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EntityQ222419· pop 35· linked from 69 articles

Also known as Plankalkuel, Z-3, Z3 (computer), Zuse Z3

first working programmable, fully automatic digital computer

Key facts

Also known as
V3 (Versuchsmodell 3)
Developer
Konrad Zuse
Type
Programmable , fully automatic digital electromechanical computer
Released
May 12, 1941 ; 85 years ago ( 1941-05-12 )
Lifespan
2 years
Introductory price
Costs: ca. 50,000 ℛ ︁ ℳ ︁
Cpu
2,600 relays @ 5–10 Hz
Memory
64 words with a length of 22 bits
Removable storage
Punched celluloid tape
Display
Row of lamps to show results
Input
Terminal, with a special keyboard for input
Power
Around 4,000 watts
Weight
Around 1 tonne (2,200 lb)
Predecessor
Z2
Successor
Z4

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Image
Z3 Deutsches Museum.JPG
Show 4 more facts
publication date
1941-00-00
clock frequency
5
Commons category
Zuse Z3
inception
1941-00-00
Sources (1)

via Wikidata · CC0

~13 min read

Article

The Z3 was a German electromechanical computer designed by Konrad Zuse in 1938, and completed in 1941. It was the world's first working programmable, fully automatic digital computer. The Z3 was built with 2,600 relays, implementing a 22-bit word length that operated at a clock frequency of about 5–10 Hz. Program code was stored on punched film. Initial values were entered manually.

The Z3 was completed in Berlin in 1941. It was not considered vital, so it was never put into everyday operation. Based on the work of the German aerodynamics engineer Hans Georg Küssner (known for the Küssner effect), a "Program to Compute a Complex Matrix" was written and used to solve wing flutter problems. Zuse asked the German government for funding to replace the relays with fully electronic switches, but funding was denied during World War II since such development was deemed "not war-important".

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