Fourth Generation of Computers
The fourth generation of computers refers to a period in the history of computing that occurred during the 1970 to 1980.
This era was started in 1971 when Intel developed the first microprocessor named Intel 4004. The computers made in the fourth generation was basically extension of the third generation technology.
Although, the technology belonging to this generation was still based on the IC chip, but using the LSI (Large Scale Integration), and VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) technology.
The Intel 4004 is a microprocessor designed and manufactured by Intel Corporation in 1971. It was basically a single silicon chip that took IC one step further by locating all the components of a computer, such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, input and output controls on a miniscule chip.
This chip revolutionized the computer industry by making it possible to create smaller, more powerful, and more efficient computers.
A microprocessor is a highly integrated circuit that contains millions of transistors, capacitors, and resistors on a single piece of silicon. It is about 0.5 cm a long one side and 0.05 cm thick.
The microprocess used in the fourth generation computers had used LSI and VLSI technologies. LSI technology allowed to integrate a large number of transistors, capacitors, and other components onto a single small chip of silicon.
While VLSI integrated hundreds of thousands of components onto a single small silicon chip, which was essential for the development of microprocessors small, efficient, and powerful.
The use of LSI and VLSI technologies in microprocessors made computers more powerful, compact, reliable, and affordable than previous generations computer.
Features of Fourth Generation Computers (1971-1980)
Several key features characterized the fourth generation of computers, including:
(1) Microprocessor: The fourth generation of computers was based on the microprocessor, a type of very large scale integrated circuits (VLSIC).
This microprocessor contains all the components of a CPU on a single chip. The use of microprocessor made the computers faster, and smaller. It also increased the efficiency of computers.
In 1971, the Intel corporation developed the first single-chip CPU, or a microprocessor, named Intel 4004. Three basic characteristics of microprocessors are instruction set, bandwidth, and clock speed. They could execute complex instructions quickly and efficiently, making computers more versatile and capable.
(2) Storage: During this generation, computers have more advanced in storage. Semiconductor memories took the place of magnetic memories, which made the main memory (i.e. random access memory) more fast.
Moreover, secondary memories, such as hard disks, became smaller, economical, and bigger in capacity. The increase in storage capacity in this generation allowed users to store and access larger amounts of data than ever before.
(3) Integrated circuits: During this generation, computers were built using integrated circuits, such as LSI and VLSI. A single LSI circuit allowed to integrate thousand of ICs onto a single circuit or chip so that LSI circuit are more compact than ICs. A single IC consisted of several components, such as transistors, capacitors, and resistors placed on it.
Moreover, the development of VLSI circuit in 1978 allowed to integrate millions of transistors and other components onto a single chip.
This technology made computers smaller, faster, and more reliable than previous generations. VLSI technology led to the development of popular personal computer called PC, also called microcomputer.
(4) Portable computers: The use of LSI and VLSI technologies in fourth generation computers led to the development of portable computers. These computers are smaller in size, more lightweight, and easy to use than previous generation computers.
(5) Cost: The production cost of computers in the fourth generation is cheaper in price as compared to the previous three generations of computers.
(6) Lower power consumption: During this generation, computers became more energy-efficient than previous generations. Microprocessor and other components used in the machines consumed less electricity. They generated a negligible amount of heat, hence they do not require air conditioning.
(7) Faster communication speeds: Computers of the fourth generation were capable of faster communication speeds, both internally and externally. They allowed for faster data transfer between components and faster communication between computers over networks.
(8) Maintenance: During this period, hardware failure is negligible in the computer machine, so minimum maintenance is required.
(9) Input and Output device: Users can connect the fourth generation computer with input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, and scanner. They can also connect it with output devices, such as monitor, printer, plotters, and speakers.
(10) New programming languages: This generation led to the development of new programming languages, such as C and C++.
These high-level programming languages were designed more powerful and efficient than previous languages like COBOL and FORTRAN. They made easier for programmers to write complex programs and applications in the fourth-generation computers.
In this tutorial, you have known the fourth generation of computers with the help of examples. I hope that you will have understood the basic points related to the fourth generation of computer and enjoyed this tutorial. If you like this tutorial, please you share on the social networking sites for your friends. Stay tuned up with the next topic.
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