To transfer data from the magnetic memory core to an independent core, a reliable sensing amplifier has been developed. Later the data in the independent core is transferred to the arithmetical section of the computer

Milligan, G. C.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Memory Core 
(Transfiuxor) 
March 1964
NASA TECH BRIEF
Brief 63-10255 
This NASA Tech Brief is issued by the Technology Utilization Division to acquaint industry 
with the technical content of an innovation derived from the NASA space program. 
Transfluxor Circuit Amplifies Sensing Current for Computer Memories 
The problem: A highly reliable sense amplifier was 
desired for a computer magnetic core (transfiuxor) 
used as a memory element. The output current from 
the memory was not sufficient to operate directly in 
the arithmetical section of the computer; it was there-
fore necessary to amplify the data from the memory 
before it could be used in the computer. 
The solution: A method of transferring the data 
stored in the memory (transfiuxor) into a core which 
is independent of the memory. At a later time the 
data can be transferred from the independent core to 
the appropriate portion of the arithmetical section of 
the computer. An increase in signal strength is ob-
tained in the second transfer. 
How it's done:The initial transfer from the mem-
ory utilizes a two-turn read winding I on the 
memory core paralleled by an amplifier winding 2, on 
the core 3, into which the data is transferred. To
read out information stored in the memory core, it 
is primed by passing a current through prime wire 8, 
after which the information is transferred by passing 
a current through the read wire 1. When the memory 
core is so magnetized that read current tends to 
change the direction of magnetization, this change 
acts as an impedance to reduce the read current 
through the read wire 1, causing a large share of the 
read current to flow through the amplifier wire 2 in-
stead. If the memory core (transfiuxor) is not mag-
netized so as to oppose the read current, most of the 
current is in read wire I and not in the amplifier wire 
2. The turns ratio between cores 3 and 4 provides a 
gain in signal strength. A diode 5 is included in branch 
6 to prevent current from flowing counterclockwise 
around branches 6 and 7; this loop could otherwise 
act as a shorted transformer secondary winding on 
core 3 to unduly decrease the impedance of branch 2. 
Patent status: NASA encourages the immediate 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States Govern-
ment, nor NASA, nor any person acting on behalf of NASA: A. Makes 
any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in
this document, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document may not infringe privately-owned 
ri g hts; or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19630000037 2020-03-11T16:46:03+00:00Z
commercial use of this invention. It is owned by 
NASA and inquiries about obtaining royalty-free 
rights for its commercial use may be made to NASA
Headquarters, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: George C. Milligan 
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-406) 
Brief 63-10255


Transfluxor circuit amplifies sensing current for computer memories

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