Relay computers

From: Ben Franchuk <bfranchuk_at_jetnet.ab.ca>
Date: Fri Sep 24 13:48:31 2004

Dwight K. Elvey wrote:

> I've thought about an array of reed switches for memory with
> bias magnets. These would be adjusted such that there would
> be just enough magentic field to hold the reed closed once closed
> but not enough to cause it to close by itself. The coils would
> then be used to open and close by applying a counter or aiding
> field to the reed/magnet. The magents would be arrange with alternating
> directions such that there was no accumulating of the magentic
> field across the array of the reed RAM. ROM can be done with
> and array of diodes and switches.

Why not just use a very large core memory instead and sence the
output with a very sensitive relay?

> I'd keep the ALU simple since most times, it doesn't need to
> do arithmatic. A single bit ALU with a few serial storage
> shift registers would be sufficient for most math operations.
>
You hope, homebrew CPU's have a way of growing on you. :)
Received on Fri Sep 24 2004 - 13:48:31 BST