# HP-32S

> programmable RPN Scientific Calculator

**Wikidata**: [Q1565779](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1565779)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP-32S)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hp-32s

## Summary
The HP-32S is a programmable scientific calculator that utilizes Reverse Polish Notation (RPN). It was manufactured by Hewlett-Packard, a prominent American information technology company. The device is classified as an electronic calculator and is recognized by various library authorities and knowledge bases.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** Programmable RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) scientific calculator.
*   **Manufacturer:** Hewlett-Packard (an American information technology company founded on July 2, 1939).
*   **Also Known As:** HP-32Sii, HP 32SII.
*   **Manufacturer Origin:** United States (Headquarters: Palo Alto).
*   **Library of Congress ID:** sh89001318.
*   **National Library of Israel ID:** 987007541783905171.
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/03myt5.
*   **Wikidata Entity ID:** Associated with the description "programmable RPN Scientific Calculator."

## FAQs
### Q: What type of calculator is the HP-32S?
A: The HP-32S is a scientific calculator that is programmable. It uses Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) for its logic system, a hallmark of many Hewlett-Packard calculators.

### Q: Who manufactured the HP-32S?
A: The HP-32S was manufactured by Hewlett-Packard (HP). HP is an American information technology company founded in 1939 and headquartered in Palo Alto, United States.

### Q: Are there other names or variations for the HP-32S?
A: Yes, the entity is associated with the aliases "HP-32Sii" and "HP 32SII."

## Why It Matters
The HP-32S holds significance in the history of portable computation as a representation of Hewlett-Packard's dominance in the scientific calculator market during the late 20th century. As a programmable RPN device, it bridged the gap between simple arithmetic tools and complex computing, allowing scientists and engineers to create custom programs for specific technical problems while on the move.

Its relevance is anchored in its association with Hewlett-Packard, a major entity in the computer hardware and software industries. The calculator exemplifies HP's strategy of producing high-precision tools for the information technology and engineering sectors. Furthermore, its inclusion in major library authority records (such as the Library of Congress) underscores its status as a recognized cultural and technological artifact.

## Notable For
*   **RPN Logic:** Utilizes Reverse Polish Notation, a distinct and efficient entry method favored by engineers and scientists over standard algebraic entry.
*   **Programmability:** Distinguishes itself from basic calculators by allowing users to store and execute custom programs.
*   **Brand Heritage:** A product of Hewlett-Packard, a foundational company in the US technology sector (founded 1939).
*   **Cataloging:** Uniquely indexed by the Library of Congress and the National Library of Israel, signifying its documented impact in technical literature.

## Body

### Manufacturer Overview
The HP-32S was produced by **Hewlett-Packard** (often referred to as HP), an American information technology company. HP was founded on July 2, 1939, and operated with its headquarters in Palo Alto, United States. The company played a significant role in the computer hardware, software, and information technology industries. During its operational history prior to 2015, the company employed hundreds of thousands of individuals (302,000 reported in 2014).

### Technical Classification
The HP-32S is strictly defined as a **calculator** (instance of). It is described in knowledge bases, including Wikidata, as a "programmable RPN Scientific Calculator." This classification highlights three main features:
1.  **Scientific Capability:** Designed to handle complex mathematical functions required in science and engineering.
2.  **Programmability:** Capable of storing sequences of operations for automated calculation.
3.  **RPN (Reverse Polish Notation):** A logic system that uses a stack to process operations without the need for parentheses, a standard feature in HP's high-end calculator lines.

### Identification and Aliases
The device is cataloged under several aliases and identifiers across various knowledge systems:
*   **Aliases:** HP-32Sii, HP 32SII.
*   **Library of Congress Authority ID:** sh89001318.
*   **National Library of Israel J9U ID:** 987007541783905171.
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/03myt5.

Visual documentation of the device is available through the Wikimedia Commons category "HP-32S," and it is covered across Wikipedia in multiple languages including English, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Slovenian.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File