ICT Development: Integrated Circuit Technology

Integrated Circuit Technology (ICT)

• A complete electronic circuit on a small chip of silicone, also known as a semiconductor.
• Replaced Magnetic Core Memory with a microchip, introducing the first 256-bit RAM and laying the foundation for 1K bit RAM.

Fourth Generation (1971-Present)

• Developed technologies of computer inventions, including:
  • Apple Macintosh
  • IBM
  • DELL
  • ACER
• In 1971, Intel created the first microprocessor.
• In 1976, Steve Jobs built the first Apple computer.
• In 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer.
• Hardware technology advancements, including:
  • Silicone chips
  • Microprocessor
  • Storage devices
• Microprocessor is a large-scale integrated circuit containing thousands of transistors, capable of performing all functions of a computer's central processing unit.
• Advantages:
  • 100 times smaller than ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)
  • Gain in speed, reliability, and storage capacity
  • Personal and software industry boomed

Fifth Generation (Present & Beyond)

• The fifth generation computers are technologically advanced and still being developed to become more efficient.
• New hardware technology inventions, including:
  • Silicone chips
  • Processor
  • Robotics
  • Virtual reality
  • Intelligent systems
  • Language translation programs

New Era Computer

• After the fifth generation, computer technology has become more advanced, modern, and sophisticated.
• Latest inventions include:
  • Super Computers
  • Mainframe Computers
  • Mini Computers
  • Personal Computers
  • Mobile Computers
• Expert systems, such as:
  • Teleconferencing
  • Speech-recognition system

ICT and Society

• Information refers to the knowledge obtained from reading, investigation, study, or research.
• ICT is the technology required for information processing, including:
  • Electronic computers
  • Communication devices
  • Software applications
• Communication is an act of transmitting messages, and it is a process where information is exchanged between individuals using symbols, signs, or verbal interactions.

Technology Timeline

• 3500 BC: Sumerians developed cuneiform writing.
• 1500 BC: Phoenicians developed the alphabet.
• 105 BC: Tsai Lun of China invented paper.
• 1454: The first printing began with the creation of a printing machine.
• 1793: The telegraph line was invented.
• 1876: The first telephone was introduced.
• 1925: Television was made known to the public.
• 1941: The computer was created.
• 1958: The photocopier machine was introduced.
• 1963: The communication satellite was introduced.
• 1969: The first Internet, ARPANET, was introduced.

Evolution of Computers

• Before the computer was invented, several counting machines were used, including punched cards and magnetic tape.
• Second generation:
  • The vacuum tubes generated a great deal of heat, causing problems in temperature regulation and climate control.
  • The tubes also burnt out frequently.
  • People operating the computer did not know that the problem was in the programming machine.
  • The second generation computer scientists invented something new due to lots of problems created by vacuum tubes.
• Transistor:
  • Small devices used to transfer electronic signals across a resistor.
  • Advantages:
    • Smaller than vacuum tubes
    • No warm-up time needed
    • Consumed less energy
    • Generated much less heat
    • Faster and more reliable

Third Generation (1964-1971)

• In the third generation era, the IBM 370 series were introduced in 1964.
• It came in several models and sizes.
• It was used for business and scientific programs.
• Other computer models introduced during this era:
  • CDC 7600
  • B2500
• The development of integrated circuit (IC) signaled the beginning of the third generation computers.
• Silicone chips were manufactured in 1961 at the Silicone Valley.