floating-point arithmetic computer chip
Date: 1982
Inventory Number: 2001-1-0025
Classification: Computer chip
Subject:
Maker: International Business Machines Corporation (1911-present)
User: Owen Gingerich (born 1930)
Cultural Region:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
1 x 1.6 x 3.2 cm (3/8 x 5/8 x 1 1/4 in.)
case: 8 × 3.2 × 1.6 cm (3 1/8 × 1 1/4 × 5/8 in.)
Description:
The chip is mounted in a black, ceramic dual in-line package (DIP). It has a row of twelve metal pins along each long edge. The pins serve to connect the chip to a circuit board. They point vertically downward from the body of the chip. There are two slightly depressed circles on the top panel of the main body of the chip, one at each end. There is a thumb depression for handling at one end of the chip.
Signedin grey letters on top panel of chip: MK 36C22N-4 / 1501476 / Z A / © IBM 1982 / D MALAYSIA / 8310
in grey letters on bottom panel of chip: 36C22 / MALAYSIA.
in grey letters on bottom panel of chip: 36C22 / MALAYSIA.
FunctionThis Intel microchip is designed to enable floating-point arithmetic for an early model IBM personal computer, c. 1985 - 1990. For a similar chip, see 1998-1-0880. This particular chip was unused and cost approximately $100.00.
A discussion of floating-point arithmetic and its relevance to computation, click here.
A discussion of floating-point arithmetic and its relevance to computation, click here.
Historical AttributesPurchased by Owen Gingerich for use in his early IBM PC. Never used.
ProvenanceFrom Prof. Owen Gingerich, Harvard University.