Characteristics of Modular Electronics Components

Since the disclosure of Project Tinkertoy in the fall of 1953, a program of research and development has been pursued aimed at improving the techniques and general electrical characteristics of modular electronic components. This article reviews the progress that has been made in the phases related to the electrical characteristics of the module. The program has been concerned chiefly with improving, modifying, or redeveloping the resistive, capacitive, and inductive elements of the modular system. For example, the range of the resistors has been expanded both with respect to power-handling capacity and tolerance limits. Two new types of capacitors have been developed for use with the module: a plastic film capacitor and a glass capacitor. An inductor has been designed for applications allowing the use of a universally wound, fiat type of element having a range up to 10 millihenries. A new tube socket has been developed that lends itself more easily to inexpensive mechanized handling. As a result of these and other developments, the principles of modular design are being more widely applied in commercial, industrial, and military electronic equipment.