On 4/12/24 12:04, Paul Koning via cctalk wrote: > I remember a concept for a very fast magnetic storage system that didn't > become a product, as far as I know. The scheme was to build a large array of > heads, using IC-manufacturing type techniques, and mount that array in > contact or near-contact with a flat rectangular magnetic plate. The plate > (or the heads) could move a small amount in one direction. The idea was > "head per sector", with the mechanical motion scanning the sector across the > head. Given something like piezo-electric actuators it would have been quite > fast. > > There's a neat document in the CWI archives, a course on computer design from > early 1948. It has a section about memories, well before core memory was > invented. The schemes it describes are quite curious, including photographic > memories, selectrons, and various other schemes. Also drum memories, > including the rather mythical notion of a drum spinning at 60,000 rpm.
That UNIVAC nickel-plated sewer pipe in a box, the Fastrand II used a series of solenoids and lever arms for head positioning. I vaguely remember a FJCC article describing it. But fast? Not so much, at least for drum storage of that era. I believe there were also microphones incorporated into it, called "ping detectors".... --Chuck
