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Norbit
A morbidly obese woman wearing pink lingerie crawls on top of a terrified small man wearing big glasses. The tagline reads "Have you ever made a really big mistake"
Theatrical release poster
Directed byBrian Robbins
Screenplay by
Story by
  • Eddie Murphy
  • Charles Murphy
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyClark Mathis
Edited byNed Bastille
Music byDavid Newman
Production
companies
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release date
  • February 9, 2007 (2007-02-09)
Running time
102 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$60 million[1][2]
Box office$159 million[1]

Norbit is a 2007 American comedy film, directed by Brian Robbins, and co-written by, co-produced by, and starring Eddie Murphy. The film co-stars Thandie Newton, Terry Crews, Cuba Gooding Jr., Eddie Griffin, Katt Williams, Marlon Wayans, and Charlie Murphy.

Murphy portrays multiple roles including the eponymous Norbit and his abusive, obese wife Rasputia. Norbit, unhappily married, is reunited with his childhood sweetheart Kate, but must contend with Rasputia and her brothers and foil a sabotage plan constructed by Rasputia.

It was released by DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures on February 9, 2007. The film was a box office success, grossing $159 million worldwide against a production budget of $60 million. It received generally negative reviews from critics and was nominated for eight Golden Raspberry Awards.

Plot

[edit]

In Boiling Springs, Tennessee, childhood friends Norbit Albert Rice and Kate Thomas live at an orphanage doubling as a Chinese restaurant called The Golden Wonton owned by Mr. Hangten Wong. They also play-marry each other with Ring Pops, but are separated when Kate is adopted.

Five years later, a tough, overweight girl named Rasputia Latimore saves Norbit from bullies, and becomes his girlfriend, and then wife. Norbit is intimidated by Rasputia's three, muscular brothers Big Black Jack, Blue, and Earl, working as a bookkeeper at their construction company. The Latimore brothers also run an extortion "security business", instilling fear in most of the community, aside from Mr. Wong, who refuses to sell his business and often confronts them with weaponry.

After catching Rasputia cheating on him with her "power tap" dance instructor, Norbit insults her by calling her "The Queen of Whores" and is chased through the neighborhood. Heartbroken over the betrayal, Norbit discards his wedding ring and vents his anger at a puppet show for the orphans. Much to his surprise, Kate is in attendance. His affection reignites. She intends to purchase Mr. Wong's orphanage, and is engaged to a man named Deion Hughes.

Aided by his friends and the townspeople, Norbit meets Kate behind Rasputia's back without her knowledge. They slowly reconnect and Kate teaches Norbit to ride a bike. Deion plans to leave town, having no interest in the orphanage, but the Latimore brothers persuade him to turn it into a strip club. They dupe Norbit and Kate into renewing the restaurant's liquor license in the Latimores' name. Norbit helps Kate rehearse her wedding; a kiss between them makes her reconsider marrying Deion. Rasputia confronts Norbit, having witnessed their kiss, and threatens Kate with acid.

When Kate learns about Deion's plans, she confronts Norbit, who is being imprisoned in his basement by Rasputia, the mastermind of the duplicitous strip club plan. Norbit reluctantly insults Kate to protect her from Rasputia. Heartbroken, Kate leaves and a guilt-ridden Norbit decides to permanently leave town. However, he finds a letter from the private investigator he hired, and discovers Deion has gained $300,000 in divorce settlements from four marriages in the last six years.

The Latimores reveal their plan to Norbit and lock him in the basement again. Norbit escapes by bike, crashes the wedding, officially denounces Rasputia, and informs Kate of Deion's schemes and his own weak-willed treachery. Norbit's evidence is ruined when he falls into a pond, making Rasputia gloat. However, Norbit had contacted three of Deion's ex-wives and their children, all of whom appear, foiling the Latimores' plan and exposing Deion, who now flees.

Angered, the Latimore brothers attack Norbit, but the townspeople protect him, having been inspired by his bravery. Rasputia fights her way through the crowd and prepares to kill Norbit, but Mr. Wong harpoons her in the rear, making her flee out of town, followed by her brothers. Norbit and Kate reconcile, purchase the orphanage, and marry under the same tree where they played as children years ago.

Rasputia and the Latimores are never seen or heard from again. They are rumored to have opened their strip club "El Nipplopolis" in Mexico, where Rasputia becomes their most popular stripper.

Cast

[edit]
  • Eddie Murphy as:
    • Norbit Albert Rice, a shy, nerdy, but likable man
      • Khamani Griffin as Young Norbit (age 5)
      • Austin Reid as Young Norbit (age 10)
      • Jonathan Robinson as Young Norbit (age 17)
    • Rasputia Latimore, Norbit's morbidly obese, sadistic, abusive and tyrannical wife and Big Black Jack, Blue, and Earl's younger sister and boss
      • Lindsey Sims-Lewis as Young Rasputia (age 10)
      • Yves Lola St. Vil as Young Rasputia (age 17)
    • Mr. Hangten Wong, the gruff yet kind-hearted, Chinese owner of the orphanage where Norbit and Kate met as children
  • Thandiwe Newton as Kate Thomas, Norbit's childhood best friend, in whom he has had a lifelong romantic interest
    • China Anderson as Young Kate (age 5)
  • Cuba Gooding Jr. as Deion Hughes, Kate's fiancé
  • Terry Crews as Big Black Jack Latimore, Rasputia's eldest brother and henchman
  • Lester "Rasta" Speight as Blue Latimore, Rasputia's second eldest brother and henchman
  • Clifton Powell as Earl Latimore, Rasputia's third eldest brother and henchman
  • Eddie Griffin as Pope Sweet Jesus, an ex-pimp and Norbit's friend
  • Katt Williams as Lord Have Mercy, Pope's sidekick and Norbit's other friend
  • Anthony Russell as Sam Giovanni, the Italian owner of Giovanni's
  • Floyd Levine as Abe, the tailor
  • Michael Colyar as Morris, the barber
  • Pat Crawford Brown as Mrs. Henderson, Norbit and Rasputia's neighbor
  • Jeanette Miller as Mrs. Coleman, an elderly woman
  • Marlon Wayans as Buster "Bust-A-Move" Perkin, Rasputia's tap dancing instructor with whom Rasputia has an affair
  • Richard Gant as The Preacher
  • Alexis Rhee as Mrs. Ling Ling Wong, Mr. Wong's wife
  • Marianne Muellerleile as Helga, the epilator
  • Kristen Schaal as Event Organizer
  • John Gatins as Water Park Attendant
  • Smith Cho as Deion's Asian wife
  • Charlie Murphy (voice) as Lloyd the Dog, Mrs. Henderson's pet Pug dog (misnamed in the end credits as Floyd the Dog)

Production

[edit]

After the success of Shrek, DreamWorks co-founder and CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg signed up Eddie Murphy to star in a live-action followup, and they were looking for the right film. Norbit seemed like a good fit, a production in line with his tradition of playing multiple characters in a comedy as Murphy had done before with Coming to America and The Nutty Professor.[3] DreamWorks production president Adam Goodman brought the script to Brian Robbins and he was excited about the prospect of working with Eddie Murphy.[4] Norbit was the first of three films where director Brian Robbins and Eddie Murphy worked together; the other two would be Meet Dave and A Thousand Words.[4] Murphy wrote the story after going on the Internet to see videos "where really large women, African-American women, would beat up their tiny husbands", a concept which he found hilarious. Although Norbit was always intended to be a comedy, early drafts of the script were much darker.[5] According to Thandie Newton, during filming, the stand-ins were very convincing, and she frequently filmed scenes with them instead of Murphy.[5]

The various prosthetic makeups, bodysuits, and wigs were created by Rick Baker and his company Cinovation. Baker praised Murphy saying "He really makes the stuff come to life, and he never complains. When we did 'The Nutty Professor' [...], he spent 80-odd days in the makeup chair. As much as I love makeup, even I would have been complaining by the end, but Eddie didn't."[6]

Rick Baker wanted to work from a real life model and auditioned over a hundred extra large ladies, all with the necessary proportions. The model also needed to be able to dance. After several rounds of auditions, one lady was chosen as the life model for Rasputia and a foam latex suit was created based on her measurements. The suit's surface was painted with silicone to make it look like skin. Silicone was also used to make matching gloves. The shape of Murphy's face was changed using foam latex and pieces of silicone, which were then painted over in various tones of red, brown and yellow to create realistic looking skin tone.[7] A body double was used for some scenes, particularly the water park. Murphy with his face in makeup as Rasputia performed against green screen and his head was digitally composited onto the body double.[8]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 9% of 122 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 3.6/10. The website's consensus reads: "Coming off his Oscar-nominated performance in Dreamgirls, the talented-but-inconsistent Eddie Murphy plays three roles in Norbit, a cruel, crass, stereotype-filled comedy that's more depressing than funny."[9] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 27 out of 100, based on 26 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable" reviews.[10] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film a B grade, with under eighteens (28% of those surveyed) giving it a B+ grade.[11]

The film was released in the middle of Oscar voting season, and the overwhelmingly negative reaction is believed to have cost Murphy his Best Supporting Actor Oscar that he was nominated for that year for Dreamgirls (2006), as voters would be hesitant to vote for him after seeing this film. Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle gave the movie a positive review, suggesting that Norbit might help Murphy's chances of winning an Oscar for his role in Dreamgirls, saying that his work playing three distinct characters in Norbit is more impressive than anything he did in Dreamgirls.[12] Others suggested it might hurt his chances.[13][14][15] Ultimately, Alan Arkin won the award for Best Supporting Actor.[16][17][18][19][20]

Luke Sader of The Hollywood Reporter called it "Racially insensitive, politically incorrect and beyond crude."[21][22] Scott Tobias of The A.V. Club gave the film a grade of "F" and wrote: "It probably isn't possible for a single movie to reverse all social progress made since the civil-rights era, but Norbit, the latest broadside from Eddie Murphy, does its best to turn back the clock" and "hideously offensive black stereotypes are merely the tip of the iceberg."[23] Josh Tyler of CinemaBlend gave the movie a mostly negative review, in which he described parts of the film as "pretty despicable" and stated that "the plot relies on the idea that being fat also means you're a horrible bitch." However, he pointed out that "some of it's also kind of sweet. Eddie's really quite good as Norbit, the character is sympathetic and funny. He has a strange sort of perfect chemistry with Thandie Newton, and that's just not something I would have expected."[24]

Liz Braun of Jam! Movies described Norbit as "mostly blubber jokes about how fat Rasputia really is" but said that "the movie is not without genuine laughs. Most of those laughs are generated by the other actors." In regard to the "terrifying" character Rasputia, she went so far as to say that the film "tends to confirm one's worst suspicions about Murphy and what appears to be his general fear and loathing of women. The Rasputia gag gets a little freaky if you think about it too much. And you wouldn't want to dwell on how much Thandie Newton looks like a slender boy in her role as Norbit's true love, either. So don't."[25]

Black activists took issue with Eddie Murphy's portrayal of the character Rasputia, calling Norbit "just the latest [film built] around a black man dressing up as an unsophisticated, overweight black woman."[13] Film critic MaryAnn Johanson said it was a minstrel show and called it a "hideous stew of bigoted 'humor'".[26]

The New Yorker film critic Richard Brody praised Murphy's performances saying "playing multiple roles, Murphy unleashes, with a sense of painful revelation, a tangle of rage, cringing fear, furious power, and a sense of perpetual and unresolved outsiderness." He rated it 17th of 30 top acting performances of the 21st century.[27]

Director Brian Robbins reacted to the negative reviews claiming that "The only films that get good reviews are the ones that nobody sees. I just don't think you can make movies for critics". He also defended his star-driven, high-concept movies’ approach to filmmaking, and praised Murphy's performance, saying that "Eddie Murphy plays three amazingly different characters brilliantly. How could you not praise that? No offense to Alan Arkin, but he couldn't do what Eddie did in 'Norbit.'"[28]

Jim Emerson of RogerEbert.com agreed that filmmakers like Robbins should ignore critics, and made note of the “ancient analogy about McDonald's and food critics”. He suggested that Robbins' films "were neither designed for, nor marketed to, people who pay all that much attention to movie critics". Nonetheless, Emerson pointed out several of the top-grossing films of 2006 got both good reviews from critics and gained wide audiences.[15]

Box office

[edit]

Industry projections expected Norbit to earn about $20 million in its opening weekend,[29][2] and Paramount was projecting earnings of $25 million. The film opened to $34.2 million in the United States, and was Eddie Murphy's 14th #1 box office opener.[30][31] The film earned $95.7 million at the North American domestic box office, and $63.6 million in other markets, for a total of $159 million worldwide.[1] The film was released in the United Kingdom on March 9, 2007, and topped the country's box office for the next two weekends, before being overtaken by 300.[32][33][34]

Accolades

[edit]

Norbit was nominated for eight Golden Raspberry Awards including Worst Picture, and won three awards, all for Eddie Murphy as three different characters.[35] The film was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Makeup.[36]

Award Category Subject Result
Academy Awards[37] Best Makeup Rick Baker and Kazuhiro Tsuji Nominated
Alliance of Women Film Journalists[38] Hall of Shame Won
BET Awards[39] Best Actor Eddie Murphy (also for Dreamgirls) Nominated
Golden Raspberry Awards (2007)[35] Worst Picture John Davis, Mike Tollin and Eddie Murphy Nominated
Worst Director Brian Robbins Nominated
Worst Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. (also for Daddy Day Camp) Nominated
Eddie Murphy (as Norbit) Won
Worst Supporting Actor Eddie Murphy (as Mr. Wong) Won
Worst Supporting Actress Eddie Murphy (as Rasputia) Won
Worst Screenplay Jay Scherick, David Ronn, Charlie Murphy and Eddie Murphy Nominated
Worst Screen Couple Eddie Murphy (and either Eddie Murphy or Eddie Murphy) Nominated
Golden Raspberry Awards (2009) Worst Actor of the Decade Eddie Murphy (also for The Adventures of Pluto Nash, I Spy, Imagine That, Meet Dave, and Showtime) Won
Golden Schmoes Awards[citation needed] Worst Movie of the Year Nominated
Kids' Choice Awards[40] Favorite Male Movie Star Eddie Murphy Nominated
Women Film Critics Circle Awards[41] Most Offensive Male Character Eddie Murphy (as Rasputia) Won
Hall of Shame Won

Legacy

[edit]

In a 2025 interview with Complex's 360 with Speedy, Murphy expressed his affection for Norbit, saying, "I love Norbit." Despite the film's heavy criticism—including Razzies for Worst Actor, Worst Actress, and Worst Actor of the Decade—Murphy stood by the movie and dismissed the negative backlash. "Come on, that stuff isn't that bad," he remarked. Reflecting on the film's lasting impact, he added, "To this day, I like it. Stuff in Norbit still makes me laugh."[42]

Musician Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys called Norbit his favorite movie in a 2007 interview with Mark Voger for the Asbury Park Press.[43][44] 18 years later, Substack writer D.F. Lovett reached out to Voger to confirm the veracity of the exchange, which he did.[45] Voger later wrote on his blog about his discovery that the exchange had grown into an internet meme, with fans of Wilson dedicating their reviews of the movie to him on Letterboxd in the wake of his death that year and merchandise being sold featuring Wilson in the movie. In response to the claim that Wilson was "trolling" in his response, Voger said that he "believe[d] he meant it 'in the moment.'"[46]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The soundtrack for Norbit was released on February 6, 2007, by Lakeshore Records.[47][48]

  1. "Standing in the Safety Zone" – The Fairfield Four (2:41)
  2. "It's Goin' Down" – Yung Joc (4:03)
  3. "You Did" – Kate Earl feat. The Designated Hitters (2:26)
  4. "Sexual Healing" – Marvin Gaye
  5. "I Only Want to Be with You" – Dusty Springfield (2:37)
  6. "Milkshake" – Kelis (3:04)
  7. "Shoppin' for Clothes" – The Coasters (2:58)
  8. "Walk It Out" – Unk (2:54)
  9. "Looking for You" – Kirk Franklin (4:06)
  10. "Sweet Honey" – Slightly Stoopid (3:52)
  11. "The Hands of Time" – Perfect Circle (6:19)
  12. "Young Norbit" – David Newman (3:33)
  13. "Queen of Whores" – David Newman (:46)
  14. "Kate Returns"/"Tuesday, Tuesday" – David Newman (3:24)
  15. "Norbit Sneaks Out" – David Newman (:33)
  16. "Rasputia's Fury" – David Newman (1:44)
  17. "Norbit and Kate" – David Newman (:55)

Several songs were used in the film which do not appear on the soundtrack album, in order of appearance:

The song "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" is sung at Norbit and Rasputia's wedding party, but likewise does not appear on the soundtrack album.

Home media

[edit]

Norbit was released on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, and HD DVD on June 5, 2007.[49]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Norbit

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
NORBIT is a family of early digital logic modules developed by starting in 1960, representing one of the first solid-state alternatives to electromechanical systems in industrial control and . These modules employed (RTL) or (DTL) using discrete components, serving as building blocks for hard-wired programmed logic controllers in process control applications. Introduced with the YL 6000 series, NORBIT modules were also marketed through Philips subsidiaries like and Valvo, evolving through subsequent families such as the original NORBIT series, Combi-Element, NORBIT 2 (1967), and NORBIT-S. Their design emphasized reliability, compactness, and ease of assembly on printed circuit boards, influencing early electronic control systems before the widespread adoption of integrated circuits.

Introduction

Definition and Overview

is a family of modular digital logic components based on resistor-transistor logic (RTL) and diode-transistor logic (DTL) technologies, developed by for applications in industrial automation and control systems. These modules serve as standardized building blocks for constructing digital circuits, enabling the implementation of logic functions such as NOR and AND gates using discrete transistors, diodes, and resistors encapsulated within individual units. The primary purpose of NORBIT modules is to provide reliable, contactless alternatives to electromechanical relays in process control and measurement equipment, facilitating static switching and sequential operations in harsh industrial environments. By offering pre-assembled circuit elements that can be interconnected via plug-in connections, NORBIT simplifies system design, reduces wiring complexity, and enhances maintainability compared to custom-built relay logic. Physically, NORBIT modules are compact, encased in color-coded plastic housings that vary by series and function—for example, in the 60-series, black for certain gate elements, blue for amplifiers, and red for timers—to aid identification and assembly. Their plug-in design features rows of pins (often 10 in total) for mounting on racks, , or printed circuit boards, allowing for easy integration and replacement without . Basic operational specifications vary by series. The original 1960 YL6000 series uses supply voltages of ±24 V and operates at frequencies less than 1 kHz over a temperature range of -10 °C to +55 °C. Later developments, such as the 1965 system, support ±12 V, switching frequencies up to 80 kHz, and temperatures to +50 °C; the 2 series (1967) extends to 1 MHz and +85 °C.

Historical Significance

NORBIT emerged amid the post-World War II electronics boom, as expanded into modular digital logic to address the rising demands in and utilities during the . This period saw accelerating adoption for industrial use, shifting reliance from mechanical systems toward more efficient electronic controls. Introduced in 1960, NORBIT represented a pivotal advancement in the transition from analog to digital control systems, offering transistorized modules designed for rugged industrial environments. Developed by and distributed through European subsidiaries such as in the and Valvo in , it targeted applications requiring reliable, scalable logic without bespoke engineering. The system's historical significance stems from its role in replacing relay-based setups with contactless static switches, which eliminated mechanical wear, sparking, heat dissipation, and maintenance needs while operating consistently in harsh conditions like , , or corrosive atmospheres. This innovation reduced system failure rates and wiring complexity, enabling cost-effective digital automation in sectors such as process control, lifts, and food processing. Over time, NORBIT's modular approach laid groundwork for later technologies, though it remained prominent in until the late .

Development History

Origins and Early Development

ASA was founded in 1995 in , , as a developer of tailored technology solutions for niche markets. The company initially focused on high-performance navigation receivers for applications, marking its entry into specialized sensor and . Early operations emphasized research, development, and sales of client-specific and dual-branded products, leveraging 's technology ecosystem to address complex challenges in and related sectors. In 2001, Per Jørgen Weisethaunet became CEO, providing leadership that guided the company's expansion. To support growth in contract , NORBIT acquired a production facility in in 2009, enhancing its capabilities in assembly. This period laid the foundation for diversification into marine and connectivity technologies, with a focus on sustainable innovation. By 2010, the company entered a significant growth phase, achieving an average annual revenue increase of over 30% through market-driven product development and international exports, which soon accounted for more than 80% of sales to over 60 countries. Further vertical integration came in 2012 with the acquisition of a in Selbu, strengthening for product innovation and realization services.

Key Milestones and Evolutions

NORBIT's evolution accelerated in the with strategic expansions across its three business segments: Oceans, Connectivity, and Product Innovation & Realization (PIR). In 2011, the Connectivity segment gained market leadership in Norway's electronic tolling systems, capturing over 80% of tender volumes and establishing NORBIT as a key player in technologies. The company listed on the in June 2019 under the ticker NORBT, enabling further capital for acquisitions and R&D. The 2020s brought technological advancements and inorganic growth. In 2020, NORBIT launched the WINGHEAD sonar platform, a wideband multibeam system for high-resolution bathymetry in hydrographic surveys. This was followed in 2021 by the GuardPoint surveillance sonar for security applications. Acquisitions bolstered capabilities: in 2021, NORBIT acquired 65% of Kilmore Marine Ltd (subsea technologies) and 100% of iData (); in 2022, it purchased Nicarnica Aviation AS and Aursund Maskinering AS for and enhancements. By 2023, revenue reached 1,519 million, a 30% increase from 2022, driven by 35% growth in Oceans and 75% in Connectivity, with acquisitions including Ping Digital Signal Processing Inc., Seahorse Geomatics Inc., and CPS AS. As of the first half of 2025, revenues had grown 46% year-over-year to 1,206 million, reflecting continued expansion in systems and global distribution. NORBIT's trajectory emphasizes sustainable technologies, with 75% of 2023 turnover aligned to EU Taxonomy for environmentally sustainable activities.

Technical Foundations

Logic Technologies Employed

The original NORBIT series utilized Resistor-Transistor Logic (RTL), a fundamental digital consisting of NOR gates built from discrete and resistor networks. In RTL, input signals connect through resistors to the base of a multi-emitter transistor, producing an output that goes low only when all inputs are high, thereby implementing the NOR function. This simple configuration offered propagation delays of approximately 10 to 50 ns, suitable for early industrial control applications. Subsequent NORBIT families transitioned to Diode-Transistor Logic (DTL) to address limitations in RTL, such as poor noise margins and limited . DTL incorporates diodes at the inputs for and isolation, which prevents loading effects on preceding stages and improves threshold stability by defining clear voltage transition points. This enabled of up to 10 standard loads per gate, enhancing scalability in modular systems. Propagation delays in DTL remained comparable to RTL at around 20 to 50 ns, with the added benefit of higher . Certain NORBIT modules integrated hybrid elements, merging RTL or DTL cores with dedicated transistor amplifiers to provide sufficient current drive for interfacing with relays, lamps, or other electromechanical devices. These amplifiers boosted output signals without altering the core logic behavior, allowing seamless integration into mixed analog-digital environments. Early NORBIT series operated on bipolar supplies of ±12 V, with logic high levels from +6 V to +12 V and logic low from 0 V to +1.8 V. Later series, including the 60 series, used single-rail positive supplies of 12 V ±5% or 24 V ±25% for compatibility with industrial setups.

Design Standards and Specifications

NORBIT modules adhere to standardized mechanical designs that facilitate easy integration into industrial systems. The modules employ transfer-molded encapsulation for robust packaging, typically in Size A dimensions of 50.8 mm × 35.6 mm × 7.6 mm, with some variants like the PA 60 using Size B of similar proportions. Color-coding distinguishes functional types, such as black for twin NOR gates (2.NOR 60), blue for input amplifiers (2.IA 60) and power amplifiers (PA 60), red for timer units (TU 60), and green for scale flip-flops (2.SF 60). Mounting is versatile, supporting installation on printed-wiring boards, Mounting UMC 60 via 3 mm screws, or direct adaptation for industrial panels. Electrically, NORBIT modules operate on a single-rail supply of 24 V ±25% or 12 V ±5%, employing positive logic for broad compatibility across module families. Power consumption ranges from approximately 50 to 200 mW per module, exemplified by the 2.NOR 60 at 3.2 mA (∼77 mW at 24 V) and higher for amplifiers like the PA 60 at 18.8 mA (∼451 mW at 24 V). Input/output interfaces ensure interoperability, with outputs capable of driving multiple drive units (e.g., 6 D.U. for 2.NOR 60 at 24 V), and power modules incorporate surge protection limiting positive transients to 10 V for 10 µs. Environmental specifications suit demanding industrial environments, with operating temperatures from -10°C to +70°C and storage from -40°C to +85°C. Modules withstand vibration per IEC 68 Test Fb (10–500 Hz, 0.75 mm , 10 g acceleration for 3 hours in three axes) and shock per Method 202B (50 g, three blows per axis), ensuring reliability in vibrating machinery settings. Supporting accessories enhance system assembly and power delivery. Racks like the UMC 60 accommodate up to 6 Size A or 3 Size B modules in a compact chassis. units such as the PSU 60/61 deliver 18–30 V DC at 500 mA, with an optional +100 V at 25 mA output for specialized needs. Interconnections utilize mini wire-wrapping (0.3 mm wire), , or printed-wiring boards like the PWB 62 with F054 connectors for reliable signal routing.

Module Families

Original NORBIT Series

The Original series, developed by and introduced in 1960, represented an early implementation of modular digital logic using resistor-transistor logic (RTL) technology for industrial control applications. These modules were housed in potted single in-line packages with flying leads, enabling simple combinational and sequential circuits without the mechanical wear of relay systems. The series emphasized reliability in harsh environments, such as dust or humidity, due to its static switching design with no moving parts. The YL 6000 series formed the core of basic RTL gates, providing foundational building blocks for logic operations. Key examples include the YL6000, a 2-input used for primary inversion and gating functions; the YL6001, functioning as an inverter for signal negation; and the YL6004, a for combined AND-inversion logic. Overall, the series encompassed 10-12 variants tailored for arithmetic operations like adders and control functions such as decoding, allowing designers to construct custom circuits through interconnection on printed boards. These modules operated at logic levels of approximately 0-0.3 V for low and 8.3-11.4 V for high states, with power supplies of 12 Vdc or 24 Vdc. Complementing the logic gates, the YL 6100 series focused on sequential elements for timing and counting tasks. Notable variants included the YL6101 monostable multivibrator for pulse generation and delay applications, and the YL6103 decade counter for decimal sequencing in control systems. This series extended the original's capabilities to handle state-dependent operations, such as flip-flops and registers, while maintaining compatibility with the YL 6000 modules for integrated designs. For interfacing with electromechanical components, the 88930 relay series provided hybrid modules that bridged digital logic to outputs, essential for legacy industrial setups. Examples include the 88930/30 driver for direct actuation and the 88930/48 optocoupler for isolated signal transfer, preventing noise coupling. Comprising 12 variants, these modules supported output control functions like for variable timing, often used in applications requiring variable-length pulses, such as dialing interfaces. Performance across the original series was suited to simple circuits, with switching speeds reaching up to 1 kHz under optimal conditions, though practical industrial use was often limited to lower frequencies like 100 Hz. This constrained the modules to basic combinational and , paving the way for later evolutions toward more modular designs.

Combi-Element Series

The Combi-Element Series, developed by and marketed by in the mid-1960s, represented a significant evolution in the modular logic system by introducing modules with integrated multiple logic functions. This series, spanning the 1-, 10-, and 20-series, embodied the "Combi-Element" concept, which combined several gates or sequential elements into single units to achieve denser, more efficient circuit layouts for industrial control applications. These modules used resistor-transistor logic (RTL) and were housed in single in-line packages with standardized pinning, facilitating plug-in assembly on printed circuit boards or custom panels. The 1-series, identified by the B890000 designation, focused on basic combinational and simple with approximately 20 variants tailored for core operations in digital systems. Key examples include the B893000 module, which integrates a twin 3-input for performing multiple conjunction operations within one unit, and the 2P72729 JK flip-flop, enabling toggle and set-reset functions essential for basic state storage. These modules operated reliably at supply voltages around 5-15 , supporting the foundational building blocks for larger logic networks. Building on the 1-series, the 10-series emphasized advanced sequential circuitry for timing-critical tasks. Representative modules include the 2P73701 flip-flop (designated FF10), a versatile bistable element for edge-triggered operations; the 2P73703 bistable , which provided stable two-state switching with built-in trigger gates; the one-shot for generating precise pulses; and the unit for delay functions in control sequences. This series enhanced NORBIT's utility in sequential machines by reducing component count through combined trigger and storage elements. The 20-series delivered high-speed enhancements, optimized for faster signal processing in complex applications. For instance, the 2P73710 quad inverter module incorporated four independent NOT gates, allowing efficient signal inversion and buffering at frequencies up to 1 MHz— a marked improvement over earlier NORBIT modules. These upgrades supported intricate state machines and high-throughput logic, with propagation delays typically under 100 ns, while preserving the series' emphasis on modularity and reliability in harsh industrial environments.

NORBIT 2 and NORBIT-S Series

The NORBIT 2 series, introduced in the late by and , represented an evolution in modular digital logic systems using resistor-transistor logic (RTL) technology, designed primarily for industrial control applications requiring robustness in harsh environments. The core 60-series modules formed the foundation of this family, offering standardized building blocks for constructing logic circuits with high reliability against environmental stresses such as , variations, and electrical . Key components included the MC60 mounting card, which provided a standardized for securing up to 10 modules, and the UMC60 universal module, a versatile unit allowing integration of custom discrete components alongside RTL gates for tailored functionality. These modules emphasized mechanical durability, with epoxy-potted constructions and gold-plated contacts to ensure long-term operation in demanding settings like factory . The 61-series complemented the 60-series by addressing power distribution and interfacing needs, enabling scalable system designs. Central to this was the PSU61 unit, which delivered multiple regulated outputs including +24 V at 500 mA for logic operations and +100 V at 25 mA for high-voltage applications, supporting up to 20 modules per unit while maintaining stable performance under load variations. Electrical characteristics across the 60- and 61-series included a maximum clock speed of 10 kHz and a capability of 10, allowing efficient signal propagation without amplification in typical control chains. Representative logic modules in the 60-series, such as the 2NOR60 dual and 4NOR60 quad , provided basic inverting logic functions, while the 2SF60 served as a twin inverter amplifier for , all operating within a supply range of 24 V DC and exhibiting low power dissipation of under 100 mW per module. The NORBIT-S designation applied to the 90-series, a specialized subset optimized for security and control systems with enhanced noise rejection features, such as integrated filtering to handle in sensitive environments. These modules included relay drivers for actuating electromechanical loads and pulse shapers like the B896000, which conditioned input signals into clean pulses for timing-critical operations, alongside the FF90 flip-flop for and the 2TG90 twin-trigger gate for event detection. With improved input thresholds and shielding, the 90-series achieved greater immunity to transients compared to the base 60-series, making it suitable for applications like and alarm systems. Overall, the NORBIT 2 and NORBIT-S families encompassed approximately 15-20 module variants, supplemented by the PCB60 for custom wiring and integration of non-standard elements, facilitating flexible expansions beyond pre-built .

Applications and Usage

Industrial Control Implementations

NORBIT modules found primary application in sequence control for assembly lines and process automation within industries such as manufacturing and utilities. In assembly line operations, modules like the Linear Incremental Positioner (LIP 1) enabled revolution counting and angular positioning for precise machine synchronization, facilitating automated workflows in metal-forming and production environments. Case examples illustrate NORBIT's deployment across sectors. In power stations, the Thyristor Trigger Module (TTM) series, often configured with four units, provided interfacing for mains switching and , ensuring reliable monitoring and operation of electrical systems. For HVAC applications, Timer Units (TU 60) delivered delayed outputs adjustable via external resistors and capacitors, supporting timed sequences in heating and ventilation controls. Additionally, proximity detectors like the EPD60 integrated with NORBIT logic for feedback in automated detection tasks, such as metal part positioning in assembly processes. NORBIT systems were assembled by plugging standardized modules into racks or printed wiring boards, emulating ladder-logic functions through NOR-based logic gates and building blocks. This modular approach, using components like 4.NOR 60 for multi-input operations and PA 60 for load amplification up to 1 A at 30 V, minimized point-to-point wiring and reduced complexity compared to traditional setups, with less than cable-based connections. Adoption of the 60-series was prominent in European industrial automation from the mid-1960s onward, particularly in environments requiring robust, contactless switching, such as corrosive settings in chemical processing. Integration with sensors, including photo-electric detectors (CSPD) and magnetic proximity devices (MPD), enabled closed-loop feedback for dynamic control in batch processes and monitoring systems.

Advantages Over Relay Systems

The solid-state design of NORBIT modules offered substantial reliability improvements over electromechanical relay systems by eliminating mechanical components prone to wear, such as contacts and moving parts. This absence of physical degradation resulted in significantly higher mean time between failures (MTBF) for NORBIT systems compared to typical relays under industrial conditions. NORBIT's modular enhanced cost and space efficiency, enabling scalable configurations that reduced installation and wiring expenses while minimizing physical footprint—for instance, supporting numerous logic functions within compact rack units, in contrast to the large cabinets required for equivalent setups. In terms of performance, provided faster switching speeds on the order of microseconds versus the delays of , along with greater flexibility through module selection for reprogramming logic without extensive rewiring. Additionally, NORBIT addressed key limitations of relay systems, such as arcing, pitting, and contact bounce, via diode-transistor logic (DTL) isolation that ensured clean, contactless signal transitions and improved noise immunity in harsh industrial environments.

Legacy and Collectibility

Discontinuation and Preservation

The production of modules was phased out as the rise of monolithic integrated circuits, such as the 74-series TTL, enabled higher levels of integration at significantly lower costs compared to discrete module systems. This shift rendered modular logic technologies like increasingly obsolete for industrial and control applications. The rapid market transition to microprocessors offered programmable versatility and reduced component counts for complex logic tasks. modules have since gained collectible status among vintage electronics hobbyists and historians, valued for their role in early digital . Preservation efforts include online archives hosting original documentation, such as the Norbits.pdf handbook and Mullard_Combi_Misc.pdf compilation of datasheets and application notes. Vintage NORBIT units occasionally appear on auction platforms, where they are sought for retro computing restorations, educational demonstrations of pre-IC logic design, or as display pieces in collections of historical .

Influence on Subsequent

The NORBIT family of modules acted as an important precursor to programmable logic controllers (PLCs). These early modules, particularly the NORBIT 2 series introduced in 1967, employed plug-in cards with discrete components such as resistors, diodes, and transistors to implement , NAND, NOR, and XOR logic functions for combinational and sequential control in process industries like and . By offering a reliable, solid-state replacement for electromechanical relays, NORBIT reduced maintenance needs and demonstrated the advantages of electronic modularity, which informed the of early PLCs, enabling software reconfiguration without hardware rewiring. NORBIT's design legacy emphasized standardized plug-in modularity, allowing users to assemble custom logic circuits on racks or panels with interchangeable components, a concept that carried forward into subsequent electronics standards. In educational contexts, NORBIT modules were incorporated into training programs for industrial engineers and technicians, facilitating hands-on learning of digital logic principles in automation settings during the late 1960s and 1970s. These programs, often supported by Philips and Mullard documentation, taught the assembly of control sequences using basic gates, bridging practical relay experience with emerging solid-state techniques and preparing professionals for the transition to transistor-transistor logic (TTL) and integrated circuit (IC) technologies. More broadly, NORBIT contributed to the evolution from discrete transistor assemblies to integrated circuits in industrial automation by evolving its own lineup—from passive and transistor-based modules in the 1960s, including the NORBIT 2 series in 1967 and the 60-series, to IC implementations in the 90-series during the late 1960s and early 1970s—while preserving modularity for rugged environments. This progression highlighted the scalability of digital logic for real-time process control, influencing the integration of ICs into automation hardware and accelerating the adoption of compact, programmable systems that combined reliability with reduced size and power consumption.

References

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