In electronics, the NORBIT family of modules is a very early form (since 1960 [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]) of digital logic developed by Philips (and also provided through Valvo and Mullard [6] [7]) that uses modules containing discrete components to build logic function blocks in resistor–transistor logic (RTL) [8] [4] or diode–transistor logic (DTL) technology.
The system was originally conceived as building blocks for solid-state [3] [5] hard-wired programmed logic controllers (the predecessors of programmable logic controllers (PLC)) to replace electro-mechanical relay logic in industrial control systems for process control and automation applications, similar to early Telefunken/ AEG Logistat, Siemens Simatic, Brown, Boveri & Cie, ACEC Logacec or Akkord Estacord systems. [3] [9] [10] [11] [12]
Each available logical function was recognizable by the color of its plastic container, black, blue, red, green, violet, etc. The most important circuit block contained a NOR gate (hence the name), but there were also blocks containing drivers, and a timer circuit similar to the later 555 timer IC. [8] [13] [14]
The original Norbit modules of the YL 6000 series introduced in 1960 had potted single in-line packages with up to ten long flying leads arranged in two groups of up to five leads in a row. [4] [5] [15] These modules were specified for frequencies of less than 1 kHz at ±24 V supply. [4] [15]
Also available in 1960 were so called Combi-Element [2] [1] [3] [13] [nb 1] modules in single-in line packages with ten evenly spaced stiff leads in a row (5.08 mm / 0.2-inch pitch) for mounting on a PCB. [1] [16] [17] [18] [13] [15] They were grouped in the 1-series (aka "100 kHz series") [13] [nb 2] with ±6 V supply. [1] [15] The newer 10-series and 20-series had similarly sized packages, but came with an additional parallel row of nine staggered leads for a total of 19 leads. [18] [13] The 10-series uses germanium alloy transistors, whereas in the 20-series silicon planar transistors are used for a higher cut-off frequency of up to 1 MHz (vs. 30 kHz) and a higher allowed temperature range of +85 °C (vs. +55 °C). [18]
In 1967, the Philips/Mullard NORBIT 2 [19] [20] [21] aka Valvo NORBIT-S [22] [23] [24] [nb 3] family of modules was introduced, first consisting of the 60-series [25] for frequencies up to 10 kHz at a single supply voltage of 24 V, [19] only. Later, the 61-series, [19] containing thyristor trigger and control modules, was added. A 90-series [26] [nb 4] became available in the mid-1970s as well. There were three basic types contained in a large (one by two inch-sized) 17 pins dual in-line package, with nine pins spaced 5.08 mm (0.2-inch) on one side and eight staggered pins on the other side. [27] [28]
Used to control relays using variable-length pulse sequences (as with telephone pulse dialing).
[…] ready-assembled circuit modules can cut down development time spent on a control-engineering or data processing problem by eliminating the work of designing individual circuits. A particular range made by Mullard are slim colour-coded plastics "boxes" of guaranteed performance specifications covering the commonly used circuit functions. Typical units are AND/ OR gates, timing and relay-operating circuits called "Norbits" (for control purposes) and flip-flop, pulse shaper and inverter-amplifier stages called Combi elements (for digital circuits). By giving only a performance specification the manufacturers can take advantage of advances in techniques (for instance, complete solid-state circuits) without, at the same time, rendering obsolete existing apparatus. Transistors are used throughout, so that battery operation is reasonably economical, and the modules are designed to connect together compatibly in a manner suited to their functions. Norbits have long, flexible flying leads for use with terminal blocks while Combi-elements have short, stiff tinned wires suitable for fitting into printed wiring boards. […]
[…] Another point noticed was the widespread use of small-package solid-state logic (such as " and," " or," " not") and instrumentation (timers, amplifiers, etc.) units. There would seem to be a good case here for the various manufacturers to standardise practical details such as mounting, connections and power supplies so that a Siemens " Simatic," say, is directly interchangeable with an Ateliers des Constructions Electronique de Charleroi " Logacec," a Telefunken " Logistat," or a Mullard "Norbit" or "Combi-element." […]
[…] COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS (GREEN SERIES) […] Part 1 - July 1979 - CM107-79 - Assemblies for industrial use PLC modules, high noise immunity logic FZ/30 series, NORbits 60-series, 61-series, 90-series, input devices, hybrid integrated circuits, peripheral devices […]
In electronics, the NORBIT family of modules is a very early form (since 1960 [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]) of digital logic developed by Philips (and also provided through Valvo and Mullard [6] [7]) that uses modules containing discrete components to build logic function blocks in resistor–transistor logic (RTL) [8] [4] or diode–transistor logic (DTL) technology.
The system was originally conceived as building blocks for solid-state [3] [5] hard-wired programmed logic controllers (the predecessors of programmable logic controllers (PLC)) to replace electro-mechanical relay logic in industrial control systems for process control and automation applications, similar to early Telefunken/ AEG Logistat, Siemens Simatic, Brown, Boveri & Cie, ACEC Logacec or Akkord Estacord systems. [3] [9] [10] [11] [12]
Each available logical function was recognizable by the color of its plastic container, black, blue, red, green, violet, etc. The most important circuit block contained a NOR gate (hence the name), but there were also blocks containing drivers, and a timer circuit similar to the later 555 timer IC. [8] [13] [14]
The original Norbit modules of the YL 6000 series introduced in 1960 had potted single in-line packages with up to ten long flying leads arranged in two groups of up to five leads in a row. [4] [5] [15] These modules were specified for frequencies of less than 1 kHz at ±24 V supply. [4] [15]
Also available in 1960 were so called Combi-Element [2] [1] [3] [13] [nb 1] modules in single-in line packages with ten evenly spaced stiff leads in a row (5.08 mm / 0.2-inch pitch) for mounting on a PCB. [1] [16] [17] [18] [13] [15] They were grouped in the 1-series (aka "100 kHz series") [13] [nb 2] with ±6 V supply. [1] [15] The newer 10-series and 20-series had similarly sized packages, but came with an additional parallel row of nine staggered leads for a total of 19 leads. [18] [13] The 10-series uses germanium alloy transistors, whereas in the 20-series silicon planar transistors are used for a higher cut-off frequency of up to 1 MHz (vs. 30 kHz) and a higher allowed temperature range of +85 °C (vs. +55 °C). [18]
In 1967, the Philips/Mullard NORBIT 2 [19] [20] [21] aka Valvo NORBIT-S [22] [23] [24] [nb 3] family of modules was introduced, first consisting of the 60-series [25] for frequencies up to 10 kHz at a single supply voltage of 24 V, [19] only. Later, the 61-series, [19] containing thyristor trigger and control modules, was added. A 90-series [26] [nb 4] became available in the mid-1970s as well. There were three basic types contained in a large (one by two inch-sized) 17 pins dual in-line package, with nine pins spaced 5.08 mm (0.2-inch) on one side and eight staggered pins on the other side. [27] [28]
Used to control relays using variable-length pulse sequences (as with telephone pulse dialing).
[…] ready-assembled circuit modules can cut down development time spent on a control-engineering or data processing problem by eliminating the work of designing individual circuits. A particular range made by Mullard are slim colour-coded plastics "boxes" of guaranteed performance specifications covering the commonly used circuit functions. Typical units are AND/ OR gates, timing and relay-operating circuits called "Norbits" (for control purposes) and flip-flop, pulse shaper and inverter-amplifier stages called Combi elements (for digital circuits). By giving only a performance specification the manufacturers can take advantage of advances in techniques (for instance, complete solid-state circuits) without, at the same time, rendering obsolete existing apparatus. Transistors are used throughout, so that battery operation is reasonably economical, and the modules are designed to connect together compatibly in a manner suited to their functions. Norbits have long, flexible flying leads for use with terminal blocks while Combi-elements have short, stiff tinned wires suitable for fitting into printed wiring boards. […]
[…] Another point noticed was the widespread use of small-package solid-state logic (such as " and," " or," " not") and instrumentation (timers, amplifiers, etc.) units. There would seem to be a good case here for the various manufacturers to standardise practical details such as mounting, connections and power supplies so that a Siemens " Simatic," say, is directly interchangeable with an Ateliers des Constructions Electronique de Charleroi " Logacec," a Telefunken " Logistat," or a Mullard "Norbit" or "Combi-element." […]
[…] COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS (GREEN SERIES) […] Part 1 - July 1979 - CM107-79 - Assemblies for industrial use PLC modules, high noise immunity logic FZ/30 series, NORbits 60-series, 61-series, 90-series, input devices, hybrid integrated circuits, peripheral devices […]