The Parametron, a Digital Computing Element Which Utilizes Parametric Oscillation

The following is a brief description of the basic principles and applications of the parametron, which is a digital computer element invented by the author in 1954. A parametron element is essentially a resonant circuit with a nonlinear reactive element which oscillates at one-half the driving frequency. The oscillation is used to represent a binary digit by the choice between two stationary phases π radians apart. The basic principle of logical circuits using the parametron is explained, and research on and applications of parametrons in Japan are described.