Digital Data Pattern Display System

This paper describes a data processing and display system that graphically represents digital data transmitted from a spaceborne vehicle in such a way that the operation of the payload can be rapidly evaluated. The digital data is converted to analog form and is presented in a pattern of dots and special symbols, representative of digitally coded information, in an X-Y coordinate form on a cathode-ray tube. The digital data processing system is described, but emphasis is placed on the data storage system and the attendant circuits. The storage medium used in this system is high-resolution scan-conversion tubes, which allow simultaneous write-in and readout. The data, which can be asynchronous, is read out by a high-resolution TV-type scanning and monitor system. The use of the scan-conversion tubes affords the most advantageous combination of storage capacity, storage time, short access time, and equipment economy.