50 years of microcomputer technology: exhibitions and workshops

Come and dive into 50 years of incredible evolution of computing and discover the pioneering contributions of EPFL

Access workshop and hackathon registrations

Smaky 4 keyboard with Cobus interface, from 1976

Smaky 4 keyboard with Cobus interface, from 1976

Exhibitions

Miniaturization and microprocessors

What were the projects 50 years ago, before microprocessors? We were already interested in miniaturization and data acquisition was done on cassette. And these microprocessors, how did they evolve?

The “Smart keyboard” was the objective. The Logitech mouse was a success, but from 1972 to 1980, mouse prototypes were built at EPFL without being able to use them – why?

You will also learn all about Bobst Graphic’s Scrib and LAMI’s exploratory projects.

Room: INF 1, next to the Bolo Museum

A Smaky 4

Logic circuits

Logic circuits are the LEGO parts of any computer system; they currently only take a few microns on a silicon chip. With the logidules, which helped to develop the first computer, mouse and screen interfaces, we are effective in understanding the basics, learning to interface microprocessors, exploring cellular networks and neural machines.

Currently, schematics are being simulated and FPGAs of incredible complexity are being used.

Room: INF 2, next to the Bolo Museum

A Smaky 4

Three workshops and a hackathon

The Dauphin workshop for young people and teachers. Do you want to know how a computer works, with its memory and I/Os? Dolphins and the simulator are used by teachers as an introduction to their computer course. All EPFL Dolphins are to be donated.

Dauphin workshop registration

The Logidules workshop allows you to cable and understand logic circuits and become familiar with binary computation.

Logidules workshop registration

Logic circuits are currently programmed in “oceans of gates”. A FPGA workshop will show what is currently being taught.

FPGA workshop registration

Many young people have discovered logical patterns with Minecraft’s “redstone”. This Hackathon in a very free format will be played by drawing from a pile of logidules to assemble a complex assembly.

Hackathon registration

Deux jeunes cablant des logidules

Registration