MIR (computer)

MIR-1
MIR-1
Also known as«Машина для Инженерных Расчётов» (Machine for Engineering Calculations)
DeveloperVictor Glushkov
Release date1968; 56 years ago (1968)
CPU@ 200-300 arithmetic operations per second on five-digit numbers
Memory4096 12-bit words (access time 2.5 microseconds, memory cycle time 16 microseconds) (Magnetic core memory)
Power1.5 kW (using 380V three-phase electric power)
Massabout 400 kg
SuccessorMIR-2

MIR (Russian:МИР) is a series of early Soviet transistorized minicomputers. It was developed from 1965 (MIR), 1968 (MIR-1) to 1969 (MIR-2). The development team was led by Victor Glushkov.

Overview

MIR (МИР) stands for «Машина для Инженерных Расчётов» (Machine for Engineering Calculations) and means both "world" and "peace" in Russian. It was designed as a relatively small-scale computer for use in engineering and scientific applications. Among other innovations, it contained a hardware implementation of a high-level programming language capable of symbolic manipulations with fractions, polynomials, derivatives and integrals. Another innovative feature for that time was the user interface combining a keyboard with a monitor and light pen used for correcting texts and drawing on screen.

MIR-2
Light pen with MIR-2
DeveloperVictor Glushkov
Release date1969; 55 years ago (1969)
PredecessorMIR-1

Technical specifications

Technical specifications for MIR-1:[1]

  • memory unit: 4096 12-bit words of core memory (access time 2.5 microseconds, memory cycle time 16 microseconds)
  • external storage: 8-track punched tape. Input device: paper tape reader FS-1501 (up to 1500 symbols/second). Output device: tape punch PL-80 (up to 80 characters per second)
  • performance: 200-300 arithmetic operations per second on five-digit numbers
  • power consumption: 1.5 kW (using 380V three-phase electric power)
  • weight: about 400 kg

See also

References

  1. ^ А. Савватеев. Описание входного языка ЭВМ «Мир» и «Мир-1» [Description of the input language of the computers "MIR" and "MIR-1"] (PDF) (in Russian).