A Coincident-Current Magnetic Memory Unit

Abstract

Because it presents information of general interest, this thesis report, which has had only limited distribution, is being issued as a Project Whirlwind R-series report. Any new data-storage development which suggests promise of increased reliability and decreased bulk is of immediate interest to the builders of a large scale digital computer such as Whirlwind. The use of rectangular-loop magnetic cores in a multi-dimensional storage scheme, as suggested by Jay W. Forrester, Director of Project Whirlwind, holds such promise. This investigation was, therefore, undertaken. Mr. Forrester supervised the thesis work. Invaluable aid was received from members of the mathematics, logical-design, electronic-circuits, drafting, reports, and clerical sections of the organization. The author is also grateful for the cooperation of Mr. John H. Crede and the Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation, who supplied the bulk of the metallic cores in the experimental work.