Project Overview
The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was the first electronic digital computer. It was constructed at Iowa State University between 1939 and 1942 by John Atanasoff, a professor of Physics, and Clifford Berry, an Electrical Engineering graduate student. The computer's single purpose was solving systems of linear equations. It was forgotten about during World War 2 and dismantled in 1948. A group of researchers led by John Gustafson created a nearly identical replica from 1994-1997. Our objective is not to make a replica of the ABC, but to recreate the computer at the logical level and implement each module with today's technology. For example, the ABC used punch cards as its input medium, but we will use an Android app and tablet to simulate the punch cards. The other goal of our project is for our computer to be educational. Students should be able to learn about computational logic while using our device.
Team Members
Connor Hand
Client Interaction and Team Organization
My name is Connor Hand and I am a student in Computer Engineering. Because I am in charge of client interaction and team organization, I stay in close contact with our client/advisor and ensure all of our team members are aware of upcoming meetings and deadlines. I also contribute to the project by completing various tasks associated with researching and designing components of the ABC.
Zach Scurlock
Testing and Individual Component Design
I'm Zach Scurlock, and I am a Computer Engineering student. I am one of the members in charge of testing and individual component design. I am also responsible for component research as well as our I/O implementation.
William Mayer
Meeting Tracking and Note-Taking
I'm William Mayer, but you can call me Joey. I am a Software Engineering Student. For our team I take care of meeting tracking and note-taking. I also provide a role in component research. I enjoy weight lifting, problem solving, cooking, and video games.
Noah Butler
Testing and Individual Component Design
I'm Noah Butler and I am a computer engineering student. I am one of the members of the component design and testing main force. I will make my debugging skills useful in ironing out all the problems that may turn up in our design.
Peter Hurd
Testing and Individual Component Design / Budget Handling
My name is Peter Hurd, and I am an Electrical Engineering and Computer Science student. With my experience in PCB design and parts procurement, I am helping the team secure all of our necessary materials and circuit boards by working closely with ETG staff and our advisor. I hope to put my hardware-specialized knowledge to good use with this team so we can achieve our goal and build a useful learning tool for future students.
Weekly Reports
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Report 10
Design Document
Design DocumentLightning Talks
Lightning Talk 1 - Product ResearchLightning Talk 2 - Problems and Users
Lightning Talk 3 - User Needs and Requirements
Lightning Talk 4 - Project Planning
Lightning Talk 5 - Detailed Design
Lightning Talk 6 - Contextualization & Design Check-In
Lightning Talk 7 - Prototyping
Lightning Talk 8 - Ethics and Professional Responsibility