Bio Neural Gel Pack

Technology Data
Name	Bio Neural Gel Packs
Type	Computer
Introduced	circa 2370
Affiliation	Federation
TechStatus	Star Trek Canon
Contributor	Czarr Rom

History

Bio-neural circuitry represents the next evolution of computing in the 24th century. These "gel-packs" are composed of synthetic cerebral neurons suspended in a gel matrix. These enable the gel-packs to mimic brain functions and thus decrease reaction times. Gel-packs are banded together with old-style isolinear chips to form a top of the notch computer system. Gel-packs were introduced on Starfleet vessels beginning with the Intrepid class.

Technical Specifications

The bio-neural systems consist of a series of gel packs that contain synthetic neural fibers suspended in biomimetic gel, a gelatinous organic medium. Each pack consists of a transparent, flexible casing that contains the fluid, and a metallic interface bar at the top that can be plugged into the ship's systems, meaning that it can be swapped as easily as an isolinear chip.

The neural fibers in the gel pack are created artificially and resemble humanoid neurons, while the bioneural systems mimic the working of the human-oid brain and are significantly faster and more efficient than optical circuitry. The fibers in an individual gel pack are capable of making billions of connections, thus generating an incredibly sophisticated and responsive computing architecture.

To carry out command functions and transfer data, each neuro-grouping's internal DNA is programmed to: carry out a specific function, store and extract certain data, operate with transfer methods and exchange data. These four priorities are first preprogrammed into the primary groupings of each gel pack. Along the gel packs' circuitry extensions, neuron groupings are patterned into complex arrays in order to operate data handling and perform operations similar to a cancel-out computer subroutine. These extensions ends are also wired with independent computer wiring with an optical port in order to regulate the gel pack and provide more control over it's functions especially during emergency situations.

Storage is accomplished by bio-neural junction modules and isolinear chips and isolinear chip bays, which operate interactively without incompatability with the bio-neural network.

The gel packs can operate independently of other systems or, if necessary, they can use the isolinear cores to perform number-crunching operations and for data reference. The gel packs are used in systems throughout the U.S.S. Voyager, but their principal function is to make instantaneous navigational computations. For example, they can calculate course corrections in real time for optimal fuel consumption.

However, gel-packs suffer from one main problem not inherent in isolinear chips. It is possible for the gel-packs to become infected with various viruses, making the packs non-functional. Once these packs "catch a cold," they must be replaced.