SMRTR TechFeb 22, 2026TechEBlog

How Bell Labs Stored Binary Information on Memory Devices Back in 1959

SMRTR summary

Bell Labs engineers in 1959 developed Twistor memory to overcome limitations of existing storage systems like magnetic core memory, which erased data when read and had slow access times. The innovative Twistor used magnetic ribbon wrapped around copper wire, achieving faster 5-microsecond access times while preserving data without power, before being replaced by semiconductor chips.

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