Third Industrial Revolution I: electronics, computers, and automation

The central question

Why did programmable electronics transform so many activities?

What we will explore

• Vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuits, and microprocessors as a story of size, cost, reliability, and capability
• Mainframes and personal computers; software and programmable industrial control; changing tasks and skills

By the end of the lecture

Explain why programmable electronic systems could change many different activities, beyond making a smaller radio.

Lecture materials

The lecture slides will bring together explanations, visual examples, and review questions for independent study.

PPTX download forthcoming.