A Low-Power Memory System for Pulse-Height-Analyzer Systems

This paper describes the design techniques used in producing two magnetic-core memories for space-flight applications. The design stresses low power, dense packaging and wide operating temperature range. Data showing secure operation for temperatures between -50° C and +80°C are presented. Typical power consumption exclusive of programming logic for a 1024 × 8-bit core array is 57 mW plus 9.8 μJ per readwrite cycle and for a 4096 × 10-bit array is 72 mW plus 12.8 μJ per cycle. The 4096 × 10-bit array has been assembled as a dual-cycle 2048 × 20-bit memory and packaged using soldered cordwood modules. The time required for a single read-add-one-write cycle is 4 μs.