A magnetic amplifier switching matrix

BY using conventional high-gain or bistate magnetic amplifiers as building blocks, switching networks may be derived which perform many computer or control functions. One such network which has been built and tested is a 4-digit binary-to-decimal translator. This translator was designed to provide a display in decimal numbers of binary-coded information. Basically a switching matrix made up of simple self-saturating magnetic amplifiers, this translator illustrates both the matrix technique and an advantageous application. The translator matrix operation, the specific bistate magnetic amplifier building blocks used, the decimal displays obtained, and their individual and combined characteristics are discussed in this paper.