MIR (computer)

MIR (Russian:МИР) is a series of early Soviet transistorized minicomputers. It was developed from 1965 (MIR), 1968 (MIR-1) to 1969 (MIR-2). The development team was led by Victor Glushkov.

MIR-1
MIR-1
Also known as«Машина для Инженерных Расчётов» (Machine for Engineering Calculations)
DeveloperVictor Glushkov
Release date1968 (1968)
CPU@ 200-300 arithmetic operations per second on five-digit numbers
Memory4096 12-bit words (access time 2.5 microseconds, memory cycle time 16 microseconds) (Magnetic core memory)
Power1.5 kW (using 380V three-phase electric power)
Massabout 400 kg
SuccessorMIR-2

Overview

MIR (МИР) stands for «Машина для Инженерных Расчётов» (Machine for Engineering Calculations) and means both "world" and "peace" in Russian. It was designed as a relatively small-scale computer for use in engineering and scientific applications. Among other innovations, it contained a hardware implementation of a high-level programming language capable of symbolic manipulations with fractions, polynomials, derivatives and integrals. Another innovative feature for that time was the user interface combining a keyboard with a monitor and light pen used for correcting texts and drawing on screen. It could be considered one of the first personal computers.

MIR-2
Light pen with MIR-2
DeveloperVictor Glushkov
Release date1969 (1969)
PredecessorMIR-1

Technical specifications

Technical specifications for MIR-1:[1]

  • memory unit: 4096 12-bit words of core memory (access time 2.5 microseconds, memory cycle time 16 microseconds)
  • external storage: 8-track punched tape. Input device: paper tape reader FS-1501 (up to 1500 symbols/second). Output device: tape punch PL-80 (up to 80 characters per second)
  • performance: 200-300 arithmetic operations per second on five-digit numbers
  • power consumption: 1.5 kW (using 380V three-phase electric power)
  • weight: about 400 kg

References
  1. А. Савватеев. Описание входного языка ЭВМ «Мир» и «Мир-1» [Description of the input language of the computers "MIR" and "MIR-1"] (PDF) (in Russian).

See also
  • List of Russian inventions
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