Project Overview
The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was the first electronic digital computer, built at Iowa State University in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Unfortunately, the original ABC was dismantled in 1948. In the 1990s, a team at Iowa State built a replica of the ABC, which was eventually moved to the Computing History Museum in California. The ABC is an important piece of electrical and computer engineering history, which is missing from Iowa State’s campus. The goal of this project is to recreate the ABC at the logical level using modern technology. By examining the foundational concepts of the ABC and applying them from a contemporary perspective, we aim to create an accurate and visually engaging recreation of the ABC. This resource will be useful for teaching a diverse audience about computer architecture, design, and history, as well as the legacy of innovation at Iowa State.
Poster
Demos
System Demo
Integration Testing
Add/Subtract Module
Binary Conversion Module
Decimal Output Module
Team Members
Gavin Bunker
Technical Manual Lead
I'm a U.S. Navy Nuclear Electronics Technician and Computer Engineering student at Iowa State University. I focus on hardware-software integration, system reliability, and embedded systems. My Navy experience drives a mission-oriented approach centered on precision and validation. For this project, I lead documentation and technical manual development to ensure our design meets professional standards.
Ryan McFadden
Client Liaison, Recorder
I am a Computer Engineering student with a wide variety of practice in multi-disciplinary engineering project. I have a special interest in robotics and embedded systems, and have a lot of experience in leadership roles and communicating effectively in team project settings.
Samuel Schroeder
Team Leader
I am a Software Engineering and Cybersecurity student with experience in software development, networking and security, and infrastructure engineering.
Vance Arnold
Team Facilitator, Parts & Purchasing.jpg)
Computer Engineering student with professional experience in database design, hardware integration, and project leadership.
Bryan York
PCB Lead
Electrical Engineering student with well-rounded experience in electrical design, including VLSI, PCB, and Automation/ Controls Industries.
Kyle Koch
VHDL Lead
I am a Computer Engineering Major with a lot of experience in VHDL in school. Then a lot of experience with controls and Automation in the work force, with a passion to work on robotics or integrated circuits.
Weekly Reports
First Semester
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Second Semester
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