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 pottedsingle 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 germaniumalloy transistors, whereas in the 20-series siliconplanar 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]
Used to control relays using variable-length pulse sequences (as with telephone pulse dialing).
88930/30 - Input/Output unit[15] Filters an input pulse string and can drive two command circuits and two relay units Contains 1×/48, 2×/51, and 2×/57.
88930/33 - Primary pulse counting unit (dual command)[15] Can trigger two different signals via two different pulse sequences. The number of pulses that will trigger each command is configurable.
88930/36 - Dual command unit[15] Adds two additional commands to the /33.
88930/37 - Quad command unit[15] Adds four additional commands to the /33.
88930/39 - Output unit[15] Can drive two command circuits (in /36 or /37 command units) plus two /60 relay units. Contains 2×/51 and 2×/57.
88930/42 - Empty unit[15] For adding custom circuitry. Comprises an empty housing, connector, and blank circuit board.
88930/48 - Pulse shaper unit for /33 (no housing)[15]
88930/51 - Command preparation unit (no housing)[15] For providing input to command units.
^Mullard called these modules Combi-Element in the UK, whereas Philips and Valvo [de] just called them circuit blocks, but distinguished them from the original Norbit series.
^Some later datasheets distinguished between the 100 kHz series and the 1-series.
^So far, the assumed equivalence of Valvo [de]'s Norbit-S series with the Philips Norbit 2 series is based on their release date in 1967. Often, the modules of the newer families were still referred to as Norbits only.
^The modules of the 90-series were grouped into the 60-series in early datasheets.
^ ab"Prefabricated Electronic Bricks"(PDF). Wireless World. Technical Notebook. 66 (8): 374. August 1960. Retrieved 2018-06-20. […] ready-assembled circuit modules can cut down development time spent on a control-engineering or data processing problem by eliminating the work of designing individual circuits. A particular range made by Mullard are slim colour-coded plastics "boxes" of guaranteed performance specifications covering the commonly used circuit functions. Typical units are AND/OR gates, timing and relay-operating circuits called "Norbits" (for control purposes) and flip-flop, pulse shaper and inverter-amplifier stages called Combi elements (for digital circuits). By giving only a performance specification the manufacturers can take advantage of advances in techniques (for instance, complete solid-state circuits) without, at the same time, rendering obsolete existing apparatus. Transistors are used throughout, so that battery operation is reasonably economical, and the modules are designed to connect together compatibly in a manner suited to their functions. Norbits have long, flexible flying leads for use with terminal blocks while Combi-elements have short, stiff tinned wires suitable for fitting into printed wiring boards. […]
^Dokter, Folkert; Steinhauer, Jürgen (1975) [1969]. "6.5.2 Bauformen digitaler Funktionsbausteine". Digitale Elektronik in der Meßtechnik und Datenverarbeitung: Theoretische Grundlagen und Schaltungstechnik. Philips Fachbücher (in German). Vol. I (improved and extended 5th ed.). Hamburg, Germany: Deutsche Philips GmbH. pp. 281–285. ISBN3-87145-272-6. (xii+327+3 pages) (NB. The German edition of volume I was published in 1969, 1971, two editions in 1972, and 1975. Volume II was published in 1970, 1972, 1973, and 1975.)
^Semiconductors - Part 5 - Field-effect transistors(PDF). Electronic components and materials (Elcoma) - Philips Data Handbook. Philips. October 1980. Archived(PDF) from the original on 2018-06-19. Retrieved 2018-06-19. […] COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS (GREEN SERIES) […] Part 1 - July 1979 - CM107-79 - Assemblies for industrial use PLC modules, high noise immunity logic FZ/30 series, NORbits 60-series, 61-series, 90-series, input devices, hybrid integrated circuits, peripheral devices […]
^Schakelen met NORBITs (in Dutch). Philips. (NB. Brown cover.)
^ abcReuvers, Paul; Simons, Marc (2018-02-24) [2017-11-28]. "Circuit Blocks". www.cryptomuseum.com. Archived from the original on 2018-06-18. Retrieved 2018-06-17.
