Title :
A comparison of nonvolatile memory technologies for spacecraft applications
Author_Institution :
Aerosp. Corp., El Segundo, CA, USA
Abstract :
A generic application for nonvolatile mass memory on the order of 2 Gb is discussed for space applications. This system would be large enough to store satellite data for readout to the ground over readout sites. The memory should be block-addressable, so it can be used as a magnetic disk replacement. It is concluded that only 4-Mb magnetic bubble memories are currently able to replace spaceborne magnetic tape recorders for gigabit-size memories, with no penalty in size and only 50% higher weight. Since bubble memories have longer inherent life than tape recorders, additional size and weight savings could result. As far as EEPROMs (electronically erasable programmable read-only memories) are concerned, a lightweight, 2-Gb memory will have to await development of wafer-scale integration. Otherwise, the 2000 to 16000 separate chips required to supply two gigabits of storage require excessive complexity of fabrication and wiring.<>
Keywords :
EPROM; aerospace computing; integrated memory circuits; large scale integration; magnetic bubble memories; 2 GB; EEPROM; block addressable memory; electronically erasable programmable read-only memories; integrated memory circuits; magnetic bubble memories; nonvolatile memory technologies; satellite data; spacecraft applications; wafer-scale integration; EPROM; Fabrication; Magnetic separation; Nonvolatile memory; PROM; Satellites; Space technology; Space vehicles; Wafer scale integration; Wiring;
Conference_Titel :
Aerospace Applications Conference, 1988. Digest., 1988 IEEE
Conference_Location :
Park City, UT, USA
DOI :
10.1109/AERO.1988.38666
