Magnetic Hysteresis
The project relies on the magnetic properties of ferrite cores. Each core can retain a magnetic state after the driving current is removed.
Aggies CreateIn Progress
Project / Computer Engineering
Core Memories
Building a working magnetic core-memory system inspired by the technology used in early spacecraft and computers, including the Apollo missions.
Magnetic MemoryFerrite CoresDigital LogicElectronicsEmbedded Systems
Organization
Aggies Create
Project Status
In Development
Core Technology
Magnetic Core Memory
01 / Overview
Recreating an important piece of early computing technology
As part of Aggies Create, I am working with a teammate to develop a physical magnetic core-memory system. The project is based on the same fundamental technology used in early computers and spacecraft, including systems associated with the Apollo missions.
Rather than treating memory as something that only exists inside a modern integrated circuit, the project explores how binary information can be physically stored using the magnetic state of individual ferrite cores.
02 / Motivation
Understanding computing from the hardware up
Modern computers hide enormous amounts of complexity inside integrated circuits. This project takes the opposite approach: build a memory system where the physical mechanism behind storing a bit can actually be seen and understood.
Working on the project provides an opportunity to connect concepts from electrical engineering, electromagnetics, digital logic, and computer architecture in one physical system.
Historical Connection
Apollo-era computing
Magnetic core memory was an important memory technology during the early era of electronic computing. Apollo guidance computers used core memory technology to retain program information in a form that was well suited to the reliability requirements of the mission.
Our goal
Recreate the fundamental concept at a small, understandable scale.
03 / How It Works
Storing information with magnetism
The core of the project is a matrix of small ferrite magnetic cores. Electrical currents through wires surrounding the cores can change their magnetic states, creating a physical mechanism for storing binary information.
Binary Storage
Different magnetic states are used to represent digital information, allowing physical magnetic components to function as memory.
Word Lines
A matrix of wires is used to select and interact with individual cores, providing the addressing mechanism needed to access stored information.
Read / Write Operation
The electronics must control current through the core array precisely enough to write a desired state and detect the magnetic response when reading it.
04 / Development
From magnetic cores to a working memory
Research
Study the operating principles behind magnetic core memory and how early computer systems used it to store digital information.
Design
Develop a small-scale core-memory architecture that can demonstrate the same fundamental method of storing information magnetically.
Build
Construct the physical core array, wiring, drive circuitry, and supporting electronics required to read and write the memory.
Test
Verify that individual magnetic cores can reliably represent binary states and that information can be written, read, and retained.
05 / Engineering
Where electrical engineering meets computer architecture
Electromagnetics
Understanding magnetic fields, current, inductance, hysteresis, and how the geometry of the system affects the stored state.
Digital Logic
Converting binary information into the electrical signals required to address and control the physical memory.
Circuit Design
Developing the circuitry needed to drive the memory array and detect its response without damaging the magnetic cores.
Timing
Coordinating addressing, current pulses, and read/write operations so the memory behaves predictably.
Reliability
Testing the system repeatedly to determine whether information can be stored and retrieved consistently.
Computer Architecture
Connecting the physical memory array to the larger concept of how computers store and retrieve information.
06 / Collaboration
Building it as a team
I am working as a team lead with one other student on this project through Aggies Create. The project requires dividing the work between research, electrical design, physical construction, testing, and documentation while keeping the entire memory system working as one coherent design.
Current Status
Research & Development
This project is currently in development. As the design progresses, this page will be updated with photographs, circuit designs, testing results, and documentation of the completed memory system.
07 / Future Updates
This page will grow with the project
Once construction begins, the project documentation will include photographs of the core array, electronics, wiring, prototypes, and testing process. The goal is to document not just the final product, but the engineering process used to get there.
Photos
Build photos and documentation of the physical memory array.
Schematics
Circuit diagrams and explanations of the read/write electronics.
Testing
Results showing how reliably the system can store and retrieve information.