Digital Electronic Computer 'MINSK-1'
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Gennadiy Dmitrievich Smirnov, Anatoliy Vikentievich Grekovich
Chief designer: G.P. Lopato, dep. chief designer: V.J. Simkhes
Designers: E.N. Sakaev, S.N. Remorov, A.I. Bakhir, V.I. Tsygelskiy, A.B.Flerov
- Developing organisation: Special Design Bureau of G.K. Ordzhonikidze computing machines plant in Minsk. Subjected to the Byelorussian Council of national economy.
- Manufacturing plant: Minsk, G.K. Ordzhonikidze computing machines plant.
- Finishing of design phase: 1960
- Beginning of serial production: 1960
- Finishing of serial production: 1963
Application field: Computer «Minsk-1» was one of the first soviet serial small machines with electron valves; which was most widely used for solving of scientific and engineering problems, for operation at scientific research institutes and universities, computer centers, design bureaus and at industrial enterprises.
Number of produced computers (serial manufacturing): 230 pieces, including modifications «Minsk-11», «Minsk-12», «Minsk-14», «Minsk-16», different in peripheral equipment structure.
Description of the computer
(structure and architecture, including peripheral devices)
- Addressing system of instructions.
- Length of word – 31 bit.
- Floating and fixed points.
- The Minsk design was the first usage of the ferrite core memory in the serially produced computer.
- Information input: from perforated tape – output: with digital printer.
Components
Electron tubes, semiconductor diodes.
Design
Monoblock.
Technology
Common plastic materials were used, as well as traditional methods of processing and assembly. New technologies were assembly and control of ferrite devices, testing and adjustment of bot the whole computer and its single units.
Software
Testing programs, library of standard programs.
Technical and operational characteristics
- Average performance – 3.000 ops.
- Capacity of operational memory, RAM – 1024 words.
- Magnetic tape memory, ROM – 65.000 words.
Distinguishing features of the computer
Electronic digital computer Minsk was one of the first soviet low-cost small computers with electron tubes, intended for solving various engineering and scientific problems.
Translated by A. Nitussov
