hesela.devMagnetic-core memory
Magnetic-core memory stores binary information in the retained magnetization of ferrite cores selected by electrical currents through wires.
Core can serve as working memory while retaining its magnetic state without continuous power; its system role does not make it volatile. [1]
In conventional coincident-current core memory, readout disturbs the selected word and the electronics must restore it. Destructive readout is not a property of every ferrite design: nondestructive-read variants also exist. [2]
Nonvolatility does not guarantee safe interruption of the read/restore sequence. Ricci's NASA survey discusses corruption from electronic malfunction and the protection needed during power failures. [2]
Relations
Citations
- IBM: World of Numbers (1958), PDF p. 18, Magnetic Cores
- Robert C. Ricci: Present and Future State of the Art in Guidance Computer Memories, NASA TN D-4224 (November 1967), pp. 2-4 and Table I
Sources & caveats
- The NASA report surveys guidance-computer memories; its projections for 1970-1972 are not used here as observed results. [2]