GB884868A - Improvements in or relating to data conversion apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

884,868. Data conversion apparatus. INTERNATIONAL COMPUTERS & TABULATORS Ltd. Aug. 15,1960 [Dec.23, 1959], No. 43745/59. Class 40 (1). Apparatus for converting a number from one notation e.g. decimal or sterling to binary comprises a matrix of storage elements, a plurality of row lines 11-14 each appropriated to a digit of a parallel binary code, a plurality of column lines 15-21 each associated with all the elements of a number of columns and each appropriated to a denomination of the number to be converted, a binary accumulator having stages A1-A23 each with an input line 11-123 which is associated with all the elements which store binary digits having the same order as that stage, and reset lines Rl-R14 each associated with a number of elements which store binary digits of different orders, simultaneous energization of a column line and selected ones of the row lines causing binary digits to be set into the matrix, and sequential energization of reset lines R1-R14 causing a sequence of binary coded numbers to be read into the accumulator, over lines 11-123. In the embodiment described, column lines 15-21 are connected to the reading device of a punched card machine 10, lines 15-21 representing decimal denominations 10<SP>‹</SP>-10<SP>6</SP>, and each is energized at a differential time in a reading cycle to represent digits 9-0. A code generator 22 selectively energizes row lines 11-14 in accordance with the binary coded numbers 9-0 in synchronism with the punched card read-out. Thus the number 7 is signified by energizing column line 15 in the third time period of a reading cycle, and is stored in the matrix by setting cores 23, 24, 25. As a further example the number 50 is set into the matrix by energizing column line 16 in the fifth period of the reading cycle, thereby setting cores 26, 27 in column 2 and cores 28, 29 in column 5. Cores 26, 27, 28, 29 are associated with stages A2, A4, A4, A6 and are reset at different times by reset lines R2, R5, R8, R6. Thus the binary numbers 10, 1000, 100,000, 1000 are supplied to the accumulator by reset lines R2, R5, R6, R8 and input lines 12, 15, 16, 18 giving a sum of 110010 equivalent to the decimal number 50.