1.3 Computer & Control Systems
A self-healing bio-neural gel-pack computer core with isolinear hard-backup, governing every shipboard system through the LCARS interface.
The Meridian is run by a third-generation bio-neural computer core: a distributed network of gel-pack nodes — the organic processing technology first fielded on the Intrepid class — that routes and prioritises data far faster than purely isolinear architecture and degrades gracefully under damage rather than failing hard. A full isolinear core is retained as an independent hard backup, isolated from the bio-neural net so that a contaminant or cascade in one cannot reach the other.
Systems architecture
The core sits at the hub of the ship's systems, governing propulsion, tactical, sensors, environmental and transporter subsystems over redundant optical data network trunks. Control is presented through the standard Library Computer Access and Retrieval System (LCARS), with bridge, battle-bridge and engineering able to assume master control of any subsystem.
Power distribution
The electro-plasma system (EPS) carries warp plasma to every major load through a meshed grid; isolation junctions let engineering reroute around battle damage automatically, and the grid is sized to run the full sensor and weapons suite simultaneously at sustained warp.