NORBIT

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 [de] and Mullard) that uses modules containing discrete components to build logic function blocks in resistor–transistor logic (RTL) or diode–transistor logic (DTL) technology.

The TU60 (timer circuit) part of 60-series NORBIT 2 family vs CMOS integrated circuit

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 [de] 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 unit
    Filters an input pulse string and can drive two command circuits and two relay units
    Contains 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 unit
    Adds two additional commands to the /33.
  • 88930/37 - Quad command unit
    Adds four additional commands to the /33.
  • 88930/39 - Output unit
    Can drive two command circuits (in /36 or /37 command units) plus two /60 relay units.
    Contains 2×/51 and 2×/57.
  • 88930/42 - Empty unit
    For 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 unit
    Double-pole, double throw 250V 2A relay. Accepts a /57 relay amplifier unit.
  • 88930/64 - Power supply unit
    Provides 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
  • 2P73701 - Flip-flop ("FF10")
  • 2P73702 - Flip-flop ("FF11")
  • 2P73703 - Flip-flop / Bistable multivibrator with built-in trigger gates and set-reset inputs (black) ("FF12")
  • Dual trigger gate ("2.TG13")
  • Dual trigger gate ("2.TG14")
  • Quadruple trigger gate ("4.TG15")
  • Dual positive gate inverter amplifier ("2.GI10")
  • Dual positive gate inverter amplifier ("2.GI11")
  • Dual positive gate inverter amplifier ("2.GI12")
  • Gate amplifier ("GA11")
  • One-shot multivibrator ("OS11")
  • Timer unit ("TU10")
  • Pulse driver ("PD11")
  • Relay driver ("RD10")
  • Relay driver ("RD11")
  • Power amplifier ("PA10")
  • Pulse shaper ("PS10")
  • Numerical indicator tube driver ("ID10")
20-series
  • 2P73710 - ("2.GI12", "2GI12")

Norbit 2 / Norbit-S family

60-series
  • 2NOR60, 2.NOR60 - Twin NOR (black)
  • 4NOR60, 4.NOR60 - Quadruple NOR (black)
  • 2.IA60, 2IA60 - Twin inverter amplifier for low power output (blue)
  • LPA60 - Twin low power output
  • 2.LPA60, 2LPA60 - Twin low power output (blue)
  • PA60 - Medium power output (blue)
  • HPA60 - High power output (black)
  • 2.SF60, 2SF60 - Twin input switch filter (green)
  • TU60 - Timer (red)
  • FF60 - Flip-flop
  • GLD60 - Grounded load driver (black)
61-series
  • TT61 - Trigger transformer
  • UPA61 - Universal power amplifier
  • RSA61 - Rectifier and synchroniser
  • DOA61 - Differential operational amplifier
  • 2NOR61, 2.NOR61 - Twin NOR
90-series
  • PS90 - Pulse shaper (green)
  • FF90 - Flip-flop (red)
  • 2TG90, 2.TG90 - Twin trigger gate (red)
Accessories
  • PSU61 - Power supply
  • PCB60 - Printed wiring board
  • MC60 - Mounting chassis
  • UMC60 - Universal mounting chassis
  • MB60 - Mounting bar



See also