How did a 70 year old computer (Lyons electronic office I) use Mercury as memory? [2K (2048) 35-bit words (ultrasonic delay line memory based on tanks of mercury)]?
In: Technology
Delay line memory works by sending a current through a loop where it is slowed down. If you want to write, you wait until the loop comes to you and inject a bit value. If you want to read, you wait until the loop comes around and read what’s on it. Mercury was one method used to delay the signal by having it turn into an ultrasonic pulse through a column of mercury, and then back into electric. One column could hold several pulses in flight at the same time.
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