astronomy

NORBIT

NORBIT is a astronomy topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand NORBIT rather than just read about it. In short: In electronics, the NORBIT family of modules is a very early form (since 1960) of digital logic developed by Philips (and also provided through Valvo and Mullard) that uses modules containing discrete components to build logic function blocks in resistor–transistor logic (RTL) or diode–transistor logic (DTL) technology. Overview The system was originally conceived as building blocks for solid-state hard-wired progra…

Key takeaways

NORBIT belongs to astronomy; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect NORBIT to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of NORBIT from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

In electronics, the NORBIT family of modules is a very early form (since 1960) of digital logic developed by Philips (and also provided through Valvo and Mullard) that uses modules containing discrete components to build logic function blocks in resistor–transistor logic (RTL) or diode–transistor logic (DTL) technology.

Overview The system was originally conceived as building blocks for solid-state 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. 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. 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. These modules were specified for frequencies of less than 1 kHz at ±24 V supply. Also available in 1960 were so called Combi-Element 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. They were grouped in the 1-series (aka "100 kHz series") with ±6 V supply. 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. 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). In 1967, the Philips/Mullard NORBIT 2 aka Valvo NORBIT-S family of modules was introduced, first consisting of the 60-series for frequencies up to 10 kHz at a single supply voltage of 24 V, only. Later, the 61-series, containing thyristor trigger and control modules, was added. A 90-series 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.

Modules

Original Norbit family YL 6000 series

YL6000 - NOR gate (red) ("NOR") YL6001 - Emitter follower (yellow) ("EF") YL6004 - High power output (Double-sized module) ("HP") YL6005, YL6005/00 - Counter unit (triple binary) ("3C") (violet) YL6005/05 - Single divide by 2 counter (violet) ("1C") YL6006 - Timer (brown) ("TU") YL6007 - Chassis ("CU") YL6008 - Medium power output (orange) ("MP") YL6009 - Low power output (white) ("LP") YL6010 - Photo-electric detector head ("PD") YL6011 - Photo-electric lamp head ("PL") YL6012 - Twin 2-input NOR gate (black) ("2.2 NOR") YL 6100 series

YL6101 - Rectifier unit, 3…39V 1A YL6102 - Rectifier unit, 3…39V 5A YL6103/00 - Regulator unit, 6…30V 250mA YL6103/01 - Regulator unit, 1…6V 250mA YL6104 - Longitudinal link for regulator unit YL6105 - Regulator unit, 6V 150mA 88930 Relay series

Used to control relays using variable-length pulse sequences (as with telephone pulse dialing).

88930/30 - Input/Output unitFilters an input pulse string and can drive two command circuits and two relay unitsContains 1×/48, 2×/51, and 2×/57. 88930/33 - Primary pulse counting unit (dual command)Can trigger two different signals via two different pulse sequences. The number of pulses that will trigger each command is configurable. 88930/36 - Dual command unitAdds two additional commands to the /33. 88930/37 - Quad command unitAdds four additional commands to the /33. 88930/39 - Output unitCan drive two command circuits (in /36 or /37 command units) plus two /60 relay units.Contains 2×/51 and 2×/57. 88930/42 - Empty unitFor adding custom circuitry. Comprises an empty housing, connector, and blank circuit board. 88930/48 - Pulse shaper unit for /33 (no housing) 88930/51 - Command preparation unit (no housing)For providing input to command units. 88930/54 - Reset unit 88930/57 - Relay amplifier unit (no housing)For driving a low-impedance relay such as the /60 relay block unit. 88930/60 - Relay block unitDouble-pole, double throw 250V 2A relay. Accepts a /57 relay amplifier unit. 88930/64 - Power supply unitProvides 280V 45mA, 150V 2mA, 24V 750mA, and 15V 120mA.

Combi-Element family 1-series / B890000 series

B893000, B164903 - Twin 3-input AND gates (orange) ("2.3A1", "2x3N1") B893001, B164904 - Twin 2-input AND gates (orange) ("2.2A1", "2x2N1") B893002, 2P72729 - Twin 3-input OR gates (orange) ("2.3O1", "23O1", "2x3P1") B893003, 2P72730 - Twin 2-input OR gates (orange) ("2.2O1", "22O1", "2x2P1") B894002, B164910 - Twin inverter amplifier (yellow) ("2IA1", "2.IA1", "2xIA1") B894005, 2P72728 - Twin inverter amplifier (yellow) ("2IA2", "2xIA2") B894001, B164909 - Twin emitter follower (yellow) ("2EF1", 2xEF1") B894003, 2P72727 - Twin emitter follower (yellow) ("2EF2", "2xEF2") B894000, B164907 - Emitter follower/inverter amplifier (yellow) ("EF1/IA1") B895000, B164901 - Pulse shaper (Schmitt trigger + amplifier) (green) ("PS1") B895001, B164908 - One-shot multivibrator ("OS1") B895003 - One-shot multivibrator ("OS2") B892000, B164902 - Flip-flop (red) ("FF1") B892001, 2P72707 - Shift-register Flip-flop (red) ("FF2") B892002 - Flip-flop (red) ("FF3") B892003 - Flip-flop (red) ("FF4") B893004, 2P72726 - Pulse logic (orange) ("PL1", "2xPL1") B893007 - Pulse logic (orange) ("2xPL2") B885000, B164911 - Decade counter ("DC1") B890000 - Power amplifier ("PA1") B896000 - Twin selector switch for core memories ("2SS1") B893005 - Selection gate for core memories ("SG1") 2P72732 - Pulse generator for core memories ("PG1") 2P72731 - Read amplifier for core memories ("RA1") 10-series

… excerpt ends here. Continue reading the full article.

Illustrations

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with NORBIT

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what NORBIT claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In astronomy, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to NORBIT before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about NORBIT ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of NORBIT

In research: NORBIT appears in astronomy research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses NORBIT in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: NORBIT is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Control engineering, Digital electronics, Industrial automation, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for NORBIT outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study NORBIT in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what NORBIT means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain NORBIT out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is NORBIT in simple terms?

Why does NORBIT matter?

Because it connects several astronomy ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study NORBIT?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on NORBIT.