Programming languages for non-numeric processing—2: Time sequenced logical simulation based on circuit delay and selective tracing of active network paths

ABSTRACT

MANY PUBLISHED efforts in the field of logical simulation indicate that the programming concept of “compiling and executing” is the most frequently used foundation for the construction of simulation programs. The technique to be described here represents a complete departure from the concept of “compiling and executing”. The basic framework for the simulation method to be presented is simply a close imitation of the structure and operation of a logical network. Applying this concept leads to a realistically operating “general purpose” simulator. The resulting simulation possibilities are—at least with respect to the field of logical simulation—relatively unexplored and unexploited. Simulation in other fields, e.g., the simulation of nerve nets by Reiss1, has preceded the field of logical simulation in taking advantage of the structure and operation of (neural) networks. The first success in applying these methods to the field of logical simulation has been reported by Case, et al2.

REFERENCES

• 1: Reiss, R. F., "The Digital Simulation of Neuro-Muscular Organisms," Behavioral Science, p. 343-358; Oct., 1960.
• 2: Case, P. W., Graff, H. H., Griffith, L. E., LeClercq, A. R., Murley, W. B., and Spence, T. M., "Solid Logic Design Automation," IBM J. Res. and Dev.; Apr., 1964.
• 3: Newell, A., and Shaw, J. C., "Programming the Logic Theory Machine," Rand Publication P-954; 1957.
• 4: Shaw, J. C., Newell, A., Simon, N. A., Ellis, T. O., "A Command Structure for Complex Information Processing," Proceedings Western Joint Computer Conference; 1958.
• 5: Jesse H. Katz, Optimizing bit-time computer simulation, Communications of the ACM, v.6 n.11, p.679-685, Nov. 1963 [doi>10.1145/368310.368393]
• 6: Melvin A. Breuer, Techniques for the simulation of computer logic, Communications of the ACM, v.7 n.7, p.443-446, July 1964 [doi>10.1145/364520.364577]

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.6 LOGIC DESIGN
      B.6.3 Design Aids
          Subjects: Simulation

Additional Classification:
  G. Mathematics of Computing
  G.2 DISCRETE MATHEMATICS
      G.2.2 Graph Theory
          Subjects: Path and circuit problems

General Terms:
Design