Some applications of computers in electronics design

Design is seen as a complex activity requiring intellectual effort at several levels. The highest level is what we, rather loosely, call creative and corresponds with the selection (`invention¿) of potential schemes. There follows an analytical activity (`how does it work?¿) and finally a clerical operation (`how good is it?¿) which yields quantitative data on which the acceptability of the scheme is judged. Interactions occur between activities at the several levels until a satisfactory solution is achieved (or hope is given up of ever finding one). Some of the operations, primarily from the lower intellectual levels, may be handled by computer methods but very few applications are known in which the entire design process has been performed by the computer. Typical applications at the present time necessitate constant interplay between man and computer and this requirement for a man-machine partnership raises special problems in hardware and software departments. The paper identifies the roles of man and computer in typical design applications and outlines some of the special hardware, software and system techniques which have been developed. Particular computer-aided design (c.a.d.) topics in circuit design, logic design, placement and conductor layout are discussed. Finally the generality of total systems and the interfaces between the c.a.d. office and other plant activities are considered.