<computer> (ABC) An early design for a binary calculator, one
of the predecessors of the digital computer. The ABC was
partially constructed between 1937 and 1942 by Dr. John
Vincent Atanasoff and Clifford Berry at Iowa State College.
As well as binary arithmetic, it incorporated regenerative
memory, parallel processing, and separation of memory and
computing functions.
The electronic parts were mounted on a rotating drum, making
it hybrid electronic/electromechanical. It was designed to
handle only a single type of mathematical problem and was not
automated. The results of a single calculation cycle had to
be retrieved by a human operator, and fed back into the
machine with all new instructions, to perform complex
operations. It lacked any serious form of logical control or
conditional statements.
Atanasoff's patent application was denied because he never
have a completed, working product. Ideas from the ABC were
used in the design of ENIAC (1943-1946).
http://www.cs.iastate.edu/jva/jva-archive.shtml.
(2003-09-28)
Nearby terms:
ATA « ATA-2 « ATA-4 « Atanasoff-Berry Computer » Atanasoff, John Vincent » ATAPI » ATA point
