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The duotronic computer system, in the Federation, which was a revolutionary technological advancement which was designed and developed by Doctor Richard Daystrom in 2243. (TOS episode: "The Ultimate Computer")

Development[]

The origin of duotronics began in 2229 when Daystrom, aged 10, produced the first practical mathematical study of the relationship between subatomic structure and data processing. (ST reference: Spaceflight Chronology; TOS novel: Final Frontier)

When Daystrom and his associate, William Abramson, eventually made the breakthrough in 2243, they were awarded the Nobel and Zee-Magnees Prizes for his efforts. Following their pioneering work, the duotronics systems were perfected and upgraded by Cygnian scientists. (TOS episode: "The Ultimate Computer"; FASA RPG module: The Federation)

Though duotronic hardware itself represented a gigantic leap forward in computing technology, Daystrom's most significant innovation was utilizing a symmetrical subspace field to accelerate time inside the computer core. This resulted in a greater amount of subjective time to run processes within the computer itself, greatly increasing computational speed as observed from the outside. (Star Trek Adventures module: Discovery (2256-2258) Campaign Guide)

Early components of the duotronic systems were A3 interface modules and model 83 logic integrators. (TOS novel: The Rift)

Introduction and enhancement[]

Because of the revolutionary nature of duotronics, which allowed for faster computer processing time and greater accuracy, Starfleet immediately began to incorporate the system into their new starships such as the upcoming Constitution-class, as well as installing them aboard older starships, such as the Baton Rouge-class. Another component, the transtator, which replaced 20th century transistor units, was compatible with this technology. It was a vital to many Federation devices (communicators, etc.) during this time. (ST reference: Spaceflight Chronology; TOS novel: Final Frontier; ST reference: The Worlds of the Federation; TOS episode: "Space Seed"; TOS episode: "A Piece of the Action")

Interestingly, while the introduction of the advanced duotronic systems were welcomed across the Federation, a Vulcan political group known as the Binaries opposed the systems introduction. (ST novel: Avenger)

Following the development of duotronics, Leo Brownwell formulated a combination of dilithium thrust with duotronics which allowed for continuous warp drive to be developed. (TOS novel: Final Frontier)

In 2249, Dr. Daystrom discovered that if the subspace field surrounding a duotronic core was improperly aligned and calibrated, the computer would generate output from data which had not been collected. Upon investigation, it was determined that this anomalous information was "leaking in" from "nearby" or adjacent parallel universes and subspace layers. This application of duotronic technology was immediately classified, but further research was allowed under special circumstances. One such project led to Dr. Paul Stamets' discovery of a dimensionally close subspace domain that he called the mycelial realm. (Star Trek Adventures module: Discovery (2256-2258) Campaign Guide)

By the 2250s, Daystrom wanted to build upon his success with the duotronics system by using the technology to develop a multitronic system. His first design, the M-1 computer, was designed and built on reference stardate 1/83, but its many flaws led to it being abandoned and extensively revised. (ST reference: Spaceflight Chronology) Around this decade, Robert April credited Daystrom as the scientist who "married" Constitution-class bridge controls to Larry Marvick's warp engines. (TOS novel: Best Destiny)

By 2268, Daystrom had developed a functioning prototype known as the M-5 computer. Unfortunately, a test of the system aboard the USS Enterprise proved to be a spectacular failure, and the multitronic system was abandoned, with duotronics still being favored. (TOS episode: "The Ultimate Computer")

As the century progressed, duotronic systems became more and more advanced, such as the M-7 (Mark VII) photon torpedo guidance system. However, the system was eventually replaced by the development of isolinear circuitry in the 24th century. (TNG episode: "Relics"; ST reference: Mr. Scott's Guide to the Enterprise)

External link[]

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