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HP 50g

From Alfawiki
HP 49/50 series
Company typeProduct line
IndustryCalculator manufacturing
PredecessorHP 48 series
FoundedAugust 1999
FounderHewlett-Packard
Defunct2015
FateDiscontinued
SuccessorHP Prime (calculator)
Headquarters
Palo Alto
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Hewlett-Packard engineers and developers
ProductsGraphing calculators (HP 49G, HP 49g+, HP 48gII, HP 50g)
OwnerHewlett-Packard
ParentHewlett-Packard

The HP 49/50 series represents a line of graphing calculators developed by Hewlett-Packard (HP), serving as successors to the HP 48 series. This lineup consists of five different models that support both algebraic and RPN input methods, while offering advanced numeric and symbolic computation capabilities through an integrated CAS. This CAS is an improved fusion of the ALG48 and Erable systems originally found in the HP 48 series.

Highly regarded by professionals such as engineers, scientists, and surveyors, these devices are utilized in fields including mathematics, linear algebra, physics, statistical analysis, numerical analysis, and computer science. Although production has ceased, the calculators maintain considerable resale value due to ongoing demand.

HP 49G

Introduced in August 1999, the HP 49G (models F1633A, F1896A) incorporated robust interface features and mathematical functions derived from the HP 48 series firmware. It allowed users to compile and decompile both SysRPL and Saturn assembly code directly on the device itself.

This model was HP’s first calculator to include flash memory and support firmware upgrades. It came with a sturdy sliding case design, replacing the earlier soft pouch style. Its internal hardware shares many similarities with the HP 39G and HP 40G calculators.

The last official firmware version released for this model was 1.18, while unofficial updates extended up to version 1.19-6. Firmware intended for later models like the HP 49g+ and HP 50g has been modified for use with PC emulators that lack full ARM CPU compatibility; some of these versions also run on the original 49G.

In 2003, HP made the source code for the 49G CAS available under the LGPL, which included an interactive geometry application as well as commands ensuring compatibility with newer calculators. However, licensing terms prohibit redistribution of any recompiled firmware.

hp 49g+

Launched in August 2003, the hp 49g+ (F2228A) featured a distinctive metallic gold exterior and maintained backward compatibility with the HP 49G. Produced by Kinpo Electronics on HP’s behalf, this model introduced a new processor architecture along with USB Mini-B and IrDA infrared connectivity options, SD card support for memory expansion, and a larger display screen.

Instead of running natively on the ARM920T core, it executed older Saturn processor code through an emulation layer. Firmware remained compatible with that of the HP 49G, with patches enabling certain "Saturn+" instructions to execute directly on the ARM processor for improved performance. This design ensured binary compatibility with programs written for the HP 49G as well as source-level compatibility with many applications from the HP 48 series.

Although emulation introduced some overhead, the hp 49g+ significantly outperformed its predecessors—offering speed improvements ranging from three to seven times faster than the HP 49G depending on usage scenarios. Additionally, it supported native ARM applications, including a port of the GNU C compiler (refer to HPGCC).

hp 48gII

Announced on October 20, 2003, the hp 48gII (F2226A) was not intended as a direct successor to the HP 48 series. While it shared similarities with the hp 49g+—including an ARM processor—it featured less memory capacity, no SD card slot for expansion, a smaller screen size, a slower clock speed, and firmware that could not be updated via flash.

Designed for users requiring reliable mathematical functionality without extensive program installation needs, the original version released in 2003 came equipped with 128 KB of RAM and operated on three AAA batteries. A revised edition launched in 2007 increased RAM to 256 KB, added a USB Mini-B port, enhanced keyboard design, and required four AAA batteries for power.

HP 50g

Launched in 2006, the HP 50g (model F2229A) represents the newest iteration in the 49/50 series. It revisits a classic HP aesthetic, featuring a black casing complemented by white, orange, and yellow function keys. The rear cover incorporates a more pronounced texture to enhance grip. To accommodate users with color vision deficiencies, versions with blue and white high-contrast palettes were introduced between 2009 and 2010 and subsequently refreshed during 2011 and 2012.

Its physical design mirrors that of the 49g+, although it is powered by four AAA batteries instead of three. Alongside all functionalities of the 49g+, it integrates the complete equation library from the HP 48 series and a built-in periodic table library that was formerly available only as an add-on. Firmware releases 2.15/2.16 (the latest as of 2015) support these enhancements. Connectivity options include a USB Mini-B port, infrared (IrDA), and a 3.3 V TTL-level asynchronous serial interface; however, the infrared communication range is limited to approximately 10 cm.

The asynchronous serial interface does not conform to standard RS-232 specifications and necessitates an external adapter for compatibility with conventional RS-232 devices. The keyboard benefits from the refined hinged key mechanism introduced late in the production of the 49g+ to resolve earlier design shortcomings.

HP announced worldwide distribution in September 2006. Production ceased in 2015, marking the HP 50g as HP’s final calculator to support RPL. Later models such as the HP Prime utilize only RPN input through an advanced variant.

Programming

Calculators in the HP 49/50 series accommodate both algebraic entry and a stack-oriented programming language known as RPL, which merges elements of Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) with features from the Lisp. RPL extends stack-based programming by introducing lists and functions, allowing unevaluated code fragments to be passed or returned on the stack.

At the highest abstraction level is User RPL, which employs built-in postfix commands that can include optional looping and conditional constructs. Each command performs validation on stack arguments, generating errors if inputs are invalid.

Beneath User RPL lies System RPL (SysRPL), which omits argument checks but executes significantly faster and provides more sophisticated capabilities not available in User RPL. Programs written in SysRPL can be compiled directly on the device using MASD, a tool that also compiles Saturn assembly code and, with updated firmware for the 49g+/50g, supports ARMv4T assembly language. A variety of utilities exist to augment this powerful programming environment.

Assembly programming is supported for both Saturn processors and ARM architecture on the 49g+/50g models, alongside C language development via desktop-based compilers. Additionally, numerous programs designed for the HP 48 series remain compatible.

None of these models provide support for HP PPL.

HPGCC for the 49g+/50g

HPGCC is an implementation of the GCC released under the GNU GPL, targeting ARM-based calculators such as the 49g+ and 50g. Earlier versions extended support to other ARM calculators including the 48gII, hp 39g+/39gs/40gs; however, these were discontinued due to limited demand and compatibility challenges. HPGCC operates as a cross-compiler, generating ARM machine code on a PC intended for use on these calculators.

The most recent HPGCC release defaults to ARM Thumb mode, which reduces program size while maintaining near-native performance levels. It adheres to most ANSI C standards and provides device-specific libraries granting access to features like the calculator’s RPN stack, memory management, and buzzer control. Although GCC itself does not impose licensing restrictions on compiled output, HPGCC’s libraries are distributed under a modified GPL license that mandates linked programs also be GPL-licensed—except when used for "non-profit" software.

HPGCC is available across Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X platforms; notably, the Windows distribution includes Programmer's Notepad as a simple IDE.

Emulators

A variety of emulators have been developed for the HP 49G calculator. EMU48 is incorporated within the Debug4x IDE and simulates most functionalities of the 49g+/50g models, although it does not support ARM-based instructions.

The x49gp emulator, which is ARM-based, offers comprehensive emulation of the 49g+/50g ARM processor, allowing execution of programs compiled with HPGCC versions 2 and 3. This emulator is compatible with Linux and Mac OS X systems but requires manual compilation from source code.

The commercial software m48 also provides support for the HP 49G. Emulators designed for smartphones are scarce; notably, only the HP 50g[1] was released for iPhone and iPad in 2012.

There is an emulator available for Microsoft Windows Mobile platforms; however, Android emulators currently lack ARM processor compatibility.[2]

In 2012, Hewlett-Packard introduced the HP 50g Virtual Calculator (versions 3.1.29/3.1.30 featuring firmware 2.16 and StreamSmart 410 compatibility) specifically for Windows users.[3][4]

Firmware updates

The 49/50 series calculators allow users to update firmware themselves to improve functionality or correct errors. Official firmware releases are distributed by Hewlett-Packard, while unofficial versions can be found on third-party websites such as hpcalc.org.[5]

Further reading

  • HP 50g graphing calculator user's manual (UM) | Hewlett-Packard | First edition, April 1, 2006 [1]
  • HP 50g graphing calculator user's guide (UG) | Hewlett-Packard | First edition, April 1, 2006 [2]
  • HP 50g / 49g+ / 48gII advanced user's reference manual (AUR) | Hewlett-Packard | Second edition, July 14, 2009 [3] Searchable version
  • Bugs in Product HP 49/50 - 277 bugs found | Bugzilla | Comprehensive database of known firmware defects, including both fixed and outstanding issues [4]
  • Simplify with sci/eng on hp 50g | Juraj O. | HP Museum Forum Archive #21, November 6, 2012 [5] (Discussion addressing unresolved firmware anomalies)
  • Is the HP-50g bug free now? | Jim Yohe | HP Museum Forum Archive #20, February 4, 2011 [6] (Forum conversation regarding firmware stability)

External links

  • Official Hewlett-Packard support pages for HP 49G, hp 48gII, hp 49g+, and HP 50g
  • Collection of resources related to the HP 49/50 series at www.hpcalc.org
  • Software libraries for HP 50g maintained by Software49
  • Software collections for HP 50g by Heuson-Software

de:HP-49G

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Emu50g
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Smet_2013
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Emulateurs
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named HP_6
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ROM
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