System for Heuristic and Rapid Processing of Component Layout and Wiring (SHARPCLAW)

Abstract

A computer-aided design system for layout of printed wiring boards is described, with emphasis on component placement and conductor routing algorithms. The system is designed to operate with a data base; placement and routing may be accomplished automatically using force field techniques and a maze-following procedure, or manually with extensive error checking by the computer. Examples of the system output are given.