Design and Application of Static Logic Directors

Abstract

A digital computer program written by Westinghouse engineers aids the design of new static logic systems for metal mills. The computer program accepts logic equations specifying the functions to be performed. The program generates circuit drawings of logic circuitry plus paper tape for controlling an automatic wiring machine. The automatic wiring machine wires the back panel receptacles for plug-in cards which contain the integrated-circuit AND/NAND logic elements. The design engineer determines functional requirements to be performed by the logic circuits. He expresses these requirements in convenient logic statement form and adds comments on circuit functioning. Logic and comment statements are keypunched for input to the computer. The computer analyzes the equations, converts the functions to AND/ NAND logic circuits and generates the punched-paper tape required by the automatic wiring machine. In addition, the computer generates the circuit diagrams showing the actual AND/NAND circuits with complete (JIC) cross references and comments on circuit functioning. During computer processing diagnostic messages are generated to aid in finding design errors. Only one type of logic board is used in the new static logic system to perform all logic functions. This reduces maintenance to mere board replacement and greatly reduces spare board inventory. Triac outputs are featured in addition to normal contact closure outputs. Traic is a static ac switch which can operate pilot-operated solenoid valves, contactors, indicating lights, and other common ac loads. The logic system combines the advantages of fully wired integrated-circuit logic with the convenience and accuracy of computer aided design.