File name 19780508_Desk-Top_NoteTaker_Proposal.pdfXEROX
PALO ALTO RESEARCH CE~TER
Systems Science Laboratory
LSI Sysfems Area
May 8, 1978
For Xerox Intcrnal usc Only
To: Distribution
From: Doug Fairbairn
Subject: Desk - Top NoteTaker Proposal
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requires a mini-floppy disk, and has a significant volume set aside for batteries. The two
machines might share the same power supply, however, keeping in mind that the batteries
are optional.
The PC boards presently envisioned for use in the portable NoteTaker are an awkward size:
5" x IT'. Th is size is not consistent with the needs of the desk -top version, and represents a
manufacturing problem for either system. An additional negative aspect of these boards is
that they are too large to include only one or two subsystems. Using Alto technology (MSI
TTL), a new subsystem generally required 60-90 new chips. This was about the number of
chips which fit on a board so that was a reasonable board size. With the level of integration
proposed for the NoteTaker, each subsystem will require roughly 20-40 chips, thus making
smaller boards the more logical choice.
Based primarily on the modularity and manufacturability arguments above, I propose that
the two systems use a common module size of approximately 8.5" x 5". Amazingly enough,
th is is the same length to width ratio wh ich Xerox sta nda rds propose as the max i m LIm (1.7).
This module size is the same height as the NoteTaker boards, but is half the length. The
boards will have a 100 pin edge connector along the 5" side. In the current NoteTaker
package, they would fit into the package as shown in Pig. l. Eight of these modules coul |