Design of the M.3 Computer

Abstract

A solid state digital computer, the M.3, has been designed, constructed and partially tested. The computer logic is based on the M.2 computer constructed by A. D. Booth in 1956, but with fundamental changes to the logic associated with the store and the arithmetic section. The M.3 is a serial, fixed point computer which uses 32 bit words and two address instructions. The 150 Kc/s clock frequency permits addition or subtraction in 250 microseconds. Division requires 8000 microseconds and multiplication requires 250 to 8000 microseconds. A drum store provides 8192 word storage with an average random access time of 8500 microseconds. Peripheral equipment consists of an 80 character per second tape reader and a 60 character per second tape punch or a 10 character per second typewriter.