Automatic patching for analog and hybrid computers

Abstract

This paper describes the results of an investigation into the feasibility of an automatic patching system for an analog or hybrid computer. The objective of the study is to reduce the number of switches required to a "rea sonable" number. Actual design of hardware is not con sidered. The final result is a "paper" design, which is evaluated by attempting to program several problems to see if enough paths exist. The proposed design uses about 8,000 switches for an EAI-680-sized computer, which is far fewer switches than are required by any previously proposed system. The evaluation shows that this system is more than adequate and that, in fact, about 2,000 switches could be saved by modifying the design slightly.