UNIVAC 1050
| Company type | Computer system |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computing |
| Founded | May 1962 |
| Products | Decimal and binary variable word-length computer |
The UNIVAC 1050 was a decimal and binary computer featuring a variable word-length design, capable of handling from one up to sixteen characters. Introduced in May 1962, it functioned primarily as an off-line input-output processor for larger UNIVAC mainframe systems.
Its instruction set consisted of fixed-length commands measuring 30 bits (equivalent to five characters). Each instruction contained a five-bit "operation code", a three-bit index register identifier, one reserved bit, a 15-bit address field, and a six-bit "detail field" whose purpose varied depending on the specific instruction. The system's memory could accommodate up to 32K six-bit characters.
The initial 256 memory locations were organized into 64 groups of four characters, known as tetrads, which could be accessed either individually or as entire tetrads. This memory section housed:
- Two Arithmetic Registers, each holding 16 characters
- Seven Index Registers, each with a capacity of three characters
- Multiplier and Quotient registers, four characters in length each
- Six Input/Output Channels
Similar to the IBM 1401, the UNIVAC 1050 frequently acted as an off-line peripheral controller for substantial scientific and commercial computing systems. While mainframes such as the UNIVAC III managed input-output operations through magnetic tape storage, the 1050 was responsible for formatting data from peripherals like punched card readers onto magnetic tapes and transferring output data to devices including card punches and line printers.
A specialized version developed for the U.S. Air Force, known as the U1050-II real-time system, incorporated additional peripherals such as the FASTRAND 1 Drum Storage Unit. This unit featured two contra-rotating drums equipped with a high-speed read-write head assembly that enabled real-time processing capabilities. The system also included communications subsystems with modem support for remote connections. A Uniservo VI-C tape drive was utilized to maintain transaction audit trails alongside standard peripherals like card readers, punches, and printers. The operator interface featured 'stop and go' controls along with a Teletype Model 33 teleprinter. The Air Force placed an initial order for 152 units in November 1963.
From 1965 onwards, the Union Bank of Switzerland (SBG) operated several UNIVAC 1050 machines in conjunction with UNIVAC 492 systems.
Subsequent versions—the UNIVAC 1050 Model III (1050-III) and Model IV (1050-IV)—were designed for broader commercial applications. Their primary distinctions lay in performance enhancements and scalability: the 1050-IV supported up to 64K character-addressable memory and allowed simultaneous access to two characters with a cycle time of two microseconds, compared to the 4.5 microseconds cycle time of the 1050-III. Both variants could be optionally upgraded with Decimal Multiply/Divide functionality.