Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

I'm trying to understand how they read out that BCROS memory. From the picture, it appears to be a single layer of copper on a mylar sheet. How did they get the bits out?



They read the data capacitively. A sheet with perpendicular drive lines was put on top of the copper sheet. Energizing a drive line capacitively coupled to the square capacitors on the BCROS sheet. Each bit had two capacitors (balanced), driving a differential amplifier (sense amplifier) to produce the output bit. Using two capacitors reduced noise since the differential amplifier would cancel out the noise.


Thanks, for the answer, and for maintaining the coolest website on the net. Keep up the good work!




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: