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Computer
System
The main computer system of any
Starfleet vessel is arguably the most important single system used
in the operation of the ship other than the crew. In many
respects, the computer network is the central nervous system of
the starship, and in many respects, is responsible for the
operation and maintenance of every single system aboard the
starship.
Crew interface for the computer
system is maintained through the Library Computer and Retrieval
System, or LCARS. The LCARS provides both tactile and auditory
input for the users, incorporating highly specialized artificial
intelligence subroutines and graphic displays for maximum ease of
usage.
Number of computer cores
Two; The primary core one occupies
space on decks 7, 8 and 9 far astern. The secondary, emergency
core is much smaller than the first and is located adjacent to
Environmental Control on Deck 16.
The Core elements are based on FTL
nanoprocessor units arranged into optical translator clusters of
1,024 segments. In turn, each cluster is grouped into processing
modules composed of 256 clusters controlled by a bank of sixteen
isolinear chips. Each core comprises seven primary and three upper
levels, each level containing an average of four modules.
Type of computer cores The updated Computer cores found on
the Akira-class are newer versions of the Galaxy Class Isolinear
Processing cores. The system is powered by a smaller, regulated
EPS conduit directly from the warp core. Cooling of the isolinear
loop is accomplished by a regenerative liquid nitrogen loop, which
has been refit to allow a delayed-venting heat storage unit for
"Silent Running." For missions, requirements on the computer core
rarely exceed 45-50% of total core processing and storage
capacity. The rest of the core is utilized for various scientific,
tactical, or intelligence gathering missions - or to backup data
in the event of a damaged core. Each core incorporates miniature
subspace generators, which creates a symmetrical, nonpropulsive,
field distortion of 3350 millicochranes within the
faster-than-light (FTL) core elements. This permits data to be
processed and passed at rates far exceeding the speed of light.
Core Memory Main memory storage for the primary
computer core is provided by 2,048 dedicated modules of 144
isolinear optical storage chips. Under LCARS software control,
these modules provide access to memory averaging around 4600
kiloquads/second. Total storage capacity of each module is about
630,000 kiloquads, depending on the current LCARS software
configuration.
Sub-processors A network of 200 quaditronic optical
sub-processors is distributed throughout the ship, augmenting the
main cores. Within the habitable volume of the ship, most of these
sub-processors are located near main corridor junctions for easy
service and updating. While these sub-processors do not employ
faster-than-light elements, the distributed processing networks
improves over all system response and provides redundancy in
emergency situations.
Both the Bridge and the Tactical
Information Center have 30 dedicated sub-processors, allowing for
the operation of ship’s systems and flight operations in the event
of computer core failure. These sub-processors are linked to the
main computer cores through several redundant, protected optical
data network trunks, as well as through ultra-high frequency radio
(RF) links, providing even emergency data communications with the
bridge.
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