The Tektronix 4050: Pioneering Graphics Computing in the Late 1970s and Early 1980s
The Tektronix 4050 series of computers represents a groundbreaking milestone in the evolution of graphical computing during the late 1970s and early 1980s. These systems were among the first to incorporate advanced graphics capabilities into a desktop computing environment, leveraging cutting-edge display technology and computational architecture to open up new possibilities for professionals across various sectors, from scientific research to entertainment. The 4050 series was not merely a collection of computer systems but rather a key player in the development of early graphics-intensive applications and visual computing.
Introduction to the Tektronix 4050 Series
Produced by Tektronix, a company renowned for its innovations in electronic test and measurement equipment, the Tektronix 4050 series featured three distinct models that spanned several years, beginning in 1975 with the release of the 4051 and ending in the early 1980s with the 4054. These computers were engineered to meet the demands of professionals in fields like engineering, design, and research, offering a unique blend of hardware and software features. Their display technology, particularly the use of a storage tube rather than conventional video RAM, made them stand out from other systems of the time.
The display technology, a direct view storage tube (DVST), was the hallmark of the Tektronix 4050 series. Unlike typical computer displays that required a framebuffer to store pixels for rendering, the storage tube’s ability to persistently retain images on the screen eliminated the need for dedicated video memory. This innovative design not only allowed for higher resolution images but also freed up system memory for other tasks. Consequently, the 4050 series was able to achieve resolutions that were previously unattainable for many systems of that era, offering users a unique, cutting-edge graphics experience.
A Unique Display Technology
One of the primary innovations behind the Tektronix 4050 series was the introduction of the storage tube technology for its displays. The storage tube was a form of cathode-ray tube (CRT) that retained images on its surface without the need for constant refreshing. This was a significant improvement over traditional CRT monitors, which required continuous refreshing of the image to maintain a stable picture. The Tektronix storage tube was capable of holding a visual representation of any drawn object on the screen, which eliminated the need for dedicated video memory, a limitation that plagued many other computer systems of the time.
The system’s display resolution was another notable feature. While other computers were restricted by the cost and physical limitations of video memory, the Tektronix 4050 series could theoretically support up to 1024×1024 resolution. However, due to the design of the physical screen, the maximum resolution was limited to 1024×780 pixels. This allowed for much more detailed graphical output compared to other machines, which were often limited to lower resolutions or had to partition memory between the display and the system’s primary function.
The Tektronix 4051: The Pioneer Model
The first model in the Tektronix 4050 series, the 4051, was released in 1975 and marked a significant leap forward in desktop computing. At its core, the 4051 was built around the 8-bit Motorola 6800 microprocessor, which ran at a clock speed of 1 MHz. It shipped with 8 KB of RAM, which could be expanded in increments of 8 KB, up to a total of 32 KB. The system also featured 32 KB of ROM, which contained the operating system and a set of useful software tools, including a BASIC interpreter and vector graphics commands for drawing shapes and lines.
The 4051 was designed to be a compact, all-in-one computer system, with the CPU, display, keyboard, and a built-in DC300 tape drive housed within a single desktop case. This all-in-one configuration made the 4051 a convenient solution for professionals who required powerful computing capabilities in a compact, space-efficient package. The system also included a GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) parallel bus interface, which allowed users to connect various lab and test equipment to the computer, further expanding its versatility in scientific and engineering applications.
Despite its innovative design, the Tektronix 4051 came with a high price tag of $5,995, which was a significant investment for many individuals and organizations. However, the advanced graphical capabilities and the convenience of the all-in-one design made it a popular choice for those who could afford it. The 4051 was particularly useful for users in the fields of scientific research, engineering, and graphics design, where high-quality graphical output and precision were essential.
The Tektronix 4052: A Leap Forward in Processing Power
In 1978, Tektronix released the 4052, which, despite its similar name, was a vastly different machine from the 4051. The 4052 represented a leap forward in processing power and capabilities, featuring a CPU built around four AMD 2901 4-bit bit-slice processors. These processors worked together to form a single 16-bit processor, which provided significantly more computing power than the 4051’s 8-bit Motorola 6800.
One of the most important features of the 4052 was its ability to operate in two modes: a native 16-bit mode, utilizing the AMD 2901 processors, and a 6800-compatible mode, which allowed it to run software designed for the 4051. In the 6800-compatible mode, the 4052 could run 4051 software, but it did so at a much faster speed due to the enhanced architecture of the 4052.
The Tektronix 4052 came with 32 KB of RAM as standard, which could be expanded to 64 KB with the addition of an optional upgrade. This larger memory capacity allowed users to work on more complex projects and store larger amounts of data. The machine also came with an expanded version of the BASIC interpreter, which included additional commands for vector graphics and more advanced programming capabilities. With a retail price of $9,795, the 4052 was more expensive than its predecessor, but its enhanced capabilities made it an attractive option for users who needed a more powerful machine.
The Tektronix 4054: A Supercharged Version with Higher Resolution
Released shortly after the 4052, the Tektronix 4054 was a more advanced version of the 4052, featuring a larger 19-inch display taken from the Tektronix 4014 terminal. The 4054’s display offered a significantly higher resolution than the 4052’s 11-inch screen, with the ability to display up to 4,096 x 3,072 pixels, a resolution that was far beyond what most personal computers could offer at the time.
The 4054 was designed for users who required the highest possible resolution and more detailed graphical output. It was particularly well-suited for applications like scientific simulations, detailed design work, and complex graphics rendering. The increased resolution allowed users to create and manipulate highly detailed vector graphics, which could be used in a wide range of fields, from engineering to artistic design.
In addition to the improved display, the 4054 also featured enhanced storage options. The machine was compatible with several external storage devices, including the 4924 external DC300 tape drive and the 4907 external floppy disk drives. The 4909 storage unit, which used a CDC 96-megabyte hard drive, allowed for even greater data storage capacity. These storage devices allowed users to store large amounts of data and work on more complex projects, which further expanded the 4054’s utility in professional settings.
Applications and Influence
The Tektronix 4050 series was not only a powerful tool for engineers and designers, but it also found applications in a variety of other fields, including the entertainment industry. The 4050 series was frequently used in the production of visual effects for television shows and films, including early sets of the Battlestar Galactica television series. The systems’ ability to render vector graphics quickly and efficiently made them ideal for creating the intricate visual effects that were becoming increasingly popular in the entertainment industry during the 1970s and 1980s.
The 4050 series also influenced the development of later graphics terminals and personal computers. The software and hardware innovations pioneered by Tektronix laid the groundwork for many of the graphical computing advancements that would follow in the coming decades. The storage tube technology, in particular, was an important step forward in graphical display technology, influencing the design of later systems, including those used in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and scientific computing applications.
Legacy and Conclusion
The Tektronix 4050 series stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of the late 1970s and early 1980s. These systems represented the cutting edge of graphical computing technology at the time, offering unprecedented graphical capabilities and a unique computing experience. Their use of storage tube technology and powerful processing architectures set them apart from other computers of the era and paved the way for future developments in computer graphics and visual computing.
While the Tektronix 4050 series is no longer in use today, its impact on the computing world is still felt. The systems’ combination of advanced hardware, software, and graphics capabilities helped to shape the future of computer graphics, influencing the development of later systems and applications that would become commonplace in fields such as design, engineering, entertainment, and scientific research. As such, the Tektronix 4050 series remains an important part of the history of computing and a reminder of the remarkable technological advancements of the late 20th century.
For more detailed information on the Tektronix 4050, refer to its Wikipedia page here.