Chapter 172: The Shock Brought By The New Panda
After the Kremlin decided to promote OGAS, Glushkov obtained administrative approval and corresponding resources.
This included the merger of computer companies, scientists, and engineers from the Soviet Union, as well as computer companies from the four Eastern European countries, with related scientists transferred to the control research institute in Ukraine, which is the institute where Glushkov worked.
Ukraine realized the dream of Eastern European merger decades ahead of schedule.
Because in the eyes of discerning people, once OGAS is successfully promoted in the four Eastern European countries, these four countries will form a substantial alliance, at least achieving integration in economy and personnel mobility.
For such prospects, at this current time point, these four countries are delighted to see it happen.
For East Germany, it naturally gains more markets and labor force, including placing the computer manufacturing industry in East Germany, which is like a pie falling from the sky.
For the other three countries, these three countries lean towards heavy industry, resources, and agriculture, and now their products have a destination.
So currently, the overall attitude towards OGAS is cautiously optimistic.
However, in the specific promotion process, Glushkov found great difficulties.
Attitude is one thing, real difficulties are another.
Not only hardware-level difficulties, but also software-level issues.
Soviet and Eastern European computer technology is far behind the West, lagging by at least three years or more.
And in network technology, it is a complete blank.
The most important part of OGAS is large-scale data exchange; the world’s first computer network, ARPANET, would not appear until 1969, and at this time, for Glushkov, there was not even a reference to find.
As for the system level, complex databases, optimization algorithms, and economic model software are needed, and in 1964, these technologies hardly existed in Eastern Europe.
Actually, the best target is the previously mentioned French Bull company, but this company is too good, so good that they simply cannot compete with it, and it has already been targeted by General Electric.
At best, they can poach some engineers from Bull.
While Zuse’s Dr. Zuse is a choice they can reach.
The opponent’s hardware capabilities are secondary; his talent in software, especially the ability to create an entire system from scratch by himself, is what the Soviet side values.
Sergei interrupted his explanation, his tone turning mild: “Dr. Zuse, OGAS is our bold attempt, and we need reliable computer technology.
Are you willing to join our plan?
The teams from Robotron, Odra, and Tesla welcome your expertise.”
He paused, then added: “Of course, this requires you to come to Moscow or Leipzig to work with our engineers.”
Zuse’s smile stiffened for a moment, his heart surging like tides; he felt the situation had not deteriorated to the point of joining East Germany.
Because joining East Germany would mean a completely new start.
He murmured: “Can you introduce OGAS in detail?”
Sergei nodded: “Of course.”
Then he roughly introduced what they wanted to do.
After listening, Zuse’s eyes lit up: “Mr. Sergei, we can build similar computers. If we can meet your requirements, can the OGAS plan orders be given to us?”
Sergei did not speak; Karl Schmidt explained: “Mr. Zuse, this is impossible.
This has nothing to do with technology or parameters; it’s that if we give the orders to Zuse KG, you cannot guarantee stable equipment supply.
There may be no problem initially, but once OGAS achieves certain effects and our propaganda machine starts promoting OGAS and socialism globally, bringing prosperity to Eastern Europe through technology, you will inevitably be unable to maintain stable equipment supply.
America will use various means to restrict your equipment exports.
This even includes components and subsequent maintenance, which is unacceptable to us.
We need to master the design, production, and maintenance of computer equipment ourselves.
Unless you are willing to move the entire company to East Germany.”
Zuse realized that this was something he absolutely could not do, because control of the company was no longer in his hands.
Zuse fell into the difficulty of choice, and he recalled China’s invitation again: “Maybe China is also a way out?”
Soon he kicked this idea out of his mind; for a German like him to go to China, was he crazy?
However, the situation would soon force him to make a decision.
Watching the IBM booth with crowds flowing like shuttles, the sales personnel holding letters of intent orders one after another.
Zuse felt sour inside, and after returning to West Germany, Siemens’ ultimatum dealt him a fatal blow.
Siemens was going to take away his CEO position and make him only a technical consultant, which was worse than killing him.
At this time, he thought of East Germany, hoping that perhaps only East Germany could allow him to fully utilize his expertise. With this idea, he called Sergei, about to embark on a life completely different from the past.
Back at the Leipzig Trade Fair, besides the large crowds at the IBM booth, the booth from China also had considerable foot traffic.
Although it could not compare to IBM, the performance of the Panda brand two years ago was still impressive.
Even today, relying on low price, quality, and design far superior to other comrades in the same camp, the Panda is the most popular radio in the entire socialism bloc.
Last year’s total overseas sales broke through one million units, creating 20 million US dollars in foreign exchange for China.
Therefore, at this trade fair, after the Leipzig Exhibition Bureau learned that China brought the new generation Panda radio, they specially reserved a poster spot at the entrance for China.
The Leipzig Trade Fair is organized by the German foreign trade company and the Leipzig Exhibition Bureau; for advertising spaces, there is no charge, but official approval is required.
Exhibiting companies from Western Europe and America will be charged based on dimensions, location, and display time, with fees roughly 100 to 300 East German marks per square meter.
As two years ago, this time it is still led by Deputy Secretary-General Li Mingde of the Trade Promotion Committee.
The team includes veteran comrade Zhang Zhigang from the committee and Li Hongbo from the radio factory.
Generally, after they perfectly execute tasks abroad, they are not replaced.
Plus the hot sales of Panda brand radios, 20 million US dollars in foreign exchange is very significant in current China.
So this trip to Leipzig can only succeed and not fail, and the veterans are even less likely to be replaced.
The first day was very successful; just on the first day, orders exceeding 100,000 units were signed successively, mainly from Eastern European countries, with over 50,000 units from East Germany alone.
“One day! We sold 100,000 units in one day, which is already more than ten times the total number we signed at the Leipzig Trade Fair two years ago!” Zhang Zhigang could not hide his excitement.
He clearly remembered that two years ago at the Leipzig Trade Fair, selling 9,000 units throughout the event was enough to keep him thrilled and sleepless all night.
As a result, today alone they sold 100,000 units—a qualitative leap.
Li Hongbo explained: “Our products still have great advantages.
Especially compared to same-priced Western European goods, ours include AM, FM, and shortwave, and it’s a silicon-based radio; West German ones cost at least 50 US dollars, while ours only 30 US dollars.
Our radio is even not inferior to the same model’s Sony TR-1820.”
Zhang Zhigang was somewhat puzzled: “What is Sony TR-1820?”
Li Hongbo glanced around and whispered in his ear: “Radios produced by the devils; they sell for 80 US dollars.”
Li Hongbo had learned about such information from internal technical magazines.
Zhang Zhigang was astonished: “So expensive?”
Li Hongbo nodded: “Yes, because theirs is a branded product, and foreigners recognize brands.
But luckily, we are now a branded product too, and we can sell at a premium.”
Zhang Zhigang was somewhat annoyed: “We only sell for 30 US dollars; according to you, ours is even better than the devils’ 80 US dollar goods, yet we can only sell for 30 US dollars. Is this a branded product?”
Li Hongbo waved his hand: “80 US dollars is the selling price; the price the devils sell to these stores is probably only about 50 US dollars, similar to ours.
Moreover, what we lack now is foreign exchange; earning less is fine, the key is to earn foreign exchange.
What I mean by branded product is that foreigners now recognize the Panda brand.
If we could sell to Western Europe and America, we could also price at 50 US dollars.
But we can’t sell to those places now.”
When the crowds gradually dispersed, they took the opportunity during a bathroom break to sneak a look at the IBM booth.
Twenty of IBM’s latest 7090s were lined up on the booth, emitting a humming machine sound, with the area below crowded with exhibitors and visitors.
Almost all Eastern European newspapers reported that IBM’s Deep Blue was coming to this Leipzig Trade Fair, which they saw as America’s move amid the chaos after Kennedy’s death to maintain the influence and prestige of the free world, to showcase its technological strength and demonstrate that America still holds an unshakable position in the technology field.
Even though some Eastern European newspapers called on the public not to visit and not let America succeed, the on-site effect seemed poor.
Who could resist a machine that plays chess with people, which the Soviet Union and other Eastern European countries indeed did not have.
Incorrect, the Soviet Union has one.
Almost simultaneously with Deep Blue, the Soviet Union’s chess grandmaster David Bronstein had an exhibition match with the M-20 vacuum tube computer.
However, the effect was very poor; the entire match was not even completed, and the sensational effect was far from comparable to Deep Blue, barely known even within the Soviet Union.
They originally wanted to report it extensively, but then Deep Blue came out, so the Soviet Union downplayed it.
When Zhang Zhigang and Li Hongbo went, a game was in the endgame; even if they did not understand chess, they could tell who won and lost from the number of pieces on the board.
When the human player shook his head helplessly and stepped down, applause and cheers erupted around, both for the human player and more for Deep Blue.
“The machine won?” Zhang Zhigang asked hesitantly.
Li Hongbo nodded: “Yes, the machine won! Amazing, a machine can actually beat a human.”
Zhang Zhigang asked: “Could the Americans be cheating? They are always despicable after all.”
Li Hongbo instinctively retorted: “Impossible.” Then he explained mildly: “Think about it, with so many people coming and going here, this is not their home turf; it’s the Russians’ turf. How could they cheat on someone else’s turf?
The Americans just made such a big joke, and now cheat on Russian turf and get caught, only to be ridiculed by the Russians in international public opinion?
The Americans are not that stupid.”
Zhang Zhigang nodded thoughtfully: “You’re right, they indeed are not that stupid.”
This is just because they did not know that the Warren Commission report was just released, only to be slapped in the face by BBC’s interview program right after; if they knew, this conclusion would probably waver.
On the way back, Li Hongbo sighed: “Do you know that machine has contributions from Chinese people?”
Zhang Zhigang was surprised: “Chinese people?”
Li Hongbo corrected: “No, Chinese descent; Deep Blue was designed by a team led by Professor Lin Ran.”
Li Hongbo knew because he could access technical magazines; Zhang Zhigang could not.
Lin Ran is also a household name in China; almost everyone knows this Chinese descent mathematics master who also serves as a senior official in the White House.
After hearing this, Zhang Zhigang recalled the shock the moment the machine beat the human: “Amazing! Professor Lin Ran seems omnipotent. When do you think he can return like Dean Qian?”
As soon as he said this, silence fell; no one spoke again, as both knew deep down there probably would never be such a day.
Leipzig local procurement manager Hermann Schmidt had previously purchased Panda brand radios from China.
This time seeing new goods, as expected, he also placed an order for 5,000 units, and upon learning that an order of 10,000 units could get a sample machine in advance.
Therefore, he increased the order to 10,000 units.
After all, this time China brought a brand new mini portable radio, with silicon transistor parameters, flawless listening effect, plus multi-band and large speaker effects, all indicating one thing: no worry about sales channels.
Over the past two years, Chinese products have conquered a large number of users with quality and user experience.
In East Germany’s state-run stores, mentioning Panda basically requires no further introduction of its origin or parameters.
In a meeting room in Leipzig, the sample from China was placed on the table; besides Schmidt, the room was filled with electrical engineers and semiconductor experts from various VEB radio-related companies.
VEB is the prefix for East German enterprises; all East German enterprises have this prefix, which translates to people’s owned enterprises in Chinese.
Klaus Müller, in his early 30s, tall and thin, wearing round-framed glasses and simple work clothes, was also an expert among this group, an expert among experts in the semiconductor technology field.
He picked up the Panda S1, weighed it, carefully observed the knob and dial design, then turned on the switch, tuned to a local broadcast channel, and crisp sound came out with almost no noise.
Müller muttered to himself, eyebrows slightly raised: “Sound quality is pretty good, sounds very stable.”
Then he tuned to another channel and heard clear broadcast sound again.
An engineer present said: “This performance seems no worse than the West’s.”
Müller carefully disassembled the radio and observed the circuit board and components.
Engineers stood behind, craning their necks to look at its circuit board layout.
“As we guessed, the welding process is very fine; I feel China has made progress in this aspect.
The first-generation Panda already outperformed Soviet products in circuit board welding process; this generation feels even better.
Layout and tuning circuitry have always been China’s strengths; we need to record this and learn their design ideas well.” Müller said.
Then Müller discovered the anomaly: “China actually used planar process!”
It is not surprising that China developed the planar process now; it would be strange if they did not.
The planar process refers to manufacturing transistors and integrated circuits with more stable performance and higher consistency by forming an oxide layer on the silicon wafer surface and performing photolithography, doping, and other steps.
After the planar process was developed in 1959, it has become the mainstream technology now.
Even without Raspberry Pi, Lin Ran’s reminder, or the assembly of China’s semiconductor R&D forces, in the original spacetime, the predecessor of the 13th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group, Hebei Semiconductor Research Institute, also developed silicon epitaxial planar transistors in 1964.
In the early 1960s, China had been tracking the forefront of semiconductor technology.
And now, the situation is far more optimistic than in the original spacetime; China’s new generation portable radio already rivals high-end Western camp products in quality.
This also benefits from some technological inspirations brought by Raspberry Pi, such as light emitting diodes, which made Chinese scientists realize that silicon-based doping with boron (P-type) or phosphorus (N-type) dopants can precisely control transistor electrical properties.
“No, I feel this effect is beyond simple diffusion doping; I suspect they have mastered ion implantation technology.” Müller seemed to draw some inspiration from the broadcast sound.
The engineers present looked at each other, as no one had heard of this.
“What is ion implantation?”
“We all know doping means intentionally introducing impurities into silicon to alter its electrical properties, forming the P-N junctions needed for transistors and diodes.
This doping is divided into two types: one is diffusion, based on high temperature using gas to introduce dopant atoms to the silicon wafer surface, then diffusing into the lattice.”
“Gas diffusion technology appeared in the 1940s; Bell Labs achieved precise control in the 1950s. Bell Labs detailed silicon transistor diffusion doping in a 1951 paper in Physical Review, publicly disclosing the technology.
At that time, transistor inventor Shockley proposed another diffusion technology, ion implantation.
But even Silicon Valley may not have achieved mass-produced ion implantation process yet; how did the Chinese people manage it?” Müller was puzzled. “Moreover, if ion implantation was really used, the 30 US dollars per unit price is too cheap. Possibly my guess is wrong.
If my guess is wrong, then China has made breakthroughs in gas diffusion technology. In any case, whichever possibility, I suggest we intensify technical exchanges with China. We have no contradictions with China; in the semiconductor field, we can completely cooperate and should cooperate, especially now when East Germany wants to promote OGAS.”
Asking for monthly tickets~
