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| The CSX-1 computer, nicknamed "Dolly" |
The CSX-1 computer was commissioned on July 2nd, 1962 by the High Energy Physics Group at the University. Designed as a short word length (16-bit) computer, the CSX-1 specialized in non-numerical operations for projects in artificial intelligence and symbolic data processing. The original concept for the CSX-1 developed in 1960, led by Illinois scholars Richard .M. Brown, and R.D Jenks. In a 1964 article, Brown discussed the conceptualization: “Principal design emphasis has been placed on logical data manipulation, although arithmetic operations are available; economy and simplicity of design have also been important”. The central processor of the machine was 7 feet tall, 10 feet long and 3 feet thick. After almost twenty years of service, the CSX-1 was decommissioned on April 6th, 1981.
Brown, R.M. (June, 1964). “The CSX-1 Computer”. IEEE Transactions on Electronic Computers. EC-13:3
Jenks et al. (1965). Manual for the CSX-1 Computer. Revised Edition.
http://physics.illinois.edu/history/timelines/1960s.asp
