...aboard
the starship Voyager consists of "biogel packs." The network is faster
than the Enterprise-D's Computer core. The
Enterprise's
core
is encased in a subspace field to allow the optical circuitry to operate
faster than light. The gel packs composing the bioneural computer network
are located in a main core on the Voyager. They are not encased
in a subspace field. A computer core similar to the one on the Enterprise
would
be too big to fit into Voyager, so they had to revolutionize the
computer system to have a computer with equal capability. A "neural network"
is a computer designed to function like the human brain.
"Bio-neural"
circuitry is made of organic substances that function as a learning machine.
The circuitry a synthesized neuron grouping modeled on a very large computer
to act as a shipwide organic "brain." Neurons are efficient transmitters,
but, like any organic being, they must be continuously fed with nutrient
solutions or they will die.
The neurons
may be fed with electrical power or other readily available energy. A low
DC voltage that reverts food into a usable form could "feed" a gel pack.
The gel pack would convert the energy in food during normal operation.
A circulatory system could fuel the packs. Neuron activity is faster than
cell metabolism for data processing, but the artificial neurons would need
a cell metabolism to survive, including programmed DNA to control all activity.
Isolinear chips
remain as resident backup. Nothing has to be physically replaced for the
ICs to be brought on-line.
Because of
its bio-neural network, the computer on the starsbip Voyager
may
develop consciousness and experience dreams. It is subject to disease and
even potential emotional disorders.
Isolinear
Chips
Nanotechnical
devices that serve for data and software storage. Optical signal processing
is employed in isolinear chips, and signal transfer is enabled when installed
in a starship's computer core. Isolinear chips also serve as portable storage
devices.