eolas/neuron/4407095f-9800-43a5-8792-d0d4d2a9d365/Williams_Tube_memory.md
2024-10-21 00:00:03 +01:00

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tags created
computer-history
memory
Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Williams Tube memory

  • One of the early attempts to create RAM in computers based on the EDVAC stored-program architecture.

  • Worked by displaying a grid of dots on a cathode-ray tube ("screen")

  • Due to the way CRTs work, this creates a small charge of static electricity over each dot. The charge at the location of each of the dots is read by a thin metal sheet just in front of the display.

  • Each dot position could be written to and read from and the pattern was constantly refreshed as the dots would fade over time.

A Williams CRT tube

Memory dot pattern from a Williams Tube