Mechanical and Electronic Packaging for a Launch-Vehicle Guidance Computer

The packaging design of a launch-vehicle guidance computer is described. The computer uses microminiature technology, of which the basic module is a ceramic substrate with deposited resistors and uncased semiconductor devices. The memory section contains up to eight modules of 4096 words; the modules are self-contained by incorporating toroidal core arrays, memory, drivers, and sense amplifiers as a unit. To minimize structure weight, a magnesium—lithium material is used. This material has the inherent properties of high damping capacity with a high strength-to-weight ratio. Also described is the development program that led to these packaging concepts, along with the in-process testing used to ensure design adequacy prior to final assembly.