Ancient Computer Memory
I have a couple of old ferrite core memory modules and thought I would share them here. The first has 400 bits of information, or 50 bytes, or characters. The stored information was erased when read, so the computer needed to rewrite the information back into the core. And these were relatively slow. And large - 3.5" X 3.5"
Stunningly beautiful though...
Stunningly beautiful though...
This next module is from an IBM 360 computer, vintage 1960. The module stored 8704 bits, for a whopping 1088 characters. The module measures 4.5" X 7". I assume the person who wired it was using a strong magnifying glass. The cores are very small and densely packaged.
This last module is my favorite. It is from an IBM system prior to the 360 line, and holds 1600 bits, for a whopping 200 characters. The card is 4" X 5.5"