An Electronic Digital Polynomial Root Extractor

Author: Johnson, Robert Royce

Year: 1956

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisors: Frankel, Stanley P.; McCann, Gilbert Donald

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Electrical Engineering; Physics

DOI: 10.7907/XSCJ-XT27

Abstract

Many mathematical techniques exist for factoring algebraic polynomials. Most require much computation and programming and are practical methods only with large machine computers. A special purpose electronic digital computer designed to factor polynomials of high degree is described. The mathematical method is an adaptation of a Taylor serial approximation used to connect the problem and its formulation with a special machine implementation. The computer uses a small rotating magnetic drum, about 200 germanium diodes, and 20 logical flip-flops. Unique features of the system are the simple algebraic logical design techniques and the ease of programming. The result is a small, simple, and useful computer.

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