Second Generation of Computers

When computer technology became more popular in the late 1950s and 1960s, the second generation of computers, which replaced vacuum tubes with transistors, was developed. Transistors, rather than vacuum tubes, were used exclusively in the second generation of computers. Computers didn’t begin to employ transistors widely until the late 1950s, although Bell Labs’ Walter H. Brattain, John Bardeen, and William B. Shockley were the first to invent one in 1947. By 1948, it was clear to many that vacuum tubes would be replaced by transistors in devices like television sets, computers, and radios. The transistors are depicted in the following figure.

Computers of the Second Generation

Compared to the vacuum tube, the transistor was significantly superior, allowing computers to become more dependable, smaller, faster, more energy-efficient, and cheaper than the first generation. The transistor significantly outperformed the vacuum tube in terms of utility and performance. 

However, the transistor generated a lot of heat, which harmed the computer. Punched cards and printouts were also employed for input and output in second-generation computers. For the first time, transistors were used in a computer with the TX-0. In 1956, it was released. Transistors were also employed in the RCA 501.

It was also one of the earliest computers built around the transistor when Philco Corporation released the Transac S-2000 in 1958. The transistor-based IBM 7090, when the most powerful data processing machine available, was soon introduced by IBM. These second-generation computers were used for a wide range of jobs in the business and scientific sectors. They were programmed and constructed using high-level programming languages such as COBOL (Common Business Objects Language) & FORTRAN (Formula Translator).

These computers frequently stored data on tapes and magnetic discs. Furthermore, they took advantage of a multiprogramming operating system and batch processing. UNIVAC 1108, CDC 1604, Honeywell 400, and CDC 3600 are all examples of second-generation computers. 

The IBM 7090 is six times quicker than IBM’s vacuum-tube predecessor, the IBM 709, because it is a completely transistorized machine. A general-purpose data processing system, the IBM 7090 was specifically built for the creation of jet engines, missiles, super-fast aircraft, and nuclear reactors. Over 50,000 transistors and cutting-edge magnetic core storage were included in the IBM 7090. 

The new system has the potential to read and write 3,000,000 bits per second when eight data channels are in use. In 2.18 millionths of a second, it can locate and prepare for use any one of 32,768 data or instruction numbers stored in the magnetic core storage. The IBM 7090 can also conduct 229,000 additions and subtractions in a single second and 39,500 multiplications and 32,700 divisions.

Second-Generation Computers have certain unique characteristics.

The second-generation computers included a variety of characteristics, including the following:

• Computers of the second generation, which made use of transistors, were more dependable than their predecessors and smaller, quicker, more energy-efficient, and less expensive.
• Magnetic storage disks and magnetic core memory are also included in these devices.
• They used high-level programming languages like Fortran and Cobol and provided a telephone line for communication.
• When comparing the second-generation computers to the first-generation computers, the speed and reliability of the second-generation computers were significantly improved; the data processing time was lowered from milliseconds to microseconds.

Computers of the second generation have both advantages and disadvantages

Because transistor technology was employed to construct the second generation of computers, it had numerous advantages for both the computer industry and end consumers. Second-generation computers were more portable, dependable, and less power-consuming than first-generation machines because of the new technology employed in the second generation. In addition, they were able to perform calculations in microseconds because of their increased speed.

On the other hand, these computers had a few drawbacks for both users and the computer industry. Even though the technology used in second-generation computers created less heat, they still required air conditioning in the room where the computers were kept. They also necessitated frequent upkeep. Second-generation computers were tough, but they weren’t as versatile as first-generation computers. 

They were as popular as the first-generation computers but more expensive due to the difficulty of manufacturing and obtaining the parts needed to manufacture a transistor. All of the pros and downsides of second-generation computers are laid out in a table below:

Advantages

• The second generation of computers had smaller form factors and higher levels of reliability than their predecessors.
• They could consume less power because of the new technology employed in the second-generation computers, unlike the first generation.
• They outperformed first-generation computers in terms of speed and were consequently used for commercial purposes.
• In addition, they increased precision and mobility.

Disadvantages

• Even though they created less heat, they still required air conditioning in the computer area.
• Because they were only utilized for specific purposes, these computers required regular upkeep.
• A manual component was required for these computers’ commercial manufacture because it was difficult to automate the manufacturing process.
• As a result, they were both less versatile and more affordable at the same time.
• Magnetic discs, tape drives, printers, and other peripherals were common in the second generation of computers.
• Punch cards were still utilized to input data, as they were in the original generation of computers.

Conclusion

The second generation of computers differs from the vacuum tube-based first generation in that they have arithmetic circuits and index registers. Computers created in the second generation feature isolated input and output processes, which allowed them to do both fixed-point & floating-point calculations.