Computer Assisted Design (1980s)

[Music] There are many steps between an idea and a finished product. Designing and drafting are demanding. Mistakes are costly. Each task can be both complicated and timeconuming. Engineers and designers faced with finding ways to make the process faster, more accurate, efficient, and economical turn to the computer. [Music] Interactive graphic systems were first applied to the electronic design and drafting areas. The use of these computer aided techniques has simplified the design process for numerous printed wiring boards. The success of this design and drafting system prompted investigations into further uses of the computer and now many aspects of design, drafting and manufacturing are aided by the computer. One Sandy application of computer assisted design is with printed wiring boards which demand tight tolerances and complex circuitry. First, the engineer analyzes the components he plans to incorporate in the new printed wiring board. If the board is complex, he may make a rough sketch or schematic. The engineer and designer review the components and determine the exact printed wiring board size. The designer then takes this parts list to the graphic system and begins to lay out the various circuits. Most of the components he will use are already stored in the computer's memory. Special components can be added quickly. [Music] Specific areas of the circuit board can be enlarged to allow him easy assessment of problem areas. The designer can then modify, add to, or delete any item displayed. This computerass assisted design system offers many alternatives for even the most complicated printed wiring boards. When the printed wiring board is completed, the information These stations will be interconnected with a large capacity computer system. Designers and engineers will be able to exchange information easily and quickly through their computer terminals without having to transfer the design data to magnetic tape or paper. [Music] both. Engineers and designers have found that computers are no longer a convenience. They are a necessity. With these systems, tomorrow's products are being shaped today. [Music] Oh, [Music]