But ENIAC system used 20-digit precision per register — assume each digit is 4 bits → 1 byte per 4 bits → 4 bits = 1 digit → so 1 byte for 1 digit

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:12:07 +0000

The ENIAC System: Precision, Memory, and Digital Representation Explained When exploring the history of early computing, few machines are as iconic—and foundational—as ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer). Built in the 1940s at the University of Pennsylvania, ENIAC marked a revolutionary leap in electronic computation. While often associated with groundbreaking speed for its time, less commonly discussed is its innovative approach to numerical precision and how data was physically stored. This article delves into ENIAC’s use of 20-digit precision per register and its memory representation, clarifying one key computational concept: how 4-bit digits translate into meaningful digital storage. --- ### What Did ENIAC’s Registers Hold?