NASA Office of Logic Design

A scientific study of the problems of digital engineering for space flight systems,
with a view to their practical solution.

ABSTRACT

A survey of the present and anticipated state of the art for 1970-1972 in guidance computer main memories is presented. The selection of memory components for use in advanced guidance computer applications motivates the work reported. Non-destructive read-out (NDRO) vs. destructive read-out (DRO) type memory techniques and technologies are discussed, with particular reference to six types of advanced solid-state memory devices: magnetic cores, plated wire, planar-magnetic thin films, etched-permalloy toroids, monolithic ferrites, and integrated-circuit memories. Present characteristics of these devices are compared, and a summary of anticipated characteristics of memory devices for 1970-1972 is detailed. Memory technologies available for implementation of a system-concept breadboard in 1967, as well as those most likely available for a prototype advanced guidance computer for flight in 1970-1972, are likewise identified.

Document Contents