Automated Patching System

This paper describes the Automated Patching System (APS) which was designed and installed for the Atlantic Missile Range. This system replaces a large manual patchboard and an inquiry display board, thereby permitting rapid reconfiguration and interrogation of a large communication network. The APS consists of input/output devices for data input, functional logging, and matrix control. A unique control unit utilizing a digital processor, internally programmed for real-time operation and system control, is used as the common control. A complete system configuration is outlined with functional descriptions of each device. System requirements and other factors which contributed to the system design approach are described.