History of Computers - Nikola Tesla
Nikola Tesla - The Man Who Lit the World
Introduction
Nikola Tesla was the first to test and create devices utilizing alternating current and developed hundreds of patents, all leading to the invention of the modern-day computer.
Overview
Nikola Tesla was born on July 9, 1856 in Smiljan, Austria-Hungary (modern day Croatia). Tesla was the head of his class throughout college and was sent to work for Thomas Edison as a prodigy[1]. When Tesla arrived in New York City in 1884, Edison gave him the task of redesigning Edison's inefficient motors and generators and Edison promised him $50,000. Tesla easily fixed Edison's problems, but when he asked about the money Edison responded by saying, ""Tesla, you don't understand our American humor"[2]. Tesla immediately quit and began working on his own inventions. Tesla soon developed alternating current, which had huge advantages over direct current that paved the way for modern technology: 1) Alternating current could be transported very far, while direct current could only be transported 2 miles. 2) Alternating current changes direction 50 to 60 times a second, so its voltage can be increased. This technique reduces power loss over long distances. Direct current, however, only flows in one direction [3]. Alternating current reduced the number of power stations needed greatly and increased the distance power could travel immensely, making electricity cheaper and more easily accessible. Tesla applied his discovery to many new inventions that still exist today such as electrical generators, FM radio, remote controls, robots, spark plugs, and fluorescent lights.[4] After creating hundreds of patents, Tesla died on January 7, 1943.
Significance
Nikola Tesla was rivals with Thomas Edison in his time, and, although Edison discovered electricity, Tesla applied it. Tesla created many patents that led to computer fields today, like robotics and radio. Tesla harnessed the power of Niagara Falls to power a city. Without Tesla the idea for computers or the means to supply them with energy would not to exist. Tesla was truly the genius who lit the world. Tesla also was the first to think of EMP's. He also figured out the resonance frequency of the Earth.
References
Links
http://www.neuronet.pitt.edu/~bogdan/tesla/bio.htm
