When Was the First Electronic Calculator Invented: A Brief History

The invention of the electronic calculator revolutionized the way we perform calculations. Before the advent of electronic calculators, people relied on mechanical calculators, which were bulky and time-consuming to use. The electronic calculator, on the other hand, was compact, fast, and accurate, making it an essential tool for professionals and students alike.

The first electronic calculator was invented in the early 1960s by a team of engineers led by Jack Kilby at Texas Instruments. The Pst Calculator (browse around this website) was based on the newly invented integrated circuit, which allowed for the miniaturization of electronic components. The first electronic calculators were large and expensive, and they were mainly used by scientists and engineers. However, as the technology improved, electronic calculators became smaller, cheaper, and more widely available, eventually replacing mechanical calculators in the late 1970s.

Invention of the First Electronic Calculator

The Calculating Revolution

The invention of the electronic calculator was a significant milestone in the history of computing. It revolutionized the way people performed calculations, making complex mathematics more accessible to the masses. The electronic calculator was the first device to use solid-state technology, which made it smaller, faster, and more reliable than its mechanical counterparts.

Before the invention of electronic calculators, people used mechanical calculators, such as the abacus, slide rule, and adding machine, to perform calculations. These devices were slow, bulky, and prone to errors. The electronic calculator changed all that by introducing a new era of computing that was faster, more accurate, and more efficient.

Key Inventors and Contributions

The invention of the electronic calculator was the result of the efforts of several key inventors and engineers. One of the earliest pioneers of electronic calculators was Jack Kilby, who invented the integrated circuit in 1958. The integrated circuit was a breakthrough in solid-state technology that allowed for the miniaturization of electronic components.

Another key contributor to the development of electronic calculators was the Japanese company Busicom, which produced the first handheld calculator in 1971. The Busicom LE-120A, known as the HANDY, was the first calculator to use a “calculator on a chip” integrated circuit. It featured a 12-digit display in red LED and cost $395 when it first went on sale in January 1971 [1].

Other notable inventors in the field of electronic calculators include Texas Instruments, who produced the first pocket-sized calculator in 1972, and Hewlett-Packard, who introduced the first scientific calculator in 1972. These devices paved the way for the development of more advanced calculators, such as graphing calculators, which are widely used in education and research today.

In conclusion, the invention of the electronic calculator was a significant milestone in the history of computing. It revolutionized the way people performed calculations, making complex mathematics more accessible to the masses. The key inventors and engineers who contributed to the development of electronic calculators paved the way for the development of more advanced computing technologies, which continue to shape our world today.

References:

[1] The History Of The Calculator: When was the Calculator First Invented? (https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2012/11/calculating-firsts-visual-history-calculators)

Technological Advancements Leading to the Invention

Pre-Electronic Calculation Devices

Before the invention of electronic calculators, people used various mechanical devices for calculation purposes. One of the earliest devices was the abacus, which dates back to ancient times. It was used for basic arithmetic operations and was made up of beads or stones on rods. Later on, more advanced mechanical calculators were developed, such as the Pascaline, invented by Blaise Pascal in the 17th century. These calculators used gears and wheels to perform calculations.

Electronic Components Development

The invention of electronic components such as transistors and integrated circuits paved the way for the development of electronic calculators. The first electronic calculator was developed in the 1960s by Bell Punch Co. Ltd. in Britain. It was called ANITA (A New Inspiration To Arithmetic/Accounting) and was the world’s first all-electronic desktop calculator. ANITA used vacuum tubes and magnetic drum memory for storage.

In 1967, Texas Instruments introduced the first handheld electronic calculator, the Cal Tech. It was followed by the Sharp QT-8D in 1969, which was the first calculator to use a single integrated circuit. The Busicom LE-120A, known as the HANDY, was the first handheld calculator to use a “calculator on a chip” integrated circuit. It was developed by Busicom and went on sale in January 1971.

The development of electronic components continued to improve the functionality and size of calculators. By the 1980s, scientific calculators were widely available and affordable. Today, calculators are integrated into many electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, and are used for a wide range of applications including finance, engineering, and education.

The ANITA Calculator

ANITA’s Launch and Features

The ANITA calculator, short for “A New Inspiration To Arithmetic/Accounting”, was the world’s first all-electronic desktop calculator. It was developed by Control Systems Ltd. in Britain and marketed under its Bell Punch and Sumlock brands. The ANITA was launched in 1961, and it was a groundbreaking milestone in the history of calculators.

The ANITA Mk VII and ANITA Mk VIII calculators were launched simultaneously in late 1961. The ANITA Mk VII was designed for the British market, while the ANITA Mk VIII was designed for the American market. Both models used vacuum tubes and cold-cathode switching tubes in their logic circuits and nixie tubes for their numerical displays.

The ANITA calculator had several features that made it stand out from other calculators of its time. It could perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and it had a memory function that allowed users to store and recall results. The ANITA also had a printer attachment that could print out results on paper.

Impact on the Market

The ANITA calculator had a significant impact on the calculator market. It was the first calculator to use electronic technology, and it paved the way for the development of more advanced calculators. The ANITA was quickly outdated, but it set the stage for the development of smaller, more powerful calculators that could be used in a variety of settings.

The ANITA calculator was also significant because it was the first calculator to be developed by a British company. The Bell Punch Company, which developed the ANITA, was a manufacturer of ticket punches before it entered the calculator market. The success of the ANITA calculator led to the formation of Sumlock Anita Electronics Ltd., which took over the Bell Punch Company’s former activities in the field of calculating machines.

In conclusion, the ANITA calculator was a groundbreaking milestone in the history of calculators. It was the world’s first all-electronic desktop calculator, and it had several features that made it stand out from other calculators of its time. The ANITA calculator had a significant impact on the calculator market, and it paved the way for the development of more advanced calculators.

Evolution of Electronic Calculators

From Desktop to Pocket Calculators

The first all-electronic desktop calculator was created in 1961 by the British company Control Systems Ltd. The ANITA (A New Inspiration To Arithmetic/Accounting) was marketed under its Bell Punch and Sumlock brands and was a significant milestone in the history of electronic calculators. The ANITA was followed by other desktop calculators such as the Friden EC-130, the Wang LOCI-2, and the Sharp Compet CS-10A.

In the early 1970s, pocket-sized electronic calculators became available. These devices were more affordable, compact, and portable than their desktop counterparts. The first pocket calculator was the Busicom LE-120A, known as the HANDY, which was introduced in 1971. The HANDY was the first handheld calculator to use a “calculator on a chip” integrated circuit, which reduced the size and cost of the calculator.

Integration of Microprocessors

In the late 1970s, microprocessors were integrated into electronic calculators, which allowed for more complex calculations and functions. The first microprocessor-based calculator was the HP-65, introduced by Hewlett-Packard in 1974. The HP-65 was programmable and could store up to 100 keystrokes. Other microprocessor-based calculators followed, such as the Texas Instruments TI-59, the HP-41C, and the Casio FX-502P.

In the 1980s, scientific calculators with advanced features such as graphing and equation solving became available. The first graphing calculator was the Casio fx-7000G, introduced in 1985. Graphing calculators were widely used in math and science education and were popular among students and professionals.

Electronic calculators continue to evolve and improve, with new features such as touch screens, wireless connectivity, and cloud storage. Today, electronic calculators are used in a variety of fields such as finance, engineering, and education.

Cultural and Economic Impact

Changes in Business Practices

The introduction of the electronic calculator had a significant impact on business practices. The ability to perform complex calculations quickly and accurately allowed businesses to streamline their operations, reduce errors, and increase productivity. The use of electronic calculators also allowed businesses to perform financial analysis and forecasting more efficiently, which was essential for decision making.

Moreover, electronic calculators enabled businesses to perform more complex calculations, which were not possible with traditional calculators. This allowed businesses to develop more sophisticated financial models, which helped them to make more informed decisions. As a result, the electronic calculator became an essential tool for businesses, and its impact on business practices cannot be overstated.

Education and Everyday Life

The electronic calculator also had a significant impact on education and everyday life. The introduction of electronic calculators made it easier for students to perform complex calculations, which helped to improve their understanding of mathematics and science. It also made it easier for people to perform basic calculations, which reduced the need for mental arithmetic.

Moreover, the electronic calculator made it possible to perform calculations quickly and accurately, which was essential for many professions. For example, engineers, architects, and scientists rely on electronic calculators to perform complex calculations. The electronic calculator also made it easier for people to perform financial calculations, which helped them to manage their finances more efficiently.

In conclusion, the electronic calculator has had a significant impact on both cultural and economic aspects of life. Its introduction revolutionized the way businesses operate and allowed people to perform complex calculations quickly and accurately. Furthermore, it has become an essential tool for education and everyday life.

Modern Calculators and Legacy

Today, electronic calculators are ubiquitous and come in various shapes and sizes, from desktop to handheld, and even as apps on smartphones and computers. Modern calculators have advanced features such as scientific, graphing, and financial capabilities, making them useful for a wide range of applications.

One of the most popular types of calculators is the scientific calculator, which is designed to perform complex mathematical functions, including trigonometry, logarithms, and exponential calculations. The first scientific calculator was developed in the 1960s, and since then, they have become increasingly sophisticated, with more functions, memory, and processing power.

Another type of calculator that has gained popularity in recent years is the graphing calculator. These calculators are used primarily in education, particularly in mathematics and science courses. They are designed to plot graphs and perform statistical analysis, making them useful for analyzing data and solving equations.

Despite the prevalence of modern calculators, the legacy of the first electronic calculators lives on. The development of electronic calculators paved the way for the miniaturization of electronic devices, which has had a profound impact on modern technology. It is thanks to the development of electronic calculators that we now have smartphones, laptops, and other portable electronic devices that we use in our daily lives.

In conclusion, the invention of the first electronic calculator was a significant milestone in the history of computing. Since then, electronic calculators have continued to evolve, becoming more sophisticated and useful for a wide range of applications. Although the legacy of the first electronic calculators may be less apparent today, their impact on modern technology is undeniable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is credited with the invention of the first mechanical calculator?

Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, is credited with inventing the first mechanical calculator in the 17th century. His invention was called the Pascaline and it could perform basic arithmetic operations.

What was the year of the first handheld calculator release?

The first handheld electronic calculator was invented in 1967 by a team at Texas Instruments. It was called the Cal-Tech, but it was not a commercial success. The first commercially successful handheld calculator was the HP-35, released by Hewlett-Packard in 1972.

Which country is recognized for creating the first electronic calculator?

Japan is recognized for creating the first electronic calculator. In 1957, the Tokyo-based company, Casio, released the Model 14-A, which was the world’s first all-electric compact calculator.

What is the history behind the invention of the modern calculator?

The history of the modern calculator can be traced back to the abacus, which was invented in ancient China. The abacus was a simple counting device that used beads on rods to represent numbers. Over time, more sophisticated mechanical calculators were developed, and eventually, electronic calculators were invented.

When did schools begin incorporating calculators into education?

Schools began incorporating calculators into education in the 1970s. At first, there was some resistance to the use of calculators, but eventually, they became an accepted and even necessary tool for learning mathematics.

What are the key developments in the early history of digital calculators?

The key developments in the early history of digital calculators include the invention of the first electronic calculator in 1957 by Casio, the release of the first handheld electronic calculator in 1967 by Texas Instruments, and the release of the first commercially successful handheld calculator, the HP-35, in 1972 by Hewlett-Packard. These developments paved the way for the widespread use of electronic calculators in the 1970s and beyond.