eolas/neuron/04bec0de-8b09-4523-818a-82f4a1387c58/Williams_Tube_memory.md
2025-01-20 18:28:51 +00:00

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tags created
computer-history
memory
Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Williams Tube memory

  • One of the early attempts to create RAM in computers based on the EDVAC stored-program architecture.

  • Worked by displaying a grid of dots on a cathode-ray tube ("screen")

  • Due to the way CRTs work, this creates a small charge of static electricity over each dot. The charge at the location of each of the dots is read by a thin metal sheet just in front of the display.

  • Each dot position could be written to and read from and the pattern was constantly refreshed as the dots would fade over time.

A Williams CRT tube

Memory dot pattern from a Williams Tube