Saturn V Instrument Unit Pulse Code Modulation / Digital Data Acquisition System Assembly, measuring 9″ x 8.75″ x 13.5″, with the top plate bearing a NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center parts label: “PCM / DDAS, Assy No. 50Z13005-025, Mod. No. 301, Contr. No. NAS 8-14000, Accept Date Jan ‘74, Serial No. 430, WT (LB.) 28.25, Mfd. By Brown Engineering Co.” The front and back of the unit feature a total of nine ports, and both the middle and bottom sections can be opened via rotatable latches to reveal the internal parts. In fine condition, with scattered marks and scuffs.
The Saturn V Instrument Unit (IU) was a critical component of the Saturn V rocket, which was used in the Apollo program to send astronauts to the Moon. The Instrument Unit housed various electronic systems that controlled the rocket's guidance, navigation, and control functions. One of the components within the IU was the Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) / Digital Data Acquisition System (DDAS) Assembly, which was responsible for converting analog sensor data from various instruments on the rocket into digital signals that could be processed by the onboard computers. It played a crucial role in collecting and transmitting data related to the rocket's position, velocity, attitude, acceleration, and other important parameters during its flight.
From The Peter Gerry Collection.
