A large-capacity drum-file memory system

Abstract

Synopsis: The magnetic drum-file memory system described in this paper was designed for the Univac-Larc computing system as storage that would be intermediate in speed and in capacity between the Uniservo magnetic tapes and the ultra high-speed magnetic-core memory. Although designed for Univac-Larc, the drum-file memory system may be used for any type of systematic data processing where extremely short access time is not required and economy is an important consideration. Economy is achieved through the use of a single flying head, which can move parallel to the axis of the drum and perform the read-write operations for the entire drum. This arrangement eliminates the need for close mechanical tolerances and elaborate switching devices. The drum-file memory may also be used as a random-access device where a delay of a second or two is not critical, as, for example, in checking a particular item of an inventory.