The Pilot ACE: from concept to reality
Robin A. Vowels · 2005
Abstract This chapter discusses the development of the Pilot ACE, including the architecture, programming, and performance. The Pilot ACE was a general purpose computer of the serial type, with a clock frequency of 1 MHz. The word size was 32 bits, and dual arithmetic units were provided. One arithmetic unit supported 32-bit numbers (about 9 decimal digits), while the other was for 64-bit numbers (about 19 decimal digits). The 64-bit accumulator was also capable of functioning as two independent 32-bit accumulators. The Pilot ACE had Hollerith 80-column punch-card input and output equipment, the input device running at 200 cards per minute and the output device at 100 cards per minute.