Ferrite Core

A form of core memory for data storage. The core is made of tiny ferrite rings threaded with wires that are magnetized by electrical current. The two possible polarities of magnetization were used to represent the binary values zero and one. Data are stored by magnetizing an array of cores in a particular combination of zeros and ones. Data are retrieved by sending electrical pulses to the specific array of cores holding the desired information. The pulses reverse the direction of magnetization in the cores, including output signals corresponding to the stored data.

This form of memory storage began in the 1950s and was widely used up through the 1970s. Core memory, which made forms of memory such as the magnetic drum obsolete, was rendered obsolete by semiconductor memory.

Webopedia Staff
Webopedia Staff
Since 1995, more than 100 tech experts and researchers have kept Webopedia’s definitions, articles, and study guides up to date. For more information on current editorial staff, please visit our About page.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.

Related Articles

Complete List of Cybersecurity Acronyms

Cybersecurity news and best practices are full of acronyms and abbreviations. Without understanding what each one means, it's difficult to comprehend the significance of...

Human Resources Management System

A Human Resources Management System (HRMS) is a software application that supports many functions of a company's Human Resources department, including benefits administration, payroll,...

How To Defend Yourself Against Identity Theft

Almost every worldwide government agency responsible for identity theft issues will tell you the same thing: The first step to fighting identity theft is...

Infographic

An infographic is a visual representation of information or data. It combines the words information and graphic and includes a collection of imagery, charts,...

ScalaHosting

ScalaHosting is a leading managed hosting provider that offers secure, scalable, and affordable...

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their...

Best Managed Service Providers...

In today's business world, managed services are more critical than ever. They can...