SKU: 103.3
The lot includes three copies of ferrite memory:
1. USSR Soviet Magnetic Ferrite Memory Board on 8 ferrite-diode cells 2 byte
Unique on instance of ancient “tubeless” computer memory element
Ferrite Memory Board on ferrite-diode cells made in the USSR
Cell number: 8
A cell contains 2 ferrite cores. Hence the Board stores 2 bit.
Dimension (approx): 8,8 x 2,17 x 2 inches
Weight: 4,656 oz
CONDITION: good used condition.
A ferrite-diode cell is a pulse element of automatics and computer equipment made on one or several ring ferrite cores with a rectangular hysteresis loop and a semiconductor diode. The core remembers and for some time stores information in binary code; the diode performs mainly the functions of the spacer element. Recording and reading of information are made by current pulses, fed to the recording windings (input) and readings (polling), respectively. Several ferrite cells, connected in a certain way, may be assembled to Logic element, Register, Threshold element, Memory element.
Ferrite-diode cells were used, from beginning of the 50s of the 20th century in mainframes and in some automation devices, later replaced by more advanced ferrite-transistor cells.
The scheme of the simplest ferrite-diode cell (Pic 11):
ФС — ferrite core
Д — diode
ωз — recording (input) winding
ωс — readings (polling) winding
ωвых — connection (output) winding
2. USSR 083Б3 military ferrite core memory board 3 Ferrite-Transistor Cells 1973
Good used vintage condition.
Military Board with Ferrite Core Memory on Ferrite-transistor cells manufactured in the USSR
The board made in the USSR in 1973. It is an early example of ferrite memory implemented on Ferrite-transistor cells. The 1Т308Б transistors are combined with ferrite cores on the board.
Number of cells: 3Board size (approx): 3,7 x 1,85 x 0,7 inches
Weight: 1,55 oz
CONDITION: good used vintage condition. Dismantled cell with ferrite core inside is shown on the pic. 8 for illustration purposes.
Ferrite-Transistor Cell
A Ferrite-Transistor Cell is a pulse component in devices used in automation and computer technology, comprising one or more ring-shaped, square loop ferrite cores combined with a transistor. The simplest type has a single core with the following: one or several write windings, one or several read windings, and an output winding, on which a readout signal appears when the core undergoes magnetic reversal. The transistor amplifies the signal and segregates the circuits in order to prevent the undesirable passage of signals in the reverse direction when several cells are connected in series. In the static state the transistor is blocked by a bias voltage. In writing, the signal in the output winding increases the transistor cut off; further, in reading, the signal in the output winding compensates the effect of the bias voltage, and the unblocked transistor amplifies the readout signal. Each cell is enclosed in an individual case to form an independent module.
Ferrite-transistor cells are free of many of the inherent drawbacks of ferrite-diode cells; they are simple and reliable, and they have good performance characteristics. However, their response speed is relatively low (~105 reversals per sec). In the1960’s, ferrite-transistor cells were used for logic elements (including elements for long-term memory) developed for specialized digital computers; they have also been used in automation equipment, such as frequency dividers and shift registers, and in remote control devices. However, complexity of manufacture has restricted the production rate, and the cells have been used infrequently since the appearance of integrated microcircuits.
Scheme of the simplest type of ferrite-transistor cell (pic. 12)
ФС — ferrite core
Т — transistor
ωз — write winding
ωс — read winding
ωб — output winding
Есм — bias voltage
Еп — supply voltage
Rк — collector circuit resistance
Rн — load resistance.3. USSR Soviet Magnetic Ferrite Core Memory Plane without frame 512b 1983
Ferrite Core Memory Plane manufactured in the USSR
CONDITION: good used vintage condition. No missing rings. The ferrite matrix comes without frame. The copper mesh is intact. Sold as is for collectors. Please see pictures attached. Plane size: Approximate Dimensions: 2" x 2"
Ferrite rings are firmly glued to a very thin plastic base.Capacity: 1 tiny ferrite toroid = 1 bit
A 64 x 64 core memory matrix stores 4096 bit of data
64 coordinate wires pass in the matrix along the "X" and 64 ones along the "Y", forming an address grid of 64 x 64, and also 3 windings are thread through each core.
