Difference between revisions of "Whirlwind"
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'''Whirlwind''' was one of the very first computers; it was enormously influential, for several reasons. It was the first [[real-time]] computer, unlike all the other first-generation computers, which were intended only for large-scale computations for numerical [[application]]s. It was also the first computer with [[core memory]], which was invented for it. | '''Whirlwind''' was one of the very first computers; it was enormously influential, for several reasons. It was the first [[real-time]] computer, unlike all the other first-generation computers, which were intended only for large-scale computations for numerical [[application]]s. It was also the first computer with [[core memory]], which was invented for it. | ||
| − | It was built out of [[vacuum tube]]s, and used a predecessor to [[microcode]] for internal control [[logic]]. (It used a sequence of hard-wired control words for control, effectively [[read-only memory|ROM]], but did not include any ability to alter the order of execution.) It had neither [[interrupt]]s or [[trap]]s (but could be caused to [[halt]] on an [[arithmetic overflow]]). | + | It was built out of [[vacuum tube]]s, and used a predecessor to [[microcode]] for internal control [[logic]]. (It used a sequence of hard-wired control words for control, effectively [[read-only memory|ROM]], but did not include any ability to alter the order of execution.) |
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| + | In common with other early machines, its [[architecture]] was somewhat peculiar. It had neither [[interrupt]]s or [[trap]]s (but could be caused to [[halt]] on an [[arithmetic overflow]]). Its [[control flow]] capabilities were limited and primitive; it had [[conditional branch]]ing, but no support of any kind for [[subroutine]]s. As a result, extensive use was made of [[self-modifying code]]. [[Instruction]]s included a 12-bit [[absolute address]]; when its [[main memory]] later exceeded that size, a [[bank switching]] mechanism had to be added. It had only a single [[register|accumulator]], and no [[index register]]s. | ||
The standard input/output device was a [[Flexowriter]] (very similar to a [[Teletype]]); it functioned as a [[printing terminal]] (initially only for output), and could also read and punch [[paper tape]]s. (A high-speed Ferranti photo-electric paper tape reader was also added later.) Eventually, the system was enhanced with a [[magnetic tape drive]] and a [[drum]]. A [[vector graphics|vector]] [[video display]] and a [[light pen]] input pointing device were also added. | The standard input/output device was a [[Flexowriter]] (very similar to a [[Teletype]]); it functioned as a [[printing terminal]] (initially only for output), and could also read and punch [[paper tape]]s. (A high-speed Ferranti photo-electric paper tape reader was also added later.) Eventually, the system was enhanced with a [[magnetic tape drive]] and a [[drum]]. A [[vector graphics|vector]] [[video display]] and a [[light pen]] input pointing device were also added. | ||
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* [https://dome.mit.edu/handle/1721.3/37455 Project Whirlwind] - large collection of contemporary documents; e.g. bi-weekly progress reports | * [https://dome.mit.edu/handle/1721.3/37455 Project Whirlwind] - large collection of contemporary documents; e.g. bi-weekly progress reports | ||
| − | * [https://www.historia-mollimercium.com/whirlwind/ww-page.html MIT/CHM Whirlwind Software Recovery] | + | * [https://www.historia-mollimercium.com/whirlwind/ww-page.html MIT/CHM Whirlwind Software Recovery] - Many links to other sites |
** [https://www.historia-mollimercium.com/whirlwind/Whirlwind-Software-Recovery-Project-v6d.pdf Recovering Software for the Whirlwind Computer] | ** [https://www.historia-mollimercium.com/whirlwind/Whirlwind-Software-Recovery-Project-v6d.pdf Recovering Software for the Whirlwind Computer] | ||
| + | * [https://computerhistory.org/blog/gambling-on-whirlwind-how-the-us-navy-spent-3-million-and-got-a-computer-game/ Gambling on Whirlwind: How the US Navy Spent $3M and got a Computer Game] | ||
{{semi-stub}} | {{semi-stub}} | ||
[[Category: Computers]] | [[Category: Computers]] | ||
Revision as of 15:51, 10 March 2021
Whirlwind was one of the very first computers; it was enormously influential, for several reasons. It was the first real-time computer, unlike all the other first-generation computers, which were intended only for large-scale computations for numerical applications. It was also the first computer with core memory, which was invented for it.
It was built out of vacuum tubes, and used a predecessor to microcode for internal control logic. (It used a sequence of hard-wired control words for control, effectively ROM, but did not include any ability to alter the order of execution.)
In common with other early machines, its architecture was somewhat peculiar. It had neither interrupts or traps (but could be caused to halt on an arithmetic overflow). Its control flow capabilities were limited and primitive; it had conditional branching, but no support of any kind for subroutines. As a result, extensive use was made of self-modifying code. Instructions included a 12-bit absolute address; when its main memory later exceeded that size, a bank switching mechanism had to be added. It had only a single accumulator, and no index registers.
The standard input/output device was a Flexowriter (very similar to a Teletype); it functioned as a printing terminal (initially only for output), and could also read and punch paper tapes. (A high-speed Ferranti photo-electric paper tape reader was also added later.) Eventually, the system was enhanced with a magnetic tape drive and a drum. A vector video display and a light pen input pointing device were also added.
Whirlwind was orginally built at MIT (MIT's first computer) for use in a flight simulator, but wound up being used to prototype the SAGE air defence system.
External links
- Project Whirlwind - large collection of contemporary documents; e.g. bi-weekly progress reports
- MIT/CHM Whirlwind Software Recovery - Many links to other sites
- Gambling on Whirlwind: How the US Navy Spent $3M and got a Computer Game
