Tight Coupling of Microcomputers in a CAD Environment

Abstract

The integration of microcomputers into a networked CAD environment involving host computers and workstations is discussed. “Integration” here refers to the tight coupling of microcomputers in the execution of a CAD (Computer‐Aided Design) or CG (Computer Graphics) program. The emphasis of the paper is placed on the proposed hardware and software architecture where the application or development of in‐house software plays the major role. The evolution of CAD hardware is first reviewed, after which the hardware configuration and software details of current implementation are described, and finally some system performance data are presented. It is demonstrated that the introduction of microcomputers into a networked environment provides a versatile and economic solution toward the promotion of CAD applications.