AN/FSQ-7 : the computer that shaped the Cold War / Bernd Ulmann ; editor, Gerhard Pappert ; cover picture, Ron Brunell.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ulmann, Bernd, author.

Contributor:

Pappert, Gerhard, editor.

Brunell, Ron, cover designer.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

AN/FSQ-7 (Computer).

Command and control systems--United States--History.

Command and control systems.

Cold War.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (272 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Munich, Germany : De Gruyter Oldenbourg, 2014.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Das Buch widmet sich AN/FSQ-7, einem der aussergewöhnlichsten und einflussreichsten Digitalrechner aller Zeiten, über den erst in den letzten Jahren (aufgrund von Geheimhaltungsvorschriften) detaillierte Informationen zugänglich wurden. Über einen Zeitraum von über 30 Jahren wurden in den USA 23 Rechenzentren auf Basis von jeweils zwei AN/FSQ-7 betrieben, die das Herz von SAGE, dem Semi Automatic Ground Environment bildeten, das für die Luftraumüberwachung der USA und (in Teilen) Kanada zuständig war.

One of the most impressive computer systems ever was the vacuum tube based behemoth AN/FSQ-7, which was the heart of the ''Semi Automatic Ground Environment''. Machines of this type were children of the Cold War and had a tremendous effect in politics. They also generated a vast amount of spin-offs which still shape our world. This book focuses on the technological achievements and details of this marvelous machine and of its predecessor Whirlwind. The various developments, ranging from magnetic core memory to data transmission via telephone lines, are covered in detail with schematics, circuit descriptions and small programming examples. This book is a treasure trove for those interested in the technology of early digital computers and those interested in the impact these machines had and still have on our current computer systems.

Contents:

Front matter

Acknowledgments

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Setting the stage

3. Whirlwind

4. SAGE

5. Basic circuitry

6. Central processor

7. Drum system

8. Input/output system

9. Display system

10. Machine consoles

11. Power supply

12. Programming

13. Software

14. Failure or Success?

15. Epilogue

A. Whirlwind instruction set

B. Programming cards

Bibliography

Acronyms

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9783486990911

3486990918

9783486856705

3486856707

OCLC:

979770010