IEE Electronics Division: Chairman´s address. Computer-aided design in electronics

The address reviews the development of computer-aided design (c.a.d.) in the last few years. In a historical introduction, the main characteristics of c.a.d. are outlined, particularly the use of interactive computing with time-sharing teletype keyboards or with c.r.t. graphics. The main applications to electronics are then reviewed, including device modelling, circuit analysis, network optimisation, logic simulation and general computing for local needs. The design of integrated circuits and their extensive use of computer aids are treated in more detail. Some less well established topics are then briefly touched on, particularly the possibilities of automatic layout of integrated and printed circuits and c.a.d. methods for large-systems design. The address continues with a section on equipment and software for c.a.d. and typical costs. It concludes with some comments on the present usefulness and limitations of c.a.d. and on trends for the immediate future. Batch processing will occupy a continuing role for large-scale calculations. The time-sharing teletype terminal is the most useful and flexible link to the computer for most applications. Interactive graphic displays are useful for layout tasks, but are still complex and expensive.