Z5 (computer)

Last updated
Z5
Developer Konrad Zuse
Manufacturer Zuse KG
Release dateJuly 1953;69 years ago (1953-07)
Introductory price DM 300,000(equivalent to DM 812,445 in 2021)
CPU @ ca. 40  Hz
Memory12 words, 36 bit [1]
Power5000  watts
Massca. 2000 kg
Predecessor Z4

The Z5 was a computer designed by Konrad Zuse and manufactured by Zuse KG following an order by Ernst Leitz GmbH in Wetzlar in 1950. The computer was delivered in July 1953 [2] and was the first commercial built-to-order mainframe in Germany. The computer was purchased to help with the design of optical lens systems.

Contents

The Z5 is the successor of the Z4, and is much more compact and powerful. Zuse implemented the machine with relays, since vacuum tubes were too unreliable at the time. The Z5 used the same principles as the Z4, but was six times faster. It also had punched tape readers, which the Z4 did not have. It had conditional branching and five subroutine loops.

Specifications

Electromagnetic memory (relays) included in the Z3, Z5 and Z11 Elektromagnetischerspeicher zuse relais.jpg
Electromagnetic memory (relays) included in the Z3, Z5 and Z11

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References

  1. 1 2 "Z5". www.horst-zuse.homepage.t-online.de (in German).
  2. Kaisler, Stephen H. (2016). Birthing the Computer: From Relays to Vacuum Tubes. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. p. 15. ISBN   9781443896313.
  3. Research, United States Office of Naval (1953). A survey of automatic digital computers. Office of Naval Research, Dept. of the Navy. p.  98.