Capturing the design of mechanical components in VLSIs

Abstract

This paper proposes an approach for implementing mechanical computer-aided design (CAD) systems with the aid of generic, multi-purpose VLSIs, as a partial substitute for software. Although software is not eliminated, a more equitable share of tasks is reached between software and hardware, providing for faster computer execution. Two approaches are presented; the first is based on “wired-in” design rules for every permissible solution, feasible but not practical; the second an approach which is based on a “solution-base” stored in ROMs and an imbedded search algorithm to retrieve the best solution. An appropriate search algorithm, called the virtual graphic method (VGM) has been developed. The VGM solves non-linear equations without performing arithmetic operations, and is therefore fast and easily implemented in hardware such as a VLSI. A flowchart and a conceptual diagram for VLSI implementation are presented.