TI-83 series

{{Short description|Line of graphing calculators produced by Texas Instruments}}{{Multiple issues| {{Original research|date=October 2025|reason=WP:OR relating to programming}} {{More citations needed|date=October 2025}} {{Overly detailed|date=September 2025}} }} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2025}} {{use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Infobox calculator | image = TI-83.png | caption = TI-83, original design - black | type = Graphing calculator | entry = D.A.L. | manufacturer = Texas Instruments | introduced = {{Unbulleted list|1996 (TI-83)|1999 (TI-83+)|2001 (TI-83+ SE)}} | discontinued = 2004 (TI-83, TI-83+ SE) | latest_firmware = {{Unbulleted list|1.11 (TI-83)|1.19 (TI-83+)|1.19 (TI-83+ SE)}} | predecessor = TI-82 | successor = TI-84 Plus | processor = Zilog Z80 | frequency = {{Unbulleted list|6 MHz (TI-83 and TI-83+)|15 MHz (TI-83+ SE)}} | memory_user = {{Unbulleted list|32 KB RAM (TI-83)|27 KB RAM plus 160 KB flash ROM (TI-83+)|128 KB RAM plus 1.5 MB flash ROM (TI-83+ SE)}} | display = 96×64 pixels, 16×8 characters | precision = | link = | prog_lang = TI-BASIC, Assembly | supply = 4xAAA, 1 CR1616 or CR1620 }}

The '''TI-83 series''' is a line of graphing calculators produced by Texas Instruments.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Released in 1996, the series remained popular and widely used in schools until the introduction of the TI-84 Plus in 2004.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

In addition to the functions present on normal scientific calculators,{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} the TI-83 includes many features, including function graphing, polar/parametric/sequence graphing modes, statistics, trigonometric, and algebraic functions, along with many useful applications.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Although it does not include as many calculus functions, applications and programs can be written on the calculator or loaded from external sources.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

The TI-83 was redesigned twice, first in 1999 and again in 2001.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} TI replaced the TI-83 with the ''TI-83 Plus'' in 1999.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} The 2001 redesign introduced a design very similar to the TI-73 and TI-83 Plus, eliminating the sloped screen that had been common on TI graphing calculators since the TI-81. {{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Beginning with the 1999 release of the TI-83 Plus, it has included Flash memory, enabling the device's operating system to be updated if needed, or for large new Flash Applications to be stored, accessible through a new Apps key. {{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Flash memory can also be used to store user programs and data.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} In 2001, the TI-83 Plus Silver Edition was released, which featured approximately nine times the available flash memory, and over twice the processing speed (15 MHz) of a standard TI-83 Plus, all in a translucent grey case inlaid with small "sparkles".{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} The 2001 redesign (nicknamed the TI-83 "Parcus"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://datamath.org/Graphing/TI-83_1.htm |title=TI-83 Parcus |website=DATAMATH }}</ref>) introduced a slightly different shape to the calculator itself, eliminated the glossy grey screen border, and reduced cost by streamlining the printed circuit board to four units.

== Editions ==

=== TI-83 === {{expand section|date=November 2025}} The original TI-83 calculator was released in 1996, succeeding the TI-82.<ref>{{cite web |title=Solution 10389: Differences in Features Between the TI-82 and TI-83 |url=https://education.ti.com/en/customer-support/knowledge-base/ti-83-84-plus-family/general-information/10389 |website=Texas Instruments Knowledge Base}}</ref>

=== TI-83 Plus === {{ multiple image|align=left|total_width=300 | image1 = ti83plus.jpg | caption1 = The TI-83 Plus | image2 = ti83Plus.fr.png | caption2 = The French version of the TI-83 Plus }}

The ''TI-83 Plus'' was designed in 1999 as an upgrade to the TI-83.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} The TI-83 Plus is one of TI's most popular calculators.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} It uses a Zilog Z80 microprocessor<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.math.umbc.edu/~campbell/Calculators/TI8x/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321025424/http://www.math.umbc.edu/~campbell/Calculators/TI8x/ |archive-date=2022-03-21 |url-status=dead |author-last=Campbell |author-first=Robert |title=TI-82/83/85/86 Mathematics Use |date=2001 |publisher=UMBC}}</ref> running at 6 MHz, a 96×64 monochrome LCD screen, and 4 AAA batteries, as well as a backup CR1616 or CR1620 battery. A link port is also built into the calculator in the form of a 2.5 mm jack.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} The main improvement over the TI-83, however, is the addition of 512 KB of Flash ROM, which allows for operating system upgrades and applications to be installed.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Most of the Flash memory is used by the operating system, with 160 KB available for user files and applications.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Another development is the ability to install Flash Applications, which allows the user to add functionality to the calculator.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Such applications have been made for math and science, text editing (both uppercase and lowercase letters), organizers and day planners, editing spreadsheets, games, and many other uses.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

Designed for use by high school and college students,{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} though now used by middle school students in some public school systems,{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} it contains all the features of a scientific calculator as well as function, parametric, polar, and sequential graphing capabilities; an environment for financial calculations;{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} matrix operations; on-calculator programming; and more.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Symbolic manipulation (differentiation, algebra) is not built into the TI-83 Plus.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} It can be programmed using a language called TI-BASIC, which is similar to the BASIC computer language.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Programming may also be done in TI Assembly, made up of Z80 assembly and a collection of TI-provided system calls.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Assembly programs run much faster, but are more difficult to write.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Thus, the writing of Assembly programs is often done on a computer.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

=== TI-83 Plus Silver Edition === thumb|upright|TI-83 Plus Silver Edition

The ''TI-83 Plus Silver Edition'' was released in 2001. Its enhancements are 1.5 MB of flash memory, a dual-speed 6/15 MHz processor, 96 KB of additional RAM (which can't be utilized,{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} as the OS was never updated to recognize the extra space), an improved link transfer hardware, a translucent silver case, and more applications preinstalled.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} This substantial Flash memory increase is significant.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Whereas the TI-83+ can only hold a maximum of 10 apps (or more often fewer, dependent on size), the Silver Edition can hold up to 94 apps.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} It also includes a USB link cable in the box. It is almost completely compatible with the TI-83 Plus;{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} the only problems that may arise are with programs (e.g., games) that may run too quickly on the Silver Edition or with some programs that have problems with the link hardware{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}. The key layout is the same.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

A second version of the TI-83 Plus Silver Edition exists, the ViewScreen (VSC) version.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} It is virtually identical, but has an additional port at the screen end of the rear of the unit, enabling displays on overhead projectors via a cable and panel.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} It looks similar to the standard TI-83 Plus, but has a silver-colored frame, identical to the standard Silver Edition, around the screen.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

The TI-83 Plus Silver Edition is listed on the Texas Instruments website as "discontinued." {{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} In April 2004, the TI-83 Plus Silver Edition was replaced by the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} They feature the same processor and the same amount of Flash memory, but the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition features a built-in USB port, clock, and changeable faceplates.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

== Technical specifications ==

* CPU: Zilog Z80 CPU, 6 MHz (TI-83, 83+), or 15 MHz (Silver Edition), or Inventec 6SI837 (TI-83+ revision A)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.datamath.org/ |title=Datamath Calculator Museum |access-date=2008-12-04}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable (WP:NOTRS).|date=November 2025}} * ROM ** 24 kB ROM (TI-83){{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} ** Flash ROM: 512 KB with 163 KB available for user data and programs (83+) or 2 MB (Silver Edition){{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} * RAM: 32 KB RAM with 24 KB available for user data and programs {{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}(128 KB on Silver Edition, however, the extra 96 KB is ''not'' user accessible by default,{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} this extra memory is used in some Applications such as Omnicalc for a RAM recovery feature and a ''virtual calc''){{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} * Display ** Text: 16×8 characters (normal font){{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} ** Graphics: 96×64 pixels, monochrome 3" LCD{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} * I/O ** Link port, 9.6 kbit/s{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} ** 50-button built-in keypad{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} * Power: 4 AAA batteries plus 1 CR1616 or CR1620 for backup{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} * Integrated programming languages: TI-BASIC,{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Assembly language,{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} and machine code{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}. C requires a computer with a Z80 cross-compiler{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} or an on-calc assembler.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

== Programming ==

The TI-83 Plus series is very similar in the languages natively supported by the calculator.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} These include "TI-BASIC",{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} an interpreted language used by all of TI's calculators, and "TI-ASM", an unofficial name for the native Z80 assembly language on which the calculator is based.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

=== TI-BASIC === {{Main|TI-BASIC}}

TI-BASIC is the built-in language for TI-83 series calculators, as well as many other TI graphing calculators. {{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Due to its simplicity and the ubiquity of TI calculators in school curricula, for many students, it is their first experience with programming{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}. Below is an example of a "Hello, World!" program equivalent to the assembly language example.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

<syntaxhighlight lang="text"> :ClrHome :Disp "Hello World!" </syntaxhighlight>

=== Assembly language ===

The TI-83 was the first calculator in the TI series to have built-in assembly language support.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} The TI-92, TI-85, and TI-82 were capable of running assembly language programs, but only after sending a specially constructed (hacked) memory backup.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} The support on the TI-83 could be accessed through a hidden feature of the calculator. Users would write their assembly (ASM) program on their computer, assemble it, and send it to their calculator as a program.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} The user would then execute the command "Send (9prgm" (then the name/number of the program),{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} and it would execute the program. {{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Successors of the TI-83 replaced the Send() backdoor with a less-hidden Asm() command.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

Z80 assembly language gives a programmer much more power over the calculator than the built-in language, TI-BASIC.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} On the downside, Z80 assembly is more difficult to learn than TI-BASIC. {{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Z80 assembly language can be programmed on the computer and sent to the calculator via USB port, written by hand directly into the program editor (using the hexadecimal equivalents to the opcodes), or compiled using third-party compiler programs{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}. Programs written in assembly are much faster and more efficient{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} than those using TI-BASIC, as it is the processor's native language{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} and does not have to be interpreted.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

== Firmware replacement == {{Main|Texas Instruments signing key controversy}}

TI continued to rely on 512-bit RSA cryptographic signing keys for many years after it was known{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} that longer keys were necessary for security.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} 512-bit keys had been publicly cracked in 1999 as part of the RSA Factoring Challenge.<ref>Herman te Riele (1999-08-26), [http://listserv.nodak.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind9908&L=nmbrthry&P=1905 New factorization record] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041231230220/http://listserv.nodak.edu/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind9908&L=nmbrthry&P=1905 |date=2004-12-31}} (announcement of factorization of RSA-155). Retrieved on 2008-03-10.</ref>

In 2009, a group of hobbyists brute-forced and subsequently distributed methods to find all of the cryptographic signing keys for the TI calculator firmware, allowing users to directly flash their own operating systems to the devices.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ticalc.org/archives/news/articles/14/145/145273.html |title=All TI Signing Keys Factored – ticalc.org |publisher=www.ticalc.org |access-date=2009-09-21}}</ref> The key for the TI-83 Plus calculator was first published by a member of the ''unitedti.org'' forum; it took several months to crack. The other keys were found after a few weeks by the ''unitedti.org'' community through a distributed computing project.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cs.helsinki.fi/u/vahakang/keys.shtml |title=ti's signing keys |publisher=cs.helsinki.fi/ |access-date=2009-12-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927024350/http://www.cs.helsinki.fi/u/vahakang/keys.shtml |archive-date=2011-09-27}}</ref> Texas Instruments then began sending out DMCA takedown requests to a variety of different websites mirroring the keys, including unitedTI and reddit.com.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ticalc.org/archives/news/articles/14/145/145316.html |title=Signing Keys and the DMCA – ticalc.org |publisher=www.ticalc.org |access-date=2009-09-21}}</ref> They then became subject to the Streisand effect and were mirrored on a number of different sites.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}

== Successor == {{Main|TI-84 Plus series}}

The TI-84 Plus series was introduced in April 2004 as a further update to the TI-83 Plus line.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} The main improvements of the TI-84 Plus and TI-84 Plus Silver Edition are a modernized case design, changeable faceplates (Silver Edition only), a few new functions, more speed and memory, a clock, and USB port connectivity.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} The TI-84 Plus also has a brighter screen with a clearer contrast, though this caused a bug with the LCD driver in some calculators sold.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} The TI-84 Plus has 3 times the memory of the TI-83 Plus, and the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition has 9 times the memory of the TI-83 Plus.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} They both have 2.5 times the speed of the TI-83 Plus.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} The operating system and math functionality remain essentially the same,{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} as does the standard link port for connecting with the rest of the TI calculator series.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

While mobile devices and the internet have superseded any calculator's capabilities, standardized testing precludes the use of those devices.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Furthermore, textbooks have been tailored for the TI-83, effectively giving the calculator a "monopoly in the field of high school mathematics."<ref>{{cite web |author-last1=Smith |author-first1=Jack |title=Remember Your Old Graphing Calculator? It Still Costs a Fortune — Here's Why |date=28 September 2015 |url=http://mic.com/articles/125829/your-old-texas-instruments-graphing-calculator-still-costs-a-fortune-heres-why |publisher=Mic (media company) |access-date=2015-10-02}}</ref>

== References ==

== External links ==

* [https://education.ti.com/en/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-83-plus Features of the TI-83 Plus] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20091103094627/http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/productDetail/us_ti83pse.html TI-83 Plus Silver Edition] Texas Instruments Product Info * [http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/productDetail/us_ti83p.html?bid=6 TI-83 Plus Guide Book] Texas Instruments Product Documentation * [https://gen.medium.com/big-calculator-how-texas-instruments-monopolized-math-class-67ee165045dc How Texas Instruments Monopolized Math Class]: How students are using DonorsChoose to raise money to buy TI graphing calculators

Category:Graphing calculators TI-83 Category:Computer-related introductions in 1996 Category:Z80