this post was submitted on 11 Nov 2023
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Another post regarding time travel got me wondering how far back in time can I hypothetically leave a modern computer where they, the most capable engineers of their time, can then somewhat reverse engineer it or even partially?

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[โ€“] flamingo_pinyata@sopuli.xyz 127 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (7 children)

The biggest issue would be microchips which require some really precise machinery to manufacture.

1930s - complete reverse engineering
By then they had both an understanding of semiconductors and computational theory. Using semi-conductive materials to compute wasn't yet a thing, but there wouldn't be much surprise at the concept. Some kind of reproduction is likely, probably not a 5nm manufacturing process like modern chip factories, but they could make it.

1890s - eventual understanding, but not able to manufacture
Measuring devices were sensitive enough by then to measure tiny electrical fluctuations. They would be able to tell the device functions due to processing of electrical signals, even capture those signals. Biggest missing piece is mathematical theory - they wouldn't immediately understand how those electrical signals produce images and results. Reproduction - no. Maybe the would get an idea what's needed - refining silicon and introducing other stuff into it, but no way they could do it with equipment of the day.

1830s - electricity goes into a tiny box and does calculations, wow!
This is the age of the first great electrical discoveries. They would be in awe what is possible, and understand on a high level how it's supposed to work. Absolutely no way to make it themselves.

1730s - magic, burn the witch!

[โ€“] TonyToniToneOfficial@lemmy.ml 32 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

1730s - magic, burn the witch!

Sir Bedevere: And what do you burn, apart from witches?

Peasant: More witches!

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