1954年，东京大学研究生后藤英一发明了参数子（Parametron），这是一种基于铁氧体磁芯和参数振荡原理的逻辑元件[1]。与当时主流的晶体管和真空管相比，参数子具有显著的成本优势[1]。当时铁氧体磁芯的成本仅为5日元，而真空管要1000日元，晶体管则高达8000日元[1]。
1958年3月，采用4200个参数子的PC-1计算机在后藤指导下完成，成为日本最早的大学自主开发的存储程序计算机[1]。PC-1配备512字存储空间，采用AC磁芯存储和快速进位传播电路[1]，并且是最早实现中断功能的计算机之一，支持多任务操作[1]。
参数子因成本低廉、稳定性强而被广泛应用于日本早期计算机产业[1]，部分型号销售超过700至800台[1]。后藤英一因其创新贡献获得1959年朝日奖和1961年IRE Browder J. Thompson纪念奖[1]。参数子技术的发展培养了日本第一代计算机工程师[1]。
In 1954, Hideo Goto, a graduate student at the University of Tokyo, invented the parametron, a logic element that relied on ferrite magnetic cores and parametric oscillation principles rather than transistors or vacuum tubes.[1] The parametron's cost-effectiveness and stability made it an attractive alternative to existing computing technologies, as ferrite cores cost only 5 yen compared to 1,000 yen for vacuum tubes and 8,000 yen for transistors at the time.[1]
By March 26, 1958, the PC-1 computer, incorporating 4,200 parametrons under Goto's direction, became operational and marked a milestone as Japan's earliest university-developed stored-program computer.[1] The PC-1 featured 512 words of storage using AC magnetic core memory and fast carry propagation circuits, and became the fastest computer in Japan in 1958.[1] The machine was notable for being among the earliest computers to implement interrupt functionality, enabling multi-task operations.[1] Goto's breakthrough contribution was recognized through the 1961 IRE Browder J. Thompson Memorial Award as well as the 1959 Asahi Prize.[1]
The parametron technology saw widespread adoption across Japan's early computer industry, with certain parametron-based computer models selling between 700 and 800 units, while the innovation simultaneously cultivated Japan's first generation of computer engineers.[1]