk/The_History_of_Computing_Swade.md +++ b/zk/The_History_of_Computing_Swade.md @@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ electronic devices. The term "analogue" itself only came about when the need arose to distinguish digital devices from other types of computer. They were not "rivals" before this. -### Electro-mechanical devices +### Electro-mechanical computers Electro-mechanical devices (also known as "electronic analogue computers") are a sort of midway between full digital devices and analogue computers, forming a @@ -192,5 +192,36 @@ Their key components were: - punched cards or paper tape for input instructions and outputs They were slower than fully digital computers as they were limited by the speed -of moving components rather than the flow of electric charge. In addition the -various mechanical parts were prone to wear and needed frequent replacement. + +- [ ] of moving components rather than the flow of electric charge. In addition + the various mechanical parts were prone to wear and needed frequent + replacement. + +### Examples of electro-mechanical computers + +#### Harvard Mark 1 (1937-1944) - Aikin, IBM + +Designed by Howard Aiken and built by IBM (1937-1944). Also known as the +_Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator_ (ASCC). A general-purpose +electro-mechanical computer it was most famously used at Los Alamos by +#vonNeumann to calculate the blast yield of the atomic bomb. + +![Harvard Mark One](../img/Harvard_Mark_1.jpg) + +It was more than 15m in length and weighed 5 tonnes comprising over 750,000 +parts. It used paper tape and punched cards for input/output. + +#### Complex Number Calculator (1940) - Bell Labs, Stibitz + +Not general purpose nor was it programmable. It was hardwired to perform a +specific set of operations on numbers and nothing else. It used relays like the +others. Its distinguishing feature was that it used a teletype for input rather +than cards or paper tape. + +![Calculating panel of the CMC](../img/complex-number-calculator-bell-labs.jpg) + +![Teletype input of CMC](../img/stibitz-teletype.jpg) + +It comprised a panel (the calculating unit) and teletype (the input). One could +remotely access the computer from the teletype in another location, providing it +was connected to Bell Lab's telephone network.