Future of the Component Parts Field

Increasingly complex electronic systems are creating the need for greater numbers of components, with consequent serious problems of systems reliability and maintenance. Rockets, satellites and space vehicles demand small, lightweight, highly reliable electronic equipment. It is noted that miniaturized assemblies, integrated circuits, and functional solid-state devices provide solutions to these critical demands. Opinions are offered as to the time scale of availability of these new approaches. However, a continuing need for conventional parts in certain applications is noted, and possible trends in further development of several kinds are discussed. To derive maximum benefits inherent in the application of truly functional devices, the necessity of changes in points of view and design philosophies of both systems and device engineers is indicated. Certain factors other than those of a technical nature are considered which may have an important influence on the rate of transition from classical components to functional entities. Finally it is opined that the device engineer of the future should have a breadth and depth of intellectual disciplines which not only allows him to appreciate systems objectives, but also enables him to implement these objectives by functional devices through the media of basic properties of substances.