Z2 (computer)

The Z2 was a mechanical and relay computer completed by Konrad Zuse in 1940.[1][2][3] It was an improvement on the Z1, using the same mechanical memory but replacing the arithmetic and control logic with electrical relay circuits. Photographs and plans for the Z2 were destroyed by the Allied bombing during World War II.[4] In contrast to the Z1, the Z2 used 16-bit fixed-point arithmetic instead of 22-bit floating point.

Zuse presented the Z2 in 1940 to members of the DVL[1][2][3] (today DLR) and it was especially its member Prof. Alfred Teichmann, whose support achieved the partial funding of the successive model Z3.[5]

Specifications

Frequency Ca. 5 Hertz
Arithmetic Unit Fixed point arithmetic unit with 16 bit word length
Average calculation Speed 0.8 sec for addition operation
Number of Relays 600
Memory 64 words (same as Z1)
Power Consumption 1000 watts
Weight 300 kg (660 lb)

[6]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Weiss, E. (1996). Z1 and Z2. "Konrad Zuse Obituary". IEEE Annals of the History of Computing. 18 (2): 3. doi:10.1109/mahc.1996.489747. ISSN 1058-6180.
  2. 1 2 Williams, Michael Roy (1985). A history of computing technology. Also search the book for Luftfahrt - further part. Prentice-Hall. p. 219. ISBN 9780133899177.
  3. 1 2 De Mol, Liesbeth (2007). "Tracing Unsolvability. A Mathematical, Historical and Philosophical Analysis with a Special Focus on Tag Systems". Chapter 4.1.3 Zuse’s Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 and Plankalkül. p. 212. Retrieved 2018-05-12.
  4. ↑ Zuse, Horst. "Part 4: Konrad Zuse's Z1 and Z3 Computers". The Life and Work of Konrad Zuse. EPE Online. Archived from the original on 2008-06-01. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
  5. ↑ Hans Dieter Hellige (Hrsg.): Geschichten der Informatik. Visionen, Paradigmen, Leitmotive. Berlin, Springer 2004, ISBN 3-540-00217-0. p. 115.
  6. ↑ "Z2 Data Sheet". Retrieved 2015-02-09.
  • Z2 via Horst Zuse (son) web page
  • The Zuse Computers (by Raúl Rojas) in RESURRECTION The Bulletin of the Computer Conservation Society ISSN 0958-7403 Number 37 Spring 2006
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.