The applicability of computer-aided design as a system engineering tool

The morphology of design and the process of design are examined in an effort to establish a commonality between component and system design which would permit the expansion of design automation. The characteristics of a design problem that make it amenable to computer-aided design (CAD) are defined. The capabilities of CAD for the solution of these problems are analyzed and the difficulties facing the implementer outlined. It is concluded that a methodology for CAD development is essential to its use as a system engineering tool and that among the other needs are: commonality of programs, transferability of programs, better efficiency, and standardization of tools and techniques.