Single capstan tape memory

Abstract

Digital tape memories, because of their large capacity and their ability to store data on removable reels at an extremely low cost per bit, are a powerful component in electronic data processing systems. A typical capacity is 10⁸ to 10⁹ bits, typical cost is $3.6 × 10^-5 cents per bit for a reel of tape and 1.25 × 10^-2 cents per bit for a tape memory equipped with one reel of tape.