3 ms·
Please note that the "solid state computer" wasn't fully transistorized[1]. Much of the logic was magnetic logic[2]. (Which is solid state, but not semiconducti
by mikewarot 2y ago
Please note that the "solid state computer" wasn't fully transistorized[1]. Much of the logic was magnetic logic[2]. (Which is solid state, but not semiconducting)
This happened at the time when Germanium transistors were hand made, and quite unreliable, less reliable that even vacuum tubes. Magnetic core was much more reliable than either.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNIVAC_Solid_State https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNIVAC_Solid_State
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_logic https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_logic
- mikewarot 2y agoMore context: I help a friend who has been repairing stuff since the 1950s. I've learned from him, and from the germanium transistors we encounter (after decades in light service) that they tend to "go soft" with use, as do vacuum tubes. You end up replacing them with "new" germanium transistors, or re-bias the circuit to work with silicon transistor replacements that have no such issues.