24 May
2005
24 May
'05
5:07 p.m.
For logic functions, diodes in general lack the
ability
to invert. This is critical for any computing of reasonable
complexity.
Although the HP9100 kept the number of inverters as low as possible. OK,
it uses the Q and Q/ outputs of all the 40-odd flip-flops, and I think
there may be the odd inverter on the sideboards, but the main gating
board contains no transistors at all -- just 1000-ish diodes.
-tony