Bubble memory is a non-volatile computer memory that stores data using magnetic bubbles. It was invented in the 1970s and was marketed by several companies, but it was eventually discontinued due to its high production costs, slow operating speeds, and bulky size. Although it is no longer used in modern computers, it is still used in rugged factory machinery and military applications. However, the development of other nonvolatile storage devices has made it difficult for bubble memory to reappear.
Bubble memory is a type of computer memory invented in the 1970s by Andrew Bobeck. It is non-volatile, which means that data is stored even when the computer is turned off. Domains or “bubbles” produced on a magnetic film can store bits of data. Typically, one bit of data is assigned to a bubble.
In addition to the magnetic film, bubble memory units also consist of two permanent magnets that sandwich magnetic coils and electrodes in between. A magnetic shield encloses everything, but exposes several magnetic connectors on one side. If a user plugs the drive into a power source, the magnets inside can create tiny bubbles on the film and store bits of memory. The bubbles are arranged in a pattern that follows the binary system. A bubble represents the binary digit one and the absence of a bubble represents zero.
Several companies have manufactured and marketed bubble memory technology in an attempt to replace hard drives. Intel, Fujitsu, Rockwell and Texas have made their own models of these memory units. The units were, at first, advantageous because they are removable and highly resistant to different elements such as temperatures, humidity and radiation. It was soon discovered that they used so much power just to activate the bubbles and required a more complicated operating system than the hard drive. Production costs were also higher than the rival hard drive.
Bubble storage units were also too bulky; they were a little smaller than the size of an ordinary matchbox, but thicker and heavier. They also had slower operating speeds and lacked random access capabilities. In the early 1980s, hard drive technology became more advanced and the selling price became lower, so that bubble memory production was discontinued.
While the bubble system hasn’t become popular in modern computers and gadgets, it has grown into the area of ”rugged” factory machinery, primarily due to its physical toughness and non-volatile quality. It has also been used temporarily in video games, where memory cartridges can be detached and interchanged to create games. Its ruggedness also made it a favorite for military use even after production ceased. However, the development of other nonvolatile storage devices, such as compact discs and universal serial bus (USB) keys, made it more difficult for bubble memory to reappear. The smaller size of more modern devices, not to mention the larger memory capacity, has also contributed to the obsolescence of the bubble system.
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