MIR (computer)

MIR (Russian:МИР) is a series of early Soviet transistorized minicomputers. It was developed from 1965 (MIR), 1968 (MIR-1) to 1969 (MIR-2). The development team was led by Victor Glushkov.

MIR-1

MIR-1
Also known as	«Машина для Инженерных Расчётов» (Machine for Engineering Calculations)
Developer	Victor Glushkov
Release date	1968; 57 years ago (1968)
CPU	@ 200-300 arithmetic operations per second on five-digit numbers
Memory	4096 12-bit words (access time 2.5 microseconds, memory cycle time 16 microseconds) (Magnetic core memory)
Power	1.5 kW (using 380V three-phase electric power)
Weight	about 400 kg
Successor	MIR-2

Overview

MIR (МИР) stands for «Машина для Инженерных Расчётов» (Machine for Engineering Calculations) and means both "world" and "peace" in Russian. It was designed as a relatively small-scale computer for use in engineering and scientific applications. Among other innovations, it contained a hardware implementation of a high-level programming language capable of symbolic manipulations with fractions, polynomials, derivatives and integrals. Another innovative feature for that time was the user interface combining a keyboard with a monitor and light pen used for correcting texts and drawing on screen.

MIR-2

Light pen with MIR-2
Developer	Victor Glushkov
Release date	1969; 56 years ago (1969)
Predecessor	MIR-1

Technical specifications

Technical specifications for MIR-1:^[1]

• memory unit: 4096 12-bit words of core memory (access time 2.5 microseconds, memory cycle time 16 microseconds)
• external storage: 8-track punched tape. Input device: paper tape reader FS-1501 (up to 1500 symbols/second). Output device: tape punch PL-80 (up to 80 characters per second)
• performance: 200-300 arithmetic operations per second on five-digit numbers
• power consumption: 1.5 kW (using 380V three-phase electric power)
• weight: about 400 kg

See also

• List of Russian inventions