An automatic patching system for analog computers is proposed. The system patches any set of component ter minals together, yet size and cost are practical. The design is accomplished in three steps: First, a "model" analog computer is defined and its components divided into modules. Components within a module connect to one another through an "intraface" which allows any terminal to connect to any other ter minal. Problem sections are patched within the modules and then joined together by an "intermodular" trunking system. Secondly, the principle of module chaining permits in dividual modules to access a limited number of other modules, rather than all other modules. This reduces the number of patching switches required by the intermodular trunking system and reduces the overall number of switches required. The third step, called concentration, brings the required number of patching switches down to a practical value by assuming that all analog computer terminals will not be in use at once. Switching devices called "concentrators" exploit this fact to reduce switch requirements. The automatic patching system is driven by a digital computer under control of specialized software, and to gether with the automatic patching control system it can patch large problems in times of the order of fifteen sec onds. The information in this paper is a result of work done for a Master of Science thesis.1
Electronic Digital Computer Control of Ventilation and Anaesthesia
