Background
Why did you build this project? What inspired your team to choose this challenge?

Always have been interested in low-level hardware development. For the challenge of solving a problem that was electro mechanical in nature rather than a pure coding solution.

What it doesHow does your solution resolve the problems posed in this challenge?

The solution always binary data to be stored in a mechanical manner. It solves the problem by working within parameters of the challenge

• Can use simple electronic components- wires, resistors, inductors

Uses only wires and inductors for electrical components

• Electrical signals of 18v @ 600ma. I.e. 2 9v batteries can be used for input/output

Low voltage electrical signals are used (5v) for input and output

• Memory: An ideal system can store 1MB of digital data(8,000,000 bits).

Theoretical capacity of 1.5mb

• Size: An ideal system fits into a box that is 250mm by 1000mm by 1000mm

each binary bit has a size of 5x2x2mm allowing up to 12,500,000 bits to be store

What problems andachievements did your team have?

There were many problems! first was working without traditional electronics components.

The initial idea was to use diodes and the reverse condition to store the binary data, until talking with Dr

Jonathan Sauder(Who I believe created the challenge) pointed out diodes wouldn't work on Venus. The next idea was to use fuses to store the data, but this would lead to write once data. Although this approach ,in theory, allows for very dense data storage for the size.

The final solution was inspired by magnetic-core memory which, I learn't, is an extremely reliable form of memory storage used in the Apollo moon landings. The challenge was modifying the system, which relies on ferrite core magnets that wouldn't work on Venus, to an electro mechanical solution based on relay architecture that uses core-less electro magnets which are safe to use in the conditions. Although setting and resetting the bits was straightforward, doing a read is significantly more involved, as it requires setting and restoring all the bits prior to the bit cell you want to query, a solution is provided and the overhead is similar (but not identical) to the issues faced with magnetic-core memory .

The final part was working out how to store 1 megabyte in the given size suggestion. This involved researching maximum resolutions of current machining methods to validate the design.

NASA ResourcesWhat NASA data and NASA resources did you use in your solution?

Although no data sets were provided as part of the project brief, the following NASA resources were used for the design and also to provide background information and clarification on technical issues with the challenge.

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/automaton-rover-for-extreme-environments-aree/

https://data.nasa.gov/dataset/High-Temperature-Capacitors-for-Venus-Exploration-/2ma9-qtvu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU51JY6DWlE

Future Plans

To provide a proof of concept prototype using an Arduino.

Research if micro mechanical electrical systems (MEMS) technology is applicable to this solution

Try it out

https://1drv.ms/p/s!ApOAc3MMUN2IjiwKRolX_52J1CUI

Tags

#computermemory #apollo #hardware #mechanics #electronics