The use of transistors instead of vacuum tubes in computers emerged in which generation?

AIIMS Raipur NO - 2017 (Shift-1)

Computer and Nursing Information

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO - 2017 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The second generation of computers (approx. 1956-1963) is defined by the use of transistors.
Transistors replaced the large, inefficient, and unreliable vacuum tubes used in the first generation.
This transition led to computers that were significantly smaller, faster, more energy-efficient, and more dependable.
The use of transistors also marked a shift from machine language to assembly languages, making programming easier.

Option A: The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes as their primary electronic component, not transistors. These machines were enormous, consumed a great deal of power, and were prone to overheating and frequent breakdowns.
Option C: The third generation was characterized by the development of the integrated circuit (IC), which placed multiple transistors, resistors, and capacitors onto a single silicon chip. This was a further miniaturization step beyond discrete transistors.
Option D: The fourth generation is defined by the invention of the microprocessor, which integrates thousands or millions of transistors onto a single chip (Very Large Scale Integration or VLSI). This led to the creation of personal computers (PCs).

Visual 1: Timeline Infographic - A timeline showing the five generations of computers, with images representing the key technology for each era (vacuum tube, transistor, IC, microprocessor, AI) and a brief description of the characteristics.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of Computers: Generations and Technology as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The development of the transistor is the foundation of all modern medical electronics. Without this innovation, compact and portable devices like ECG machines, infusion pumps, and electronic health record (EHR) systems would not be possible.
Nurses interact with transistor-based technology constantly during patient care, from using bedside monitors to document in EHRs. Understanding the reliability of this technology is crucial for patient safety.
What if? If transistors had not been invented, computers would have remained room-sized machines, limiting their use to large institutions. Bedside monitoring and portable diagnostic tools would not exist in their current form, drastically changing the nature of nursing care.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from the subject of computer science.
First, identify the key technologies mentioned in the question: 'transistors' and 'vacuum tubes'.
The question asks when transistors replaced vacuum tubes.
Recall the chronological order of computer generations and the defining technology for each.
Match 'transistors' to the correct generation. First generation used vacuum tubes, and the second generation introduced transistors.
Therefore, select the option corresponding to the second generation.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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