We explain what the fifth generation of computers is, when they were created and their characteristics. Also, other generations of computers.
What is the fifth generation of computers?
The fifth generation of computers is the set of computers designed since 1981 and which represent the most recent step in the evolution of this type of technology . Its first models were produced and marketed in Japan, and aimed at the development of computer systems equipped with the types of VLSI computer architecture (from English Very Large Scale Integration“very large scale integration”) and ULSI (from English Ultra Large Scale Integration“ultra-large-scale integration”).
The distinctive feature of the fifth generation of computers has to do with the miniaturization of microprocessor components and the processing of large amounts of data . This makes them ideal for novel technological branches, such as nanotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence. Although this generation includes the laptop and even the smartphonesthe most advanced computers of this generation They have not been destined for common consumption yet.
Features of a fifth generation computer
Fifth generation computers are characterized by:
- have miniaturized hardware elements but capable of developing greater computing speed than any previous generation.
- have different integrated processors and high parallel performance.
- respond to the human voice and natural language through interfaces equipped with artificial intelligence, such as the so-called “expert systems”.
- In many cases these are “supercomputers” as Deep Bluethe IBM supercomputer that beat world champion Garry Kasparov in chess. In others, “quantum” computers.
- Although computers of this style have been achieved to some extent, continues to be a developing generation and it is estimated that its massification is not too far in the future.
What are the other generations of computers?
Before the fifth generation of computers, there were four well-defined generations, which were:
- First generation of computers (1940-1956) . The first generation of computers arose as a result of the advances in computing devices brought about by World War II. These early machines were sophisticated calculating devices equipped with vacuum valves that had to be programmed before they could execute their modest functions. In addition, they were very bulky, being able to occupy an entire room and weigh several tons, as was the case of the ENIAC (1946), the UNIVAC I (1951) or the Zuse Z22 (1955).
- Second generation of computers (1956-1964) . The second generation of computers appeared when vacuum tubes were replaced by transistors, allowing these new devices to consume less electricity and take up less surface area. In addition, these computers already understood the programming language or high-level language, and used perforated paper tapes as a method of memory and communication with the user, as in the case of the RAMAC (1956), the IBM 1401 Mainframe (1959) or PDP-1 (1962).
- Third generation of computers (1964-1971) . The third generation of computers appeared with integrated circuits, made with silicon chips. Thousands of miniaturized elements could be installed in these components and thus obtain a chip. This allowed much less expensive computers to be manufactured, and led to the beginning of the commercial sale of computers, such as the IBM S/360 series (1964).
- Fourth generation of computers (1971-1983) . The fourth generation of computers marked the entry of the microprocessor onto the scene, which allowed the invention of microcomputers, so small and cheap that they began to be mass marketed. The PC (in English Personal Computer“personal computer”) began to be a work and personal necessity from this generation, led by Intel microprocessor technology, from IBM, and its competition, Macintosh.
References
- “Generations of computers” on Wikipedia.
- “Generations of computers” at ECOTEC Technological University (Ecuador).
- “Characteristics of Fifth Generation Computers” in UnAcademy.
- “Generations of computers. 1st Generation to 5th Generation” (video) in Learning Notebook.
