CSX-1 Computer



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