DATAMATH  CALCULATOR  MUSEUM

Sharp EL-8020

Date of introduction:  March 1976 Display technology:  LCD (yellow)
New price:  ¥7.500 Display size:  8
Size:  4.3" x 2.6" x 0.3"
 109 x 66 x 7 mm3
   
Weight:  2.2 ounces, 62 grams Serial No:  61228406
Batteries:  EA-20N (2.4V) Date of manufacture:  mth 06 year 1976
AC-Adapter:  EA-20C 3V DC Origin of manufacture:  Japan
Precision:  8 Integrated circuits:  
Memories:      
Program steps:   Courtesy of:  Joerg Woerner

EL-8020_BACK.jpg (197745 Byte)Excerpt from Sharp Corporation’s Calculator Innovations:

World’s first calculator using Film Carrier System and yellow LCD. In the same year Sharp introduced the EL-8026, the first calculator powered by solar cells.

EL-8020_PCB1.jpg (358896 Byte)Dismantling this innovative calculator manufactured in June 1976 reveals indeed two unusual sights. First, the bottom part of the calculator housing accommodates two small, coin-shaped rechargeable batteries with a connector for the AC adaptor. Learn how to decipher the 61228406 Date code hidden in the serial number of the pictured calculator.

EL-8020_IC.jpg (104486 Byte)EL-8020_PCB.jpg (334656 Byte)Second, after removing the printed circuit board (PCB) from the calculator housing, you'll spot the advertised Film Carrier System. The calculator chip is bonded to a very thin, flexible carrier which is soldered to the Main-PCB. It took at least 10 years before this technology was replaced with the Chip-On-Board (COB) technology, still in use in 2010.

A similar calculator to the EL-8020 was introduced one year later with the TI-1750 manufactured by Texas Instruments. Don't miss the EL-8024 featuring a yellow LCD and an external AC adapter.



horizontal rule

If you have additions to the above article please email: joerg@datamath.org.

© Joerg Woerner, December 21, 2001. No reprints without written permission.