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Starfleet Command > Technical Manuals > Cardassian > Computer Systems

Computer Cores

Overview

The main computer acts as the central processor for the whole ship or starbase. It controls all aspects of operations including propulsion, weapons, shields, inertial damping field and structural integrity system. Starfleet computer cores are equipped with a low-level subspace field generator which generates a non-propulsive field slightly greater than the equivalent for warp 1; this allows signals within each core to travel at faster-than-light velocities, speeding up response time. The Main Computer is connected to the rest of the ship via the ODN, an optical network which allows almost instantaneous transmission of data.

Computer Core Operations

Since the Cardassian withdrawal of Bajor in 2369, Starfleet Engineers have had a chance to study in detail Cardassian Computer Core Operations on Station Deep Space Nine, formerly Terok Nor. Like larger Starfleet vessels, the Cardassian computer consists of three processing cores located between Levels 14 - 21. The cores measure 15.54 m in diameter x 45.11 m high, and they are cylindrical in shape. Unlike Starfleet processing cores, Cardassian designed cores do not operate at FTL (Faster Than Light) speeds, but this has not had a significant impact on response times, which are still above critical level.

Data Storage

In Cardassian desgined systems, each core is equipped with 104 976 class 4 isolinear rods in 2916 groups of 36. Data caching, to allow faster access to frequently used data, is performed by another 8748 isolinear rods. Maximum transfer speed has been recorded at 827 kQ/sec. Average speed is slower, at 743 kQ/sec, due to software switching routines. Error-checking is performed by ODN fibres while the data is in transit. ODN fibres are constructed of the same material as the isolinear rods, but stretched. Lengths of up to 322 m have been recorded to have no signal degradation across their entire length.

Data Recovery

When the Cardassians withdrew from Bajor in 2369, most of the main DS9 computer cores were erased. However, because no data-storage technology has the ability to completely remove all the quantum signatures from the isolinear storage rods, significant amounts of data was discovered to be retrievable. Exact figures are classified while ongoing data recovery continues at remote sites.

Isolinear Storage Systems

Isolinear storage, both short-term and long-term, is accomplished by isolinear rods. Specifications are as follows:

Class 1: 0.43 cm x 3.21 cm - Sub miniature storage devices
Class 2: 1.08 cm x 6.26 cm - PADDs and similar devices
Class 3: 1.27 cm x 9.52 cm - Standard Consoles
Class 4: 7.43 cm x 31.96 cm - Computer Core Storage

Personal Access Display Devices (PADDs)

PADD Overview

PADDs continue to be the primary tool for computer interface throughout the majority of Starfleet, and other cultures, including Cardassian, Klingon and Ferengi. All variants are constructed from alloy or composite materials, and communicate via RF (Radio Frequency) or subspace channels.

Cardassian PADDs

The primary Cardassian model is constructed from rhodinium boronate. It measures 18.41 x 9.53 cm, and has a mass of 198.2 grams. Total storage capacity is 12.1 kQ.

Ferengi PADDs

Ferengi PADDs possess the latest high-speed processors, optimised for financial and inventory calculations. The unit measures 19.07 x 8.96 cm, and masses 268.54 grams.

Klingon PADDs

By comparison with the above designs, Klingon PADDs are extremely limited, both in storage capacity and display screen resolution, though they are highly ruggedised, obviously designed for battlefield use. The Klingon PADD measures 19.10 x 6.98 x 0.99 cm, mass 45.5 grams. Data is stored in two isolinear chips, capacity 2.16 kQ each.

Desktop and Console Computer Access

The Desktop unit in general use by Starfleet Personnel on DS9 measures 30.43 x 25.41 x 24.10 cm,housed in a moulded duranium composite casing. The internal components are identical to starfleet specifications, and user-configurable touchpads are also-built in to provide flexibility for more data-manipulation options. The main display screen measures 20.32 x 26.61 cm, and uses dynamic resolution switching to afford the best possible graphical representation, using its nanopixel molecular matrix. Power is provided by a sarium krellide cell, which can be recharged by induction loop or beamed power link when not in use. The power cell can provide power for approximately 58 hours before recharging is necessary. Memory processing is provided by two banks of fifteen isolinear chips, measuring 2.54 x 7.62 x 6.62 cm, giving a total capacity of 1.21 MQ. External communications are handled through the STA (Subspace Transceiver Assembly). The Desktop unit also responds to voice commands through the display screen and interface controls. Each desktop unit is configured for twelve different users, but can support as many different users as there is memory to accommodate them.

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