John Atanasoff: Father of the Computer

In the history of computers, one name shines the brightest – John Vincent Atanasoff. He was born in Hamilton, New York on October 4, 1903. Atanasoff was not just a physicist but also an inventor. He created the world’s first electronic digital computer, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC). His work forever changed technology and computing, thanks to his vision and dedication.

Atanasoff started his journey by getting a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Florida in 1925. Then, he got a Master’s in mathematics and theoretical physics from the University of Wisconsin in 1926. He followed this with a Ph.D. in 1930. At this point, he was very curious about the limits of mechanical calculators. This curiosity led him to start developing a new kind of computing machine.

Cover image: Eye Steel Film from Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Key Takeaways

• John Vincent Atanasoff was a pioneering American physicist and inventor who created the first electronic digital computer, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC).
• Atanasoff’s innovative design of the ABC laid the foundation for modern computing, introducing concepts like binary math, Boolean logic, and electronic memory.
• Despite his groundbreaking work, Atanasoff’s contributions were not fully recognized until a 1973 lawsuit established him as the true inventor of the computer.
• Atanasoff received numerous accolades and honours, including the IEEE’s National Medal of Technology and the Computer Pioneer Medal.
• Atanasoff’s legacy lives on through various awards, institutions, and landmarks named after him, cementing his place as the “Father of the Computer.”

Early Life and Education

John Vincent Atanasoff was born on 4 October 1903, a few miles west of Hamilton, New York. His father, Ivan Atanasov, came from Bulgaria. Immigration officials changed his name to John Atanasoff at Ellis Island in 1889. His mother, Iva Lucena Purdy, taught English.

Formative Years and Upbringing

John finished grade school in Brewster, Florida, in a two-room schoolhouse. He graduated high school at 15. In 1921, he finished high school in two years with top grades in science and math.

University Studies and Degrees

In 1925, Atanasoff earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Florida. He did this with straight “A”s. Then, he got a master’s in mathematics from Iowa State College in June 1926.

In July 1930, he completed his Ph.D. in theoretical physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His advisor was John Hasbrouck Van Vleck, a future Nobel Prize winner. Atanasoff’s PhD focused on helium’s dielectric constant.

Degree	Institution	Year
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering	University of Florida	1925
Master’s in Mathematics	Iowa State College	1926
Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics	University of Wisconsin-Madison	1930

Atanasoff’s education showed his incredible talent. From elementary school in Florida to his Ph.D., he excelled in science and math. These skills set the stage for his pioneering work in computers.

Invention of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer

John Vincent Atanasoff was a math and physics professor at Iowa State College. He was frustrated with the limits of mechanical calculators. This led him to work on the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC).

Frustration with Mechanical Calculators

Atanasoff knew there must be better ways to calculate than with analogue devices. In 1936, he created an analogue calculator for complex geometry. This showed his drive for innovation and the need for more powerful computers.

Concept and Design of the ABC

In 1939, he got a $650 grant to make the first ABC with Clifford Berry’s help. Their computer used binary math and logic and stored information electronically. This made it one of the earliest digital computers.

The ABC could handle many equations all at once. It had advanced memory systems that could store numbers in binary code. Back then, high voltage meant zero, and low voltage was one. The memory was intricate, taking a second for each spin, mostly spent on moving data.

In December 1939, Atanasoff showed the ABC’s prototype to Iowa State College. They awarded him an $850 grant for a full-size version that could solve complex equations. This recognition marked Atanasoff’s start as the “Father of the Computer.” Later, his legal battle would cement his role as a pioneer in computing.

John Vincent Atanasoff: Father of the Computer

John Vincent Atanasoff is known as the father of the electronic digital computer. He built the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) in the late 1930s and early 1940s, setting the stage for today’s computers. When he got a slide rule from his father, exploring calculating devices started for him as a kid. By age 10, he was solving big math problems with it.

Atanasoff and his team made the ABC at Iowa State College. It used binary arithmetic and Boolean logic and could store data. This first computer weighed about 700 pounds, had almost a mile of wires, and used vacuum tubes for its brain. Though many think the ENIAC from 1946 was the first electronic computer, a court in 1973 ruled that the ABC was the true beginning of this technology.

Atanasoff made many devices and got patents for over 30 of them. His work with the ABC laid the first stone for modern computers. This computer was a big step forward. It led to the computers we use today, marking Atanasoff as the computer’s true pioneer.

In the 1970s, a court decided that ABC’s ideas were used in the ENIAC. This made the Atanasoff-Berry Computer the world’s first true computer. This ruling solidified Atanasoff’s position as the father of the computer. It highlighted his major role in computer history.

Today, people still honour Atanasoff’s legacy. A complete copy of the ABC was made in 1997 with a budget of $350,000. It’s shown at Iowa State University. John Vincent Atanasoff’s ideas, creativity, and work have greatly impacted technology. He is well known as the father of the computer.

Key Facts About John Vincent Atanasoff	Details
Birth and Death Dates	Born on October 4, 1903, and passed away on June 15, 1995.
Invention of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC)	The ABC was the first electronic digital computer developed during the 1940s at Iowa State College.
ABC Computer Specifications	The ABC weighed around 700 pounds (320 kg) and contained approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) of wire, with logic functions implemented using vacuum tubes.
ABC Computer Capabilities	The ABC was specifically designed to solve systems of up to 29 linear equations, accepting two linear equations at a time.
ABC Computer Memory	The memory of the ABC computer consisted of 1600 capacitors organized into 32 bands of 50, storing 60 numbers at a time represented as 50-bit binary fixed point numbers.
ABC Computer Operation	The operation of the ABC was not fully automatic, requiring an operator to control different functions using punch cards for input and output.
John Atanasoff’s Patents	John Vincent Atanasoff held patents for over 30 devices, such as seismic sound wave recording devices and automated systems for package preparation.
Court Ruling Recognizing Atanasoff as Inventor	A U.S. District Court ruled in 1973 that the ENIAC principals were taken from the ABC, establishing the Atanasoff-Berry Computer as the first computer in the world.
Replica of the ABC	A project to develop a fully functional replica of the ABC was completed in 1997 at the Ames Laboratory with a $350,000 budget and is currently displayed at Iowa State University.

In summary, John Vincent Atanasoff’s work with the Atanasoff-Berry Computer proves he is the father of the electronic computer. His efforts and ideas are the foundation of today’s technology. Atanasoff is remembered as a key figure in the development of computers, showcasing the lasting value of his contributions.

Patent Dispute with ENIAC Inventors

For a long time, the invention of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was not fully recognized. This was because the ENIAC’s inventors, John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, got a patent for their innovation. The fight over who invented the first electronic computer later led to a big legal battle. It would change the course of computing history forever.

Visits from John Mauchly

In 1941, Mauchly visited Atanasoff in Iowa and saw the ABC working. This visit caused a big argument. Mauchly was accused of taking ideas from Atanasoff. This started a 30-year-long fight over the patent rights.

Honeywell v. Sperry Rand Lawsuit

The fight between Atanasoff and Mauchly led to a big trial in the 1970s. This trial lasted from June 1971 to March 1972, and it was one of the longest trials. The two sides spent over $8 million during the case.

In October 1973, the trial ended with a key decision. Judge Larson said that Atanasoff was the real creator of the electronic computer, not Mauchly and Eckert. He cancelled the ENIAC patent because of delays in the applications.

This trial showed how hard it was legally to prove Atanasoff’s impact on computing. Even after many years of fighting, the court sided with Atanasoff. It recognized him as the true inventor of the electronic computer.

“The court found that the patent was invalid due to the time lapse between critical dates and the publication of key features of the ENIAC.”

This decision not only supported Atanasoff. It marked a new beginning in understanding the history of computing.

Postwar Life and Career

After World War II, John Vincent Atanasoff stayed busy with government projects. He used his skills to make advanced tools like seismographs and microbarographs to spot faraway explosions. In 1952, he started the Ordnance Engineering Corporation. Four years later, he sold it to Aerojet General Corporation and was named the boss of Aerojet’s Atlantic Division. Atanasoff left Aerojet in 1961. Then, he opened a new firm, Cybernetics Incorporated, in Frederick, Maryland. For 20 years, he worked hard there. One of his big achievements was creating a new alphabet for computers.

Throughout his postwar years, Atanasoff kept looking for new tech and pushing computing ahead. His deep commitment and readiness to try unknown ideas guided his entire career. From the start, with his amazing work on the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), he never stopped growing.

“I have always been interested in new ideas and new ways of doing things. The computer was the logical extension of my interests and my training.”

Atanasoff was always moving forward, creating new businesses and studying the latest in tech, even after his huge success in the computer world. His work after the war was full of his love for new inventions and his dream to change computing as we know it.

After the war, Atanasoff dove into new technology with all his heart, keeping the computer field growing. He was unwavering in his quest for progress. From the beginning with the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), Atanasoff loved discovering what was next.

Recognitions and Honors

John Atanasoff made significant changes in the computing world. His work was honored worldwide.. In 1970, he was given Bulgaria’s top scientific award. This was the Order of Merit First Class from the Cyrille and Methodius Order. After almost twenty years, he got the USA’s National Medal of Technology. This is the highest US award for tech achievements. President George H.W. Bush gave it to him in 1990.

Bulgarian Citizenship and Awards

Atanasoff took pride in his Bulgarian roots. He was made an honorary citizen of Yambol, Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences also gave him special titles. Each year in Bulgaria, they give the John Atanasov Award for excellent work in tech and computing. In 2013, Dr Petar Kormushev was honoured for his robotics, machine learning, and AI work. The ceremony occurred in Sofia, where President Rosen Plevneliev celebrated Dr. Kormushev and other young scientists.

The memory of Atanasoff lives on. An asteroid was named the 3546 Atanasoff to honour him. All these awards show how important Atanasoff’s work was. He truly is the Father of the Computer.

Year	Recognition	Description
1970	Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius, First Class	Highest scientific honour conferred by the Bulgarian government
1990	United States National Medal of Technology	Highest US honour for achievements in technological progress
2013	John Atanasoff Award	Awarded annually in Bulgaria to recognize outstanding achievements in computing and technology

Atanasoff’s awards show how he changed the computing world. From Bulgaria to the USA, his role in creating the first electronic computer is remembered. He is truly the Father of the Computer.

Legacy and Impact

John Atanasoff is a computing pioneer due to his work on the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC). He used the ABC’s binary arithmetic, Boolean logic, and electronic memory. This laid the solid groundwork for today’s digital computers. In 1941, the ABC could do 60 multiplications in a minute. It used 175 Watts of power and included vacuum tubes for logic. It also used 1,130 bits of capacitive memory storage. His work, taking up an 800-square-foot area, greatly affected computer science.

Things Named After Atanasoff

Many honours and items bear Atanasoff’s name as a tribute to his work. The Atanasoff Nunatak, an outcrop in Antarctica, is one of them. Also, Bulgaria’s President gives the John Atanasoff Award yearly for computer technology successes. His impact on computing is clear through these recognitions and more.

Name	Description
Atanasoff Nunatak	A rocky outcrop in Antarctica named after John Atanasoff
John Atanasoff Award	An annual award given by the President of Bulgaria for achievements in computer and information technology

Atanasoff’s impact is more than his work on the ABC. He had over 30 patents in his lifetime. He lived to 91, seeing his ideas lead to home PCs, the internet, and more. Today, he is known as the “Father of the Computer.” His contributions still influence our technology.

The Atanasoff-Berry Computer Design

The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was created in the late 1930s and early 1940s. John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry designed it. This was a time when computers were starting to be developed. The ABC is special because it was one of the first computers to use binary arithmetic and Boolean logic. These are the basics of how computers work today.

Key Innovations and Features

The ABC could solve up to 29 linear equations at once. Unlike today’s computers, it didn’t have a CPU. It used electronic parts to do math and store data. It had drums in its memory that could keep 30 sets of numbers. But, it was slower than the computers we have now. It could only add two numbers every second. This was because its clock ran at 60 pulses per second.

The ABC introduced the world to using capacitors for memory, which is how RAM works today. It could do up to 30 things at the same time. This made it work faster than computers that had to do one thing after another. The ABC didn’t use a lot of power. The heat it produced was not a problem because it was designed to let the heat escape easily.

Atanasoff built the ABC to help with solving math problems quickly. These problems were used in science and other fields. The ABC was not very big. It was about the size of a small table and weighed 750 pounds. It used the same power as a house in the US but had different voltages inside. So, careful handling is needed to avoid accidents.

The Atanasoff-Berry Computer was a big step forward in computer history. Its special design and usage of new technologies laid the foundation for our computers today. Atanasoff and Berry’s work showed great creativity and foresight, helping to shape the future of computing.

Contributions to Computing History

John Vincent Atanasoff was a key pioneer in computing history. In the mid-1930s, his work at Iowa State College started the journey towards modern computers. The ABC, Atanasoff’s creation, was a significant step in technology. A 1973 court case confirmed him as the computer’s true inventor.

Atanasoff made truly significant contributions to computing. He built the first automatic digital computer. This was a big advancement in the field. His ABC used vacuum tubes and a special wiring system. This enabled it to process data quickly.

Another big change he introduced was using binary digits. This made calculations faster and storage more efficient. It also showed how important memory and logic are in computers. His work laid the foundation for modern computing.

Atanasoff had a massive impact, even though his early work was overlooked. After the 1973 case, his role as the computer’s inventor was recognized. His ideas continue to influence the world of computing.

Key Contributions	Significance
Invention of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC)	It is considered the first real automatic electronic digital computer, marking a significant milestone in computing history.
Use of binary digits and Boolean algebra	Facilitated faster calculations and efficient electronic information storage and retrieval, setting the stage for modern computing practices.
Utilization of vacuum tubes, thyratrons, and capacitors	Innovative hardware components that enabled digital computation and data storage in the ABC.
Recognition as the true inventor of the electronic digital computer	The 1973 Honeywell v. Sperry Rand lawsuit established Atanasoff’s pioneering role in the history of computing.

John Vincent Atanasoff’s impact on computing history is profound. His invention, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), set the stage for modern computers. His fundamental contributions are still felt today. Recognized as the computer’s true inventor, Atanasoff’s legacy is one of innovation.

Iowa State University Connection

John Atanasoff’s time at Iowa State University was key to the progress of ABC Computers. He got his Master’s in 1926 from the university. Later, he came back to teach math and physics in 1930. In the basement of the physics building, he and his students built the first ABC in 1939. This laid the foundation for the computer we use today.

Iowa State supported Atanasoff’s research greatly. It offered special scholarships for a master’s in information assurance. Also, five lucky students got into the Cyber Corps program. This program paid for everything and even gave them an extra $12,000 yearly. These efforts show the school’s serious commitment to the computing field.

The school helped in more ways than one. In 2010, three professors in Engineering got the NSF CAREER Awards. This shows Iowa State’s passion for discovery. Such support likely motivated Atanasoff’s significant contributions.

Atanasoff’s impact at Iowa State is still clear. The university praises him as the “Father of the Computer”. Its dedication to innovation and educating future computer experts reflects Atanasoff’s lasting influence.

“John Atanasoff came up with the concept of using electronics to compute solutions to equations in the late ’30s. His computer is considered to be the first computer and a full-size replica was brought to Augustana in 1998.”

Atanasoff’s era at Iowa State University and the school’s strong focus on new ideas greatly impacted computing. The university consistently aims to grow new leaders in information technology. This demonstrates Atanasoff’s continuing legacy and the ongoing effect of his early work in computing.

Conclusion

John Vincent Atanasoff is credited as the father of the electronic digital computer because of his work on the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) in the late 1930s and early 1940s. This computer used binary arithmetic, Boolean logic, and electronic memory. These elements are still key components of today’s computers.

The Honeywell v. Sperry Rand lawsuit decided that Atanasoff was the real inventor. This marked him as a true pioneer in computing.

The Atanasoff-Berry Computer was the first of its kind, completed between 1939 and 1942. It had over 300 vacuum tubes and could do one task every 15 seconds. While this seems slow now, it represents a huge technological leap forward.

Authoring the first electronic digital computer, John Atanasoff’s impact on computing remains unmatched. His innovative and visionary approach has deeply influenced the field. Atanasoff’s unparalleled work continues to motivate advancements in computing to this day.

FAQ

Source Links

Show links

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Vincent_Atanasoff – John Vincent Atanasoff
2. https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-V-Atanasoff – John Vincent Atanasoff | Biography, Invention, & Facts
3. https://www.ece.ufl.edu/about/history/john-vincent-atanasoff/ – John Vincent Atanasoff : ECE FLORIDA
4. https://jva.cs.iastate.edu/jvabio.php – John Vincent Atanasoff Biography
5. https://home.csulb.edu/~cwallis/labs/computability/atanasoff.html – John Vincent Atanasoff
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atanasoff–Berry_computer – Atanasoff–Berry computer
7. https://www.i-programmer.info/history/9-machines/337-atanasoff.html – ABC – The 1st Computer?
8. https://paul.luon.net/essays/HoC-Atanasoff.pdf – PDF
9. https://www.thegazette.com/opinion/iowas-father-of-the-computer-almost-didnt-get-credit/ – Iowa’s father of the computer almost didn’t get credit
10. https://iowahistoryjournal.com/father-computer-john-vincent-atanasoff-invented-first-lectronic-digital-computer-iowa-state-college/ – ‘Father of the Computer’: John Vincent Atanasoff invented the first lectronic digital computer at Iowa State College –
11. http://www.columbia.edu/~td2177/JVAtanasoff/JohnVincentAtanasoff.pdf – Microsoft PowerPoint – JohnVincentAtanasoff.ppt
12. https://www.forbes.com/forbes/1997/0707/6001335a.html – John Vincent Atanasoff Father of the computer?
13. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-02-29-ls-41232-story.html – Before There Was ENIAC . . .
14. https://www.americanscientist.org/article/bits-of-history – Bits of History
15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeywell,_Inc._v._Sperry_Rand_Corp. – Honeywell, Inc. v. Sperry Rand Corp.
16. https://kids.kiddle.co/John_Vincent_Atanasoff – John Vincent Atanasoff Facts for Kids
17. https://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/John_Vincent_Atanasoff – John Vincent Atanasoff – Academic Kids
18. https://www.novinite.com/articles/97553/John Atanasoff – The Man Who Invented the Computer – John Atanasoff – The Man Who Invented the Computer – Novinite.com – Sofia News Agency
19. https://kormushev.com/news/2013-john-atanasoff-award/ – I received the 2013 John Atanasoff award « Petar Kormushev
20. https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2012/08/08/father-of-computer-raised-in-mulberry/26503846007/ – Father of Computer Raised in Mulberry
21. https://www.historytools.org/people/john-vincent-atanasoff-complete-biography – The Overlooked Genius Who Birthed Modern Computing – History Tools
22. https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/embedded/article/21795574/john-atanasoff-and-clifford-berry-inventing-the-abc-a-benchmark-digital-computer – John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry: Inventing The ABC, A Benchmark Digital Computer
23. https://www.classace.io/answers/write-an-essay-about-history-and-biography-of-john-v-atanasoff – Answers to: Write an essay about History and biography of john v. atanasoff
24. https://history.computer.org/pioneers/atanasoff.html – Computer Pioneers – Atanasoff, John Vincent
25. http://www.johngustafson.net/pubs/pub57/ABCPaper.htm – Reconstruction of the Atanasoff-Berry Computer
26. http://ds-wordpress.haverford.edu/bitbybit/bit-by-bit-contents/chapter-four/4-6-the-atanasoff-berry-computer/ – 4.6 The Atanasoff-Berry Computer | Bit by Bit
27. https://thehistoryofcomputing.net/the-atanasoff-berry-computer – The History of Computing: The Atanasoff-Berry Computer
28. https://www.computer.org/publications/tech-news/events/celebrating-the-invention-of-electronic-digital-computing/ – Celebrating the Invention of Electronic Digital Computing
29. https://history.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-02/Innovative Iowans John Atanasoff.pdf – PDF
30. https://www.ece.iastate.edu/files/2011/03/ecpe-connections-spring-2010.pdf – PDF
31. https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/learn-about-rock-islands-connection-to-computer-history-at-augustana/ – Learn about Rock Island’s connection to computer history at Augustana
32. https://www.nature.com/articles/468760a – Biography: The ABC of computing – Nature
33. https://www.thoughtco.com/john-atanasoff-and-clifford-berry-inventors-4078350 – The Atanasoff-Berry Computer: The First Electronic Computer