The ARCTURUS Computer: A Legacy of Australian Computing History
In the 1960s, a groundbreaking computer system emerged from the halls of Sydney University, Australia. This was ARCTURUS, a research computer developed on a shoestring budget by David Wong as part of his PhD thesis. The machine, which operated until 1975, was a marvel of its time, designed with a unique set of features that made it stand out in the world of computing.
ARCTURUS was a fixed-point, binary, parallel, single-address, general-purpose digital computer. It utilized packaged diode-transistor circuits and ferrite-core memory, a choice made to prioritize performance over simplicity, as drum memory was too slow. This decision led to the implementation of parallel features, ensuring the system's speed and efficiency.
The computer supported 32 distinct instructions and had a 13-bit address space, allowing it to directly address 8,192 words. Each word was a 20-bit entity, comprising one sign bit and nineteen magnitude bits for fixed-point two's complement binary numbers. This design choice enabled the system to handle complex calculations and data processing tasks with precision.
The ARCTURUS computer also featured paper-tape peripherals and control panels, enhancing its functionality and user-friendliness. These additions made it a versatile tool for researchers and scientists, contributing to the advancement of computing in Australia.
This remarkable machine is just one part of the fascinating history of computing in Australia, as explored in the series 'The Computer History of Australia' by State of Electronics. If you're intrigued by the evolution of computing technology, be sure to check out their latest video on ARCTURUS and delve into the rich history of Australian computing.
