Aspects of, and Experience with, a Reed Switching System using Wired Program Logic

Of the many possible solutions being studied in the search for a new switching system concept, the "quasi-electronic" approach appears promising. It is characterized by the exclusive use of electronic components in combination with sealed dry reed switches, mainly used as crosspoint elements. This crosspoint avoids the transmission problems inherent with full-electronic crosspoints. This paper discusses the relations between switching plant and interoffice as well as subscriber line network, and possibilities of introducing new features into such a system. A system, coded HE-60, developed along the lines of the quasielectronic principle is described. A trial office of this system was cut over in 1963 and has functioned within the world telephone network without failure until now.