AUTOMATIC SEQUENCE CONTROLLED CALCULATOR Meaning and
Definition
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The Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC), also known as the Harvard Mark I computer, was a landmark electromechanical device developed by IBM in collaboration with Harvard University in the early 1940s. It was one of the first computers to be viable for practical use in scientific calculations.
The ASCC was a large, room-sized machine that relied on punched paper tape to input instructions and data. It operated using a series of rotating mechanical switches and counters, controlled by an electric motor, to perform calculations.
The term "Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator" refers to the machine's ability to automatically execute a set of predetermined calculations in a sequential manner, without the need for manual intervention. It was capable of performing complex mathematical operations with high accuracy and speed, making it a significant advancement in computing technology at the time.
The ASCC was used extensively in scientific research, particularly in fields such as astronomy and physics, where complex calculations were required. Its development paved the way for future generations of computers and contributed to the advancement of various scientific disciplines.
Although the ASCC was eventually surpassed by more advanced electronic computers, its historical significance cannot be overstated. The Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator played a crucial role in the early development of computing technology and heralded a new era of automated data processing and computation.
