Data crystal chip: Difference between revisions

A '''data crystal chip''', often referred to as a '''data crystal''',<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 402'' (2010 edition)</ref> a '''memory crystal''',<ref name="fs157">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 157'' (2010 edition)</ref> or a '''data chip''',<ref>'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''', ''page 211''</ref> is a file storage and transfer device akin to 21st-century memory cards. They could store the [[Riemann matrix]] of a [[artificial intelligence]] or immense amounts of data. The data chips were composed of silicon and crystal.<ref name="gl225">'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 225''</ref> Although most data chips are the size of a small [[Wikipedia:matchbook|matchbook]],<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 265''</ref> some may be smaller than a thumb.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 13''</ref> A pea-sized data crystal chip variant was used to store [[Artificial intelligence#"Micro" AI|"micro" AI]]s, like [[Jerrod]]. They were compatible with a [[Portable computer|laptop]]'s auxiliary reader port and could connect to the laptop's [[holography|holographic]] projector.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 147''</ref>

Data crystal chips are often used to store data that cannot be sent via wireless transmissions because of the data's sensitive or complex nature. They are used by the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] to store navigation data, weapons data, and strategic and tactical intelligence.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[The Mona Lisa]]", ''page 169''</ref> Data crystal chips can also be used to house the [[Riemann matrix]] of an [[artificial intelligence]] construct, even one of starship-grade. A data crystal was considered the physical entity of an AI.<ref name="gl225"/> [[Smart AI|"Smart" AIs]] of high importance have a matrix fail-safe that will either destroy the data crystal or render it useless when activated.<ref name="fs157"/> Despite this, [[Catherine Halsey|Doctor Catherine Halsey]]'s personal AI, [[Kalmiya]], was able to reconstruct a fragment of [[SPARTAN-III program|erased information]] from trace ionization that was taken from [[Araqiel]]'s data chip, after Halsey initiated his fail-safe.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 159'' (2010 edition)</ref>

With the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] and subsequent versions of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]], a data crystal chip containing an AI matrix can be inserted into the [[SPARTAN Program|Spartan]] wearer's neural interface; this allows the AI and Spartan to synchronize on a mental level, coordinating the supersoldier's reflexes to an even greater degree.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref> A data crystal chip may also be physically inserted into the systems of a [[Covenant]] [[Covenant fleet|fleet]] warships or military space stations to allow the AI to infiltrate the ship's [[Covenant battle network|battle network]] and take control of the ship's systems.<ref>'''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''', ''page 219''</ref><ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 77'' (2010 edition)</ref> When a smart AI, [[Black-Box]], was inserted into the systems of ''[[Pious Inquisitor]]'', the AI instantly absorbed all the ship's information in the vessel's data banks and transferred it to his data chip.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 225''</ref> Data crystal chips can also be inserted into numerous terminals and consoles on [[Forerunner]] structures, including [[Installation 04]]<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[Assault on the Control Room]]''</ref> and [[Requiem]].<ref>'''[[Halo 4]]''', campaign level ''[[Requiem (level)|Requiem]]''</ref> An [[armored matrix]] may be used to transport and protect an AI's data crystal chip; this is often done when no [[holotank]] is available.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 317'' (2003 edition); ''page 354'' (2010 edition)</ref>