List Retrieval for Computer-Associative Analyzers

At the end of a high resolution measuring chain, data are stored in the computer-associative megachannel analyzer For sorting of data, two basically different techniques may be used: tree search or hash coding. Features of the two techniques are compared. A new technique - the standard analysis of parameter X and associative analysis of parameter Y - is presented. This procedure allows efficient use of a small computer as a hybrid analyzer. The memory contains three lists, called X, Y and count. X digits of a descriptor are used to directly address the X list, where the pointer to the associative Y list is found. Using this technique, more than 80% of the memory space can be devoted to the count list. The procedure is useful for spectra which present continuous "mountains" in the X-Y field.