Solid State Software Modules™

The TI-58 and TI-59 calculators introduced a novelty, the Solid State Software Modules™ with up to 5000 program steps. On the backside of the TI-58/59 you'll note a small lid with a place for a module. 

The Master Library, known as "Module -1-", with 25 different programs was included with the TI-58, TI-58C, and TI-59. Twelve additional Solid State Software Modules™, known as "Module -2- to -13-" were available from Texas Instruments as Standard Modules.

Due to the innovative module concept this calculator was used a lot for application specific purposes. To give an idea of this products view the six insurance fee calculators from Agrippina, Allianz , Lloyd, LVM, Nordstern, and Victoria. Don't miss the Bossard, CAL-Q-TAX, EDF, incotax, tax planner and Chrysler calculators. The Pool Water Analysis module used a standard TI-58C with a keyboard mask instead the customized keyboard arrangements of the above mentioned products, while the Kodak Q-700 Program Adapter used a snap-on protection cover for the TI-59. Some of these Commercial Applications were available as a complete solution including the calculator or just the plain Solid State Software Modules™.

We know few Government Applications, e.g. the USMC Harrier Flight computer and some odd modules for the M29 81mm Mortar labelled "Special Situation".

Don't miss the even greater program collection for the TI-59 resulting from the Professional Program Exchange (PPX-59) initiative started in 1978.

The Solid State Software Modules™ are featured in the Texas Instruments Incorporated bulletins 1033659, 1105618 and 1103793 dated 1979, 1980 resp. 1981.

If you have additions to the above article please email: joerg@datamath.org.

© Joerg Woerner, April 25, 2002. No reprints without written permission.