An Application of Magnetic Bubble Memory in Ocean Instrumentation

A method of implementing Magnetic Bubble Memory (MBM) in sophisticated ocean instrumentation is presented. With the increasing need for mass data storage and manipulation, storage systems must be made available which meet the demanding requirements of the ocean environment. MBM provides an attractive alternative to conventional mass storage media. Design efforts included power conservation measures, maximum system reliability with minimal field support and minimal system interconnections. A method of isolating the MBM from a host computer by utilizing a local computer will be discussed; a concept which allows the MBM system to be used with most types of computers, mainframe, mini or micro, with a minimum amount of redesign. Several other system components are presented. These include a file management system, stand alone capabilities, and a host-local computer communications protocol.