SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Technology Stocks : Year 2000 (Y2K) Embedded Systems & Infrastructure Problem
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: John Mansfield who wrote (155)3/5/1998 2:32:00 AM
From: John Mansfield   of 618
 
TECHNICAL - '...wonder if TTL is still in use in satellites today'

'I once knew a EE that worked for a NASA & military satellite manufacturer. He showed me a large wall poster that detailed the internal construction of a communications satellite. As far as Y2K is concerned, there are two details to keep in mind that are widely known that apply to Y2K concerns.

#1 Because of the red tape & approval processes that are in place that dictate what type of chip technology can be used in satellites today, the type of chip technology in use may date 4 to 6 years behind the technology in use today.

#2 At the time I saw this which was around 1993, the only technology that made sense was TTL based technology (Transistor to Transistor Logic) instead of CMOS (Complimentory Metal-Oxide Semiconductor). The reason is that TTL is more resistant & less affected by extreme changes in temperature than CMOS. If that is still the case today, then TTL is likely to use older processor technology which could mean that satellites are susceptible to Y2K problems, if date clock circuitry is included.

The mention below of a 286 chip used in the Mars land rover makes alot of sense. They had to settle for a 286 processor because of the use of temperature tolerant TTL circuitry. This fact makes me wonder if TTL is still in use in satellites today! '
______________

Date: Tue, 03 Mar 1998 13:28:10 -0500
To: year2000-discuss@year2000.com
From: Bob Andrews <randrews2@mindspring.com>
Subject: Re: Embedded Systems: Chips in Space
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News