Z4 (computer)

Z4
Z4 on display at the Deutsches Museum, Munich
DeveloperKonrad Zuse
ManufacturerZuse Apparatebau
TypeProgrammable, fully automatic digital electromechanical computer
Release date1945; 79 years ago (1945)
Introductory priceSFr 30,000 for five years
Units sold1 (to ETH Zurich in a loan deal)[1]: 1077, 1139 
CPU@ (about) 40 Hz
MemoryMechanical, 32 bits word length
DisplayDecimal floating point numbers, punch tape or Mercedes typewriter
InputDecimal floating point numbers, punch tape
Power(about) 4 kW
MassCa. 1,000 kg (2,200 lb)
PredecessorZ3
SuccessorZ5

The Z4 was arguably the world's first commercial digital computer, and is the oldest surviving programmable computer.[1]: 1028  It was designed, and manufactured by early computer scientist Konrad Zuse's company Zuse Apparatebau, for an order placed by Henschel & Son, in 1942; though only partially assembled in Berlin, then completed in Göttingen in the Third Reich in April 1945,[2] but not delivered before the defeat of Nazi Germany, in 1945.[3][4][5] The Z4 was Zuse's final target for the Z3 design.[6] Like the earlier Z2, it comprised a combination of mechanical memory and electromechanical logic.[7]

The Z4 was used at the ETH Zurich from 1950 to 1955,[1]: 14  also serving as the inspiration for the construction of the ERMETH,[1]: 1009  the first Swiss computer, created under the direction of ETH engineer Ambros Speiser.[1]: 1087 

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  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Schillo_2001 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Zuse_2000 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kaisler_2016 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Sommaruga-Strahm_2016 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Rojas_2006 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference Zuse_1993 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).