DATAMATH

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:	year 1976
AC-Adapter:	EA-20C 3V DC	Origin of manufacture:	Japan
Precision:	8	Integrated circuits:
Memories:
Program steps:		Courtesy of:	Joerg Woerner

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.

Dismantling this innovative calculator 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.

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.

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