NORBIT

The system was originally conceived as building blocks for solid-state[3][5] 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, BBC Sigmatronic, ACEC Logacec or Akkord Estacord systems.[3][9][10][11][12]

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.[8][13][14]

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.[4][5][15] These modules were specified for frequencies of less than 1 kHz at ±24 V supply.[4][15]

Also available in 1960 were so called Combi-Element[2][1][3][13][nb 1] 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.[1][16][17][18][13][15] They were grouped in the 1-series (aka "100 kHz series")[13][nb 2] with ±6 V supply.[1][15] 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.[18][13] 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).[18]

In 1967, the Philips/Mullard NORBIT 2[19][20][21] aka Valvo NORBIT-S[22][23][24][nb 3] family of modules was introduced, first consisting of the 60-series[25] for frequencies up to 10 kHz at a single supply voltage of 24 V,[19] only. Later, the 61-series,[19] containing thyristor trigger and control modules, was added. A 90-series[26][nb 4] 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.[27][28]

• Logic family
• fischertechnik

• Norbit-Bausteine (in German). Valvo GmbH. 1962. (43 pages) (NB. Also part of the Valvo-Handbuch 1962 pages 83–125.)
• Valvo-Handbuch Bausteine (in German) (1963 ed.). Hamburg, Germany: Valvo GmbH. 1963. (253 pages) (NB. Contains a chapter about Norbit modules as well.)
• Norbit-S-Bausteine (in German) (1967/1968 ed.). Hamburg, Germany: Valvo GmbH. 1967. (25 pages)
• Circuit Blocks 40-Series, NORBITS 60-Series, Input/Output Devices. Philips Product Data. Philips Electronic Components and Materials Division. September 1969. 9399 261 10501.
• Grimley, Robert (2016) [2011]. "Mullard & CES - Mullard & Combined Electronic Services (CES)". Early Philips Colour TV. Archived from the original on 2017-10-27. Retrieved 2017-01-14.

• Holm, Åke. "Picture of four NORBIT 2 modules". Archived from the original on 2018-06-19. Retrieved 2018-06-19.