Third Generation of computers (1965-1970)

Computers with Integrated Circuits

Kilby's Original IC

In the third generation of computing, transistors were replaced with the smaller integrated circuit.

It was actually invented by two individuals, both unaware of each other’s actions. Jack Kilby and

Robert Noyce were both worked on almost identical projects made of semiconductor material;

silicon. The first IC was commercially available in 1961. The chips were first used in calculators

for the Air Force computers in 1962. In following years, most computers started using the chips

instead of transistors and other components. The first ics composed of a transistor,

three resistors, and a capacitor. Modern IC can hold up to 125 million transistors. They are

classified as Solid State Technology.

Characteristics of the third generation include:

 Use of Integrated Circuits

 More Reliability

 Much Smaller than those of Prior Generations

 Still Fairly Costly

 Less Heat Generated

 Less Maintenance

 Support Higher Level Language

 Consumed Less Energy

 Keyboard and Monitor (Instead of Punch Cards)

References

http://demarscomputerhistory.weebly.com/3rd-generation.html

http://vle.du.ac.in/mod/book/view.php?id=12290&chapterid=25234
 Fourth Generation (1972 – 2010)

Microprocessors

Development of microprocessors is the main feature of fourth generation technology, which is

considered as an extension of third generation technology. The era of fourth generation

computers started with the development of first microprocessor in 1971 by Intel.