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Selectron computer tubes
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Selectron computer tubes
Selectron tubes. Computer information storage tubes (valves) on the Johnniac mainframe computer, which is housed at the Computer History Museum, California, USA. The Johnniac was based on a design by John von Neumann at the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, USA. It went into operation in 1953, using 80 Selectron tubes that held 256 bits of data and cost $500 each. In 1955, the tubes were replaced by the first commercially built core storage. Johnniac was decommissioned in 1966, having logged 50, 000 operational hours. The museum has over 3000 artefacts from 1945 to 1990. It is due to be relocated, becoming part of the NASA Research Park, California, USA, in 2005
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Media ID 6437621
© VOLKER STEGER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
America California Collection Computer History Museum Display Mainframe Memory Science Education Silicon Valley Storage Tube Us A Valve Valves Neumann Princeton
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Selectron computer tubes, which were crucial components of the historic Johnniac mainframe computer. Housed at the esteemed Computer History Museum in California, USA, this remarkable machine was based on a design by the brilliant John von Neumann at Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study. In 1953, the Johnniac commenced operations with an impressive array of 80 Selectron tubes. These cutting-edge storage devices had a capacity of 256 bits and carried a hefty price tag of $500 each. However, just two years later, they were replaced by the first commercially built core storage system. The significance of this technological marvel cannot be overstated; it logged an astonishing 50,000 operational hours before being decommissioned in 1966. Today, it stands as a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. The Computer History Museum boasts an extensive collection that spans from 1945 to 1990 and includes over 3,000 artifacts. This invaluable repository is set to be relocated as part of the NASA Research Park in California's Silicon Valley in 2005. Science Photo Library has expertly captured this iconic image that encapsulates America's rich computing history. The photograph not only highlights these extraordinary Selectron tubes but also pays homage to pioneers like von Neumann and institutions such as RAND Corporation and IAS who played pivotal roles in shaping our modern world through advancements in science education and technology development.
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