The PB 250 (later Raytheon 250 [1] ) was a general-purpose computer introduced in 1960 by the Packard Bell Corporation. [2] [3]
The word size was 22 bits and the memory could be expanded to a maximum of 16,000 words. The performance was 40,000 operations per second. [4] It had the ability to operate as an I/O processor in tandem with another computer; at the time this was considered a "radically new feature" for a less expensive system. [4] The Central Computer weighed 110 pounds (50 kg). [5] [6] [7]
The design started in November 1959. The computer was intended as a component in special purpose systems, [2] for example, to control electric power plants. [8] The logic design has similarities with the Bendix G-15 computer, which in turn was based on Alan Turing’s Pilot ACE. [9] [10] [11] The circuits were derived from the TRICE [12] digital differential analyzer. [5] [13]
People involved in development:
The PB250 used a Flexowriter as a console. [15] [16] [17]
It could be operated entirely from a battery power supply. [5] [18] [19]
The first production computer was delivered in October 1960.
... was introduced by Packard Bell Computer Corporation at the Western Joint Computer Conference in May
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)For applications where power failures and resultant loss of memory cannot be tolerated a battery power supply is available which will operate the computer for several hours without line power.
Max Palevsky, Packard Bell Computer vice president, said power plants in the electric industry provide one of the most promising markets for digital computers.
A battery-operated electronic computer, PB 250, has been shown by Packard Bell Computer Div., Packard Bell Electronics. In normal operation, it operates from a battery trickle charged from a 115-v. power line. If 115-v. input is interrupted, computer can continue operating for more than 1 hr.
For the first time, we believe, an electronic computer can operate entirely from a battery power supply.