An integrated interactive system for the P.C. boards production is described. The system comprises a minicomputer, a teletype, a paper tape puncher and reader and a package of analysis, control and post-processing programs.The input data to the system consist of circuit schematics, coded in terms of electrical components and connections, and manual layouts of the P.C.B.'s. Both inputs are internally and mutually checked.This operation is performed on-line with the digitizing phase, producing an intermediate punched paper tape and diagnostic printouts.Information recorded on the paper tape are then split in order to obtain control paper for N.C. artwork, drill and insertion machines.A core-resident components library supplies all the required supplementary data, i.e. pads size, holes diameter, drawing symbols, etc.Important features of the system are:- exhausive controls of the layout against the schematic and v.v.;- very easily made and completely system controlled updating and/or correcting of both schematics and layout;- no significant limitations.Results obtained during first months of system's operation are reported; a cost reduction of about 50% and a turnaround time reduction of about 60% with respect to the manual system have been achieved.
/lp/association-for-computing-machinery/an-interactive-system-for-semi-automatic-artwork-generation-of-printed-40YoH06ZL5