New Publications are available for Digital storage
http://dl-live.theiet.org
New Publications are available now online for this publication.
Please follow the links to view the publication.Standard Codecs: Image compression to advanced video coding
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/books/te/pbte054e
<p xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">A substantially updated edition of <i>Video Coding: An introduction to standard codecs</i> (IEE 1999, winner of IEE Rayleigh Award as the best book of 2000), this book discusses the growth of digital television technology, from image compression to advanced video coding. This third edition also includes the latest developments on H.264/MPEG-4 video coding and the scalability defined for this codec, which were not available at the time of the previous edition (IEE 2003). The book highlights the need for standardisation in processing static and moving images and extensively exploits the ITU and ISO/IEC standards defined in this field. The book gives an authoritative explanation of pictures and video coding algorithms, working from basic principles through to the advanced video compression systems now being developed. It discusses the reasons behind the introduction of a standard codec for a specific application and its chosen parameters. Each chapter is devoted to a standard video codec, and chapters are introduced in an evolutionary manner complementing the earlier chapters. This book will enable readers to appreciate the fundamentals needed to design a video codec for any given application and should prove a valuable resource for managers, engineers and researchers working in this field.</p>Standard Codecs: Image compression to advanced video coding
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/books/te/pbte049e
<p xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">This book discusses the growth of digital television technology and the revolution in image and video compression (such as JPEG2000, broadcast TV, video phone), highlighting the need for standardisation in processing static and moving images and their exchange between computer systems. The book gives an authoritative explanation of picture and video coding algorithms, working from basic principles through to the advanced video compression systems now being developed. One of its main objectives is to describe the reasons behind the introduction of a standard codec for a specific application and its chosen parameter.</p>K ring compression codec
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19980830
The background to a DSP algorithm which will revolutionise digital audio storage and transmission is presented. The algorithm is for the k ring compression codec (k codec) which has been in development for a number of years. This kodec is unique among compression codecs as it performs data absorption into a fixed size digital memory. It works with all types of data including samples, effects algorithms, sequence data as well as digital audio data streams. The algorithm is not lossy and is suitable for compressing a complete sampler memory dump so as to fit on the floppy disk included as standard, and still have space for plenty more audio data. The kodec is not limited to audio storage, and so will find many applications in the multimedia market, video recorders, computers and communications. Further development is underway for distributing the Internet possibly using a piggyback signal on standard atomic clock time signals. Mass storage media connected via SCSI is set to become redundant, reducing the cost of sampler technology to the price of CD players when first released. The sampler is the ideal music source device for digital music. The interactivity of sampler technology will bring new possibilities to the home music scene for remixing in your living room. (2 pages)Scalability issues for mass multimedia storage systems
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19961133
The storage and bandwidth requirements of digital video and audio exceed those that can be supported by conventional file servers. Despite the emergence of new compression algorithms capable of providing extremely high compression ratios, there is still a challenge to provide optimised storage services capable of storing 1000s of hours of multimedia data and providing simultaneous access to hundreds and potentially thousands of clients. This paper describes a scalable multimedia storage architecture (SMSA) that supports wide area storage, storage server scalability allowing the addition of extra storage nodes, and maximised available data streams through the use of the load balancing techniques of network striping/file replication. It also allows for the storage of multi-resolution data produced by scalable compression techniques to match the Quality of Service requirements of heterogeneous clients. (7 pages)Mass storage for delivery of maps and documents to the field
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ic_19961134
As service organisations such as the Utilities, Maintenance Companies, and the Police, Rescue and Emergency Services strive to become ever more effective they increasingly seek to apply Information Technology (IT) to their field operations. Historically, service based organisations have evolved electronic information systems as a central office facility, usually commencing with billing systems, progressing to client databases, client history, and command and control systems. In some cases, elaborate map based Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are developed. Mobile field staff must regularly call at the office, often in person, for data and instructions. These office based IT systems are sophisticated and expensive facilities who's considerable benefits were not usually enjoyed by the field operational personnel. With mounting pressures for greater efficiency a new approach is now emerging, which focuses on cutting fixed costs by reducing conventional office support, and, by devolving (as far as practicable) operational information directly to the field. Mass storage technology will play an increasingly important role as an `enabling technology' to allow this change to be achieved. This paper discusses some real examples of the practical application of IT in the field, and develops a notional `data availability requirement' for a typical field mobile worker. From this `data availability requirement' we proceed to assess the balance between communications (radio) based information delivery and mass storage based delivery. Mass storage, in this context is seen as a wide band but low update rate, communications media. (6 pages)GCN: the Generalised Convergent Network
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19950735
A new architecture for networks of RAM-based Boolean neurons is presented which, whilst retaining learning and generalisation properties possessed by existing network architectures, allows for a regular treatment of specialisation and generalisation with strong convergence properties. The network architecture provides the basis for a pattern recognition system capable of application in a practical environment.Scalable storage servers for digital audio and video
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/cp_19941148
The paper describes an architecture designed to allow distributed hierarchies to be modelled and controlled. The use of node and network link capabilities and file importance gradings is used to model and control the resultant highly distributed server hierarchy. These gradings together are used to form file interests which, in the case of file replication, determine how files and updates are propagated throughout the distributed hierarchy, and how often updates are performed. These gradings encapsulate most of the behaviour required in a distributed storage server architecture. The paper discusses the load balancing techniques used in the system, and the distribution of the hierarchy and its formation. The use of the previously described capabilities in the modelling and control of the hierarchy is then discussed, followed by a description of the design of the individual storage nodes.Video-on-demand server: Strategies for improving performance
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ip-sen_19990152
Video-on-demand (VoD) is a service that has received much attention recently and the concept has become popular with computer and communication companies. Basically, VoD consists of a video server, interconnection network and user display equipment (UDE). It provides a similar service to the neighbourhood rental store. Videos or movies are distributed from the video server to users upon request through the network and users can view interactively using their UDE along with VCR-like functions (e.g. forward, rewind, pause and resume). VoD offers a convenient service since users do not have to leave their homes, which also leads to shorter response times than with today’s video stores. One important aspect of any VoD is the storage scheme used, which affects the amount and type of storage required, the maximum number of concurrent video streams and the average waiting time experienced by users of the service from the moment they choose a video to the moment video playback starts. The paper reviews some well known storage schemes, such as the <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">phase based</i> method and the <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">phase based with replication</i> method, and then proposes two new schemes that further increase the number of concurrent streams and reduce the waiting time, while reducing the total storage space required. These new schemes rely on two concepts called <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">immediate playback RAM</i> and <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">sustainable playback storage</i>. Using a case study, the new schemes are briefly compared with an existing scheme and their strengths and shortcomings are highlighted. Using some typical values, analyses are carried out that quantify the performance gain resulting from the new storage schemes.ROM-based current controller for three-phase boost-type AC/DC converter
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ip-epa_19982332
A rather simple ROM-based current controller is proposed for a three-phase boost-type AC/DC converter to achieve a clean sinusoidal input current, controllable power factor, an adjustable DC voltage, a bidirectional power flow capability, a fixed switching frequency and one insensitive to input voltage distortion. Three control schemes are proposed and integrated in the same controller. As well as the basic scheme, there are a further two choices for either reducing almost half the switch loss or enhancing the availability of the converter, while one arm of the converter fails. A prototype is constructed, and experimental results validate the simulated results.Reduced ROM-based architecture for sine/cosine generator
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/iet-spr_20070200
A reduced ROM-based architecture blending the concepts of domain folding and angle recoding to implement the coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) algorithm is proposed. Domain folding restricts the domain of the sine/cosine functions in [0, π/8] instead of [0, 2π]. The addition identities of the trigonometric functions are adopted to determine the range of sine/cosine functions mapped from the domain [0, π/4] based on that restricted in the domain [0, π/8]. The quarter-wave symmetry property is then applied to obtain the range mapped from the full domain [0, 2π]. Applying the angle recoding process to the angle in the domain [0, π/8] affords two benefits. One is a reduction of about 50% in the size of the ROM lookup table storing the information of the coarse angles, except for the fact that the number of stages (<i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">N</i>) equals 3<i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">k</i>+2 where <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">k</i> is an integer; the other benefit is a 1-bit improvement in the precision in the CORDIC implementation.Using scene-change detection and multiple-thread background memory for efficient video coding
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19990244
The use of background memory to improve coding efficiency has gained momentum recently due to the rapid decrease in the cost of memory chips. However, the associated computational costs still pose a problem for real time implementation. The authors propose a coding oriented scene-change detection algorithm and the use of multiple thread background memory to improve the coding efficiency of both scene-change frames and frames between two consecutive scene cuts. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme can improve the coding efficiency in both situations. The improvement is significant for scene-change frames.Parallel pipelined histogram architectures
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el.2011.2390
Proposed is a unique cell histogram architecture which will process <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">k</i> data items in parallel to compute 2<sup xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/"><i>q</i></sup> histogram bins per time step. An array of <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">m</i>/2<sup xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/"><i>q</i></sup> cells computes an <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">m</i>-bin histogram with a speed-up factor of <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">k</i>; <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">k</i>≥2 makes it faster than current dual-ported memory implementations. Furthermore, simple mechanisms for conflict-free storing of the histogram bins into an external memory array are discussed.Exploiting SSD parallelism to accelerate application launch on SSDs
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el.2011.0042
Using an optimised application prefetcher to accelerate the application launch on solid-state drives (SSDs) by exploiting the SSD parallelism is proposed. The proposed prefetcher was implemented on the Linux OS and achieved a 37% reduction of prefetcher execution time, which corresponds to an 18% reduction of application launch time.Digital storage, addition and subtraction of time-mode variables
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el.2011.1406
Presented are novel digital methods to perform storage, addition and subtraction of time-mode variables. The concept of a switched delay unit is introduced and by adopting this key element, the instantaneous phase difference between two rising edges can be latched and used to perform various arithmetic operations. The proposed technique can be used to implement analogue sampled-data signal processing using digital circuitry. Simulation results are provided.Multiple-thread long-term memory scheme for efficient video coding
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19991022
It has been shown that a background memory can be used to improve the coding efficiency of a video codec. However, this solution is restricted to sequences with a stationary background. Such a restriction seriously limits the application of the background memory scheme. The authors combine the long-term memory scheme with a multiple-thread memory mechanism to boost the coding efficiency for a much wider application range. The experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.Aspects of memory hierarchy concepts extended to microcode-store level
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ip-e.1981.0050
The high speed buffer or cache type of memory hierarchy is a widely used technique to provide an effective memory access speed up in the main memory of a computer system. The paper reviews the potential of extending cache techniques to the control memory level of a computer. A brief introductory review is made of microprogramming and cache techniques before discussing control-store cache applications and the advantages that should be made possible by the use of a hierarchial writeable control-store technique. So far, little quantitative measurement has been made of this type of memory hierarchy, and mention is made of work currently in progress to provide some of the information necessary to design such systems.Theory and performance of a static magnetostrictive delay-line store
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/piee.1966.0336
Static magnetostrictive delay lines which operate in the longitudinal and torsional strain wave modes are described, and an explanation of their operation is presented. They can be used to store and reproduce information in digital and analogue form. For analogue storage the preferred system uses pulse-amplitude modulation. Experimental results for the performance of static delay lines are given, and some applications are described.New thin-film resistive memory
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ree.1967.0069
A new thin-film metal-insulator-metal device is described. After the insulator has undergone a forming process, which consists of the electrolytic introduction of gold ions from one of the electrodes, its conductivity is observed to have increased quite markedly. In addition the sample displays negative-resistance and memory phenomena. It is shown that under the appropriate switching conditions the device can be used as a non-volatile analogue memory with non-destructive read-out. The theory of operation of the device is also presented.The design of a magnetic thin-film store for commercial production
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ree.1967.0031
A magnetic thin-film store of 1024 words, each of 50 bits, has been developed which repetitively read-rewrites at 2 MHz. The 2 MHz store has operated for 5000 hours without change. A similar store of 128 words cycles at 3 MHz.From the basic method of film operation, the element dimensions, flux linkage and signal outputs have been derived and measured. A brief description of the method of construction precedes some conclusions on the suitability of the design for commercial production.A multi-parameter data recording and processing system using magnetic tape
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ree.1967.0088
This paper describes a flexible digital data recording and recovery system which will accept information of up to 76 bits per event at a rate variable from some 375 to some 48 × 10<sup xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">3</sup> bits per second (b/s), and replay at a rate of from 3 × 10<sup xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">3</sup> to 48 × 10<sup xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">3</sup> b/s. The total tape storage capacity is some 55 × 10<sup xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">7</sup> bits. The number of parameters recorded is limited only by the accuracy required and by the total event size (in relation to the maximum number of bits per event), provision is made within the equipment for correlation determination between selected parameters and for the selective examination of recorded data. The tape transport control system permits remote control which facilitates its integration into a computer complex.The system is illustrated by examples of its application to the acquisition of data from nuclear experiments.A transfluxor program store for an airborne digital computer
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ree.1966.0033
Non-destructive read-out devices for digital computer storage can have two advantages over volatile storage. Program information may not be lost in the event of computer or power supply malfunction, and economy can often be achieved in drive circuitry and power consumption. The transfluxor can be used for a store which has both these advantages, and is, moreover, electrically alterable at microsecond speeds.This paper discusses the design of a 2048-word 20-bit word-organized store, with particular reference to the severe requirements of an airborne environment. The wiring pattern is examined and economies peculiar to this type of store are explained. Brief details are given of the read amplifier, in which a novel method of sense-line switching gives rise to further economies in circuitry.Recording digital video component signals on a disc-drive to generate animated sequences for television
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ree.1983.0041
This paper describes the recording and replaying of digital video signals using a computer-type disc-drive as part of a system being developed to enable animated picture sequences to be generated for television, where at present film is used.The characteristics of the disc-drive are described together with data processing, error protection and signal synchronization systems which enable digital television <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">YUV</i> component signals, sampled at 12 MHz, 4 MHz, 4 MHz respectively, to be recorded and replayed in real time.Cryotron storage cells for random access memories
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ree.1967.0024
Cryotron storage cells are attractive for random access memory because of their broad tolerances. In the past, their lower size limit has been set by the fact that their read-out signal becomes too small and short to be sensed by conventional amplifiers. A new sensing method has been developed which removes this limitation, so that the lower limit of cell size is now determined by fabrication technology only.This paper describes this technique as well as a number of old and new cryotron cells compatible with it. Cell dimensions are calculated in terms of fabrication parameters and a comparison of the densities of various bit and word organized designs is made.High-order bidirectional associative memory
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19890950
A novel encoding scheme of a bidirectional associative memory (BAM) incorporating the high-order nonlinearity is proposed. This method significantly improves the storage capacity and error-correcting capability of the BAM.Hopfield model with complementary binary representations
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19880832
A Hopfield neural network model with complementary binary representations is proposed. Advantages of this approach are improvement in memory capacity and error-correction capability when compared with conventional binary models. Some requirements of the Hopfield model necessary to obtain perfect recall can also be relaxed.Neural network capacity using delta rule
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19890142
It is shown that modifying the Hopfield neural network model to use the delta rule rather than the Hebbian rule substantially increases the capacity. The number of patterns one can store in a neural network of <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">N</i> neurons is actually greater than <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">N</i> (unless <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">N</i> is very small). For example, for <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">N</i> = 30, one can store 40 patterns with a success rate of close to 90%.Majority-logic memories
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19670135
Majority-logic circuits are employed in networks with many stable memory states. Three-state devices are described. The number of states of an <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">N</i>-element memory is calculated and the practical problems associated with large values of <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">N</i> are outlined. A device arising from this work is a decimal memory which uses five transistors.Superconducting memory device using Josephson junctions
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19670141
A superconducting storage device is proposed in which a Josephson tunnelling junction, switched by a control film strip, replaces the cryotron in a one-cryotron-per-bit storage cell. The device should be fast, work at 4.2° K and require a simple technology, which must, however, yield reproducible thin Josephson tunnelling layers.Analogue memory chain: a new circuit for storing and delaying signals
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19670426
This is the description of a circuit in which capacitors and active elements are arranged alternately in a row. The active elements shift the information from one capacitor to the next by a cycle pulse. Such a memory chain can be used for storing and delaying analogue signals.M.O.S. analogue memory element
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19680058
A method is proposed which may permit extensive adaptive structures to be fabricated from large-scale integrated circuits. The method involves using the gate charge of an m.o.s.t. as an analogue memory element and changing its magnitude by ionisation. Some initial experimental results for a single device are quoted.Runlength-limited code with small error propagation
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19830223
We present a new runlength-limited modulation technique based on the variable-length encoding principle. The code achieves minimum and maximum runlengths <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">T</i><sub xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/"><i>min</i></sub> = 1.5 and <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">T</i><sub xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/"><i>max</i></sub> = 4.5, respectively. Decoding is very simple and only needs an observation field of six channel bits. The new code is compared with other codes achieving <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">T</i><sub xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/"><i>min</i></sub> = 1.5.Method for direct multiway branching in microprogram control
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19810497
A new technique is proposed for simultaneously executing multiway branching with PLAs. The basic structure consists of three units: the microcode ROM, the microsequencer PLA and a register counter. The main idea is to store only branching information in PLA, exploiting the associative addressing properties of the latter. Benefits in speed and memory space are obtained.Comparison between the Jacoby-Kost and Horiguchi-Morita binary two-thirds rate modulation codes
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19870592
Bit error rate graphs obtained by simulating both Viterbi decoding and sliding block decoding on the binary symmetric channel and a two-state bursty channel are presented for the <i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">R</i> = 2/3, (<i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">d,k</i>) = (1,7) codes of Jacoby-Kost and Horiguchi-Morita. The measured power spectral densities of both codes are compared to that of the source, generating all (<i xmlns="http://pub2web.metastore.ingenta.com/ns/">d,k</i>) = (1,7) sequences.Computer store enhancement by interchange
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19780334
A new way of using random-access stores of differing speeds in a computer is given. It is effective when the fast and slow stores are of comparable sizeAn asynchronous logic array for the realisation of logic systems with concurrency
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19780081
An array circuit able to implement any logic system described by a Petri net is presented. It uses a request acknowledge asynchronous functioning mode and constitutes a simplification of a solution proposed by Patil previously.Securing removable media
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/inp_20050205
Removable media have become one of the most popular types of storage devices. Their ease of use and low cost have made them common features of the work environment - but with a price: the potential for security breaches. As removable media grow in popularity, more people are using them in the workplace to store corporate information. We look at the steps IT managers can take to mitigate the security risks associated with them.Inner space still expanding [IT storage]
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/et.2009.0313
A crunch in data storage, unlike credit, has been long predicted but never seems to quite materialize. This is partly because ongoing improvements in disk density and cost per bit have matched the inflationary growth of storage itself until recently. Of one prediction we can be certain, that this felicitous situation cannot continue. There are already signs that the increase in disk drive densities and costs per bit are decelerating. The paper reports on the emerging advanced storage technologies that are ready to help mop up the flood.Beware the dangers of removable media
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ce_20050304
The evolution of the portable data storage market has been rapid, lucrative and dangerous. Long gone are the days when you needed identical tape drives and software on both computers. The traditional floppy disk market and local tape markets were superseded by the super-floppy and zip drive. Now even they are disappearing as this market evolves. Thanks to its large capacity, portability and simplicity, removable media have become some of the most popular types of storage device around today. Because they are very cheap, memory sticks have become the obvious way to store information, business proposals, accounts, client's details, marketing plans and so on. The arrival of the MP3 music player has had a significant impact on this market. While Apple sees music as the only reason for owning an iPod, their competitors have simply created large USB stores with some built-in music software. An increasingly large number of people now view their MP3 player as both a data and entertainment tool. The danger here is that, as an entertainment device, it falls below the radar, and with storage capacities set to exceed 80 GB by the end of this year, there is a serious threat to data protection. The article considers some of security measures that can be taken.Network attached storage: no longer on the edge
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/inp_20060504
The high-end storage device market is now as replete with competition, innovation and competing standards as any other area of enterprise IT. The author examines the issues and the architectures vying for dominance.The dash for flash [flash memory technology]
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/et_20080210
The density of non-volatile flash memory has increased to where it has become possible to squeeze tens of gigabytes of storage into the space of a single 2.5in hard drive. Let's face it, you can get 8Gb into an iPod Nano, and that has to have a display, buttons and an earphone socket. Now the memory makers are turning their attention to applications in IT by packing the chips into storage drives for laptops and for servers. Intel believes there is a huge market waiting to be tapped in solid-state flash drives.Serial challenger [storage system]
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/inp_20040406
New versions of hard disk technology are changing the options for storage in the enterprise, and inexpensive disks are moving from the desktop into the high-end enterprise servers. Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) uses a higher speed cable that gives speeds up to 3 Gbit/s and tackles several problems that have been holding the technology back, such as lack of command queuing. SATA can expect to find plenty of uses in the enterprise, bringing low cost storage in to many new areas.Revolution redux [IT deployment]
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/inp_20060501
History is repeating itself: revolution is the new evolution. The author looks at two products that enable users to adopt a truly revolutionary approach to IT depolyment in the attempt to gain competitive edge: Isilon Systems' IQ series of network attached storage clusters and Trapeze Networks' Mobility System Wireless LAN product range.Multibit microwave memory readout from a ferrite-loaded stripline
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/el_19660306
Experimental multibit-microwave-memory-readout results obtained using direct-loaded and secondary-coupled toroidal ferrite memory elements in a strip transmission line are presented. Typical single-element readout response to a 4ns 650mA interrogation pulse was a bipolar 15ns ±21 mV signal using secondary coupling. The output-response magnitude decreases significantly as the number of memory elements loading the same stripline is increased.Smart tags: the distributed-memory revolution
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ir_19890088
Electronic identification and data-storage badges can now be used to keep track of people, animals or car bodies, without need for central computer or physical contactMusic's hurt locker [record industry]
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/et.2010.1305
Fifteen years ago, when digital storage technology and compression algorhythms became strong enough, the record industry suddenly found itself in a panic. It had to play catch-up with the computer industry and adjust how it managed its rights and how consumers were copying their CD collections to computers and portable devices.What they came up with was digital rights management a method of controlling how digital music could be downloaded, copied or streamed, primarily to protect their revenues. It has, at the very best, been a qualified success.Companies are developing services that enable consumers to upload their digital content to storage servers over the Internet and stream it on any device. Mobile phone retailer Carphone Warehouse launched a digital locker service called Music Anywhere, which allows customers to store their music collection in the cloud to be accessed by different devices.Ovshinsky's memories
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ir_20051106
Flash has been the dominant process for non-volatile storage for two decades, and remains a healthy business, with versions used in many portable electronic products. However, even its strongest proponents agree it is likely to run out of steam as cell scaling becomes harder with smaller geometries. As flash starts to hit the scaling wall, Stanford Ovshinsky's phase-change memories are staking their claim to be the next-generation non-volatile memory technology. Recent announcements of advances with phase-change materials and memory cell structures suggest that memories based on these materials may be the ones to watch and beat. Phase-change materials change their physical properties depending on whether they are in their amorphous or crystalline phase. In phase-change solid-state memory cells, the phase-change materials are deposited as an ultra-thin film on the the surface of a silicon chip, and an electric current is used to effect the switch between phases and to detect the phase change via an electrical resistance measurement. The materials and memory cells are sometimes referred to as ovonic memories, in recognition of Ovshinsky's pioneering role. The basic phase change material used in ovonic memory is an alloy of germanium, antimony and tellurium (GeSbTe). The article discusses the prospects of ovonic memories.Editorial: Innovative mass storage technologies
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/ip-smt_20030975
Implementation of coarse wavelength division multiplexing multi-wavelength routing switch core for storage area networks
http://dl-live.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/iet-opt.2009.0044
With an increasing demand on storage devices in network enterprises, storage area networks (SANs) have attracted significant attention and are currently considered as one of the most important network elements in the next generation optical Internet. An optical switch fabric capable of multicast transmission and multiple wavelength operation corresponding to a SAN's growth is critical, since SANs will soon suffer from data bottlenecks and cost inflation because of limited switching capabilities within pure electronics. The authors present and demonstrate a reconfigurable shutter-based free-space optical switching core capable of multicast transmission using multiple wavelengths per-fibre for use in optical SANs. The switch architecture, operation mechanism and the design of key components are described. New optical materials are utilised to raise the switching speed, and ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) or transparent lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) have been compared. The optical performance of an implemented crossbar switch prototype is evaluated through a proposed node architecture constructed with a transceiver-based test-bed.