On optimum relations between circuit elements and logical symbols in the design of electronic calculators

The paper deals first with the main units required in a high-speed calculator, this treatment being functional rather than engineering in character and designed to familiarize readers with the detailed discussion to follow. Some typical examples of units of a calculator are next examined and possible means of representing such units in terms of logical symbols discussed. The means by which such logical symbols can be transformed into engineering details are then considered, and it is shown that certain types of logical unit lead to great complexity of real circuit equivalents, whilst other types of symbol adapt themselves particularly well to engineering realities. The paper concludes with a description of a suggested logical notation for computer elements which is such that a small number of basic standard ¿building blocks¿ can be combined together to form units of any desired functional complexity with some assurance that the resulting whole will operate in a reliable manner.