부산대학교 도서관

The requirements for digital computing machines of large storage capacity has led to the development of a storage system, in which digits are represented by charge patterns on the screen of a cathode ray tuba. Initial tests were confined to commercial cathode ray tubes and led to plans for the development of special tubes. This development is only partially complete. Short term memory of the order of 0,2 seconds is provided by the insulating properties of the screen material. Long term memory is obtained by regenerating the charge pattern at a frequency greater than 5 cycles/ second. The regeneration makes accurate stabilisation of the position of the charge pattern on the cathode ray tube unnecessary. The properties required of a storage system and its operation as part of a machine are explained with reference to a much simplified and hypothetical machine.