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I've often thought we could have had integrated circuits shortly after the invention of photography. 150 years earlier! It would make an interesting steampunk w
by JoeAltmaier 4y ago
I've often thought we could have had integrated circuits shortly after the invention of photography. 150 years earlier! It would make an interesting steampunk world with steam and hydraulics and CPUs.
- nousermane 4y agoOnly as in "ability to replicate that alien technology". In the same way, all materials and construction techniques for 1896 Marconi radio receiver were available in Ancient Greece.
- varjag 4y agoThe theoretical stack required for successful IC design very much guarantees it wouldn't remain at steampunk.
- JoeAltmaier 4y agoRemember, 'integrated' meant initially just 'more than one component'. It would start with poster-sized wiring diagrams, switch elements, photosensitive spots etc. As it got smaller and more circuit elements were added the math may have progressed with it.
- varjag 4y agoIt's more than the math. It requires modern understanding of electromagnetism and material science accounting for semiconductors. From that things like practical electric motors/generators and plethora other technologies become essentially a corollary.
- caymanjim 4y agoWhy did you think that? We didn't have transistors until the 1960s.
- JoeAltmaier 4y agoWell, integrated circuits started as just 'more than one component' on the same device. So a sensor and a switch perhaps. Or a resistor network. Etc. Start there and you rapidly improve (just like it happened later)
- antonhowes 4y agoIf you write that up, please send me the link (I’m the OP)
- ttyprintk 4y agoYou might find these comments interesting: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=17371343 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=17371343