What is EDSAC?

The Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC) was the world’s oldest computer, originating from the University of Cambridge, England. It began in 1949 and was one of the first computers with stored programs and used binary digits. In this article, we will discuss about Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC).

EDSAC stands for Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator. It was one of the first stored-program computers, these are machines with which the programmer can store the instructions in memory and therefore they are more versatile than other previous models. The Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator could perform around 700 additions per second and 200 multiplications per second.

• Stored-Program Architecture: A computer architecture in which instructions are located in data memory. This means that the machine can alter its workings by altering the contents of the storage or memory unit.
• Delay Line Memory: A type of computer memory used in EDSAC was a vacuum tube used through a cathode ray oscilloscope.
• Von Neumann Architecture: A computer hardware design concept where the computer’s memory storage contains instructions and other forms of data. EDSAC used von Neumann architecture, which then was incorporated into most computer designs.

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): EDSAC also had a CPU which was the main processing unit of the computer used in the executing of instructions stored in the memory. It was able to do arithmetic and logical operations.
• Memory: Computer memory is just like the human brain. It is used to store data and instructions. It is a data storage unit or a data storage device where data is to be processed and instructions required for processing are stored. It can store both the input and output can be stored here
• Input and Output: EDSAC got its input through punched paper tape and its output was a teleprinter. Punched on the paper tape the instructions were fed to the computer and the results were printed on the teleprinter.
• Control Unit: By directing the operation of the CPU and memory the control unit of EDSAC dealt with the issuance of instructions. It helped to make a check so that the instructions were completed in the right order.

• Loading the Program: The program was handwritten on paper and then punched on a punched paper tape to be used in EDSAC.
• Storing Instructions: Here the instructions were stored in delay line memory originating from paper tape as in the previous computer.
• Executing Instructions: It was involved in the processing of instructions given to it whereby it fetched instructions from the memory and executed them as per the flow charts as well as the programs attached to the instructions.
• Output Results: It also provides the findings on the teleprinter so that the user can analyze and or evaluate the findings.

• First Practical Stored-Program Computer.
• Influence on Computer Design.
• Educational Tool.
• Advancement of Scientific Computation.
• Foundation for Commercial Computers.
• The transition from Mechanical to Electronic Computing.

The Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC) is one of the first stored-program computers, it introduced significant advancements in computer architecture and functionality, specifically through its use of stored-program and delay line memory. EDSAC’s ability to perform rapid arithmetic operations improves the efficiency of the calculator.

What were the processing capabilities of EDSAC?

EDSAC can perform around 700 additions per second and 200 multiplications per second.

What role did the Central Processing Unit (CPU) play in EDSAC?

The CPU in EDSAC was responsible for executing instructions stored in memory, performing arithmetic and logical operations.

When was EDSAC operational?

EDSAC became operational in the year 1949 at the University of Cambridge England.

What was EDSAC and its primary objective?

EDSAC was intended to perform scientific computations and the development of computers’ functions and capabilities. It is one that was earlier employed in the research work and education in University of Cambridge.