Woven thin-film wire memories

Extraordinary advances in electronic computers can be expected with the development of newer types of quick-access memories. Much research is being carried out, at present, on the use of magnetic thin-films for magnetic memories. Since many elements must be employed, it is desirable that each bit be absolutely reliable, simple, inexpensive, and suitable for mass production. Through basic experiments, the authors have confirmed the possibility of utilizing a fine diameter wire whose surface has been continuously coated or electroplated with a ferromagnetic thin-film for high-speed memories. Sample woven-type memory matrices, 50 by 50 bits, 64 by 100 bits, and 100 by 100 bits, were constructed using 0.2-mm diameter coated wires for digit and sense circuit operation, and 0.07-mm insulated wires for the drive circuit operation. Tests on the relation between the writing, the drive pulse currents, and the output voltages revealed many superior features not found heretofore in other types of thin-film memories. Means are being devised for the weaving methods and for the elimination of mutual interference between adjacent bits. This paper also discusses the characteristics of the coated wire and the performance of samples constructed for practical use.