Navy opportunities for microcomputers

Abstract

The Navy will soon see.a new component in its electronic systems that will have significant impact on electronic systems performance, design, and availability. This is the microcomputer, a small computer developed out of a few large-scale-integrated (LSI) circuits. This paper w i l l explore potential applications, technology trends, and problems that may occur. Among the applications discussed are performance system monitoring, propulsion control, damage control, and combat direction system design. Procurement problems including standardization, software and hardware proliferation, maintenance and training philosophy, and future applications areas are reviewed. CONCLUSION: This paper points the way to the use of microcomputers for Navy shipboard applications and the problems that may arise. There has not been any other paper aimed at this area.The Navy w i l l soon see a new component in its electronic systems that will have significant impact on electronic system performance, design, and system availability. This is the microcomputer, a small computer developed out of a few integrated circuits. It is indicative of the advance of the largescale-integrated (LSI) circuit microelectronic technology. A familiar example of this technology is the pocket calculator such as the Hewlett-Packard HP-35 or the television-advertised Texas Instruments line of calculators. The microcomputer dissipates little heat and requires little power since it has only a few parts. It is programmable, and will reduce design time, errors, changes, and other design problems. These small computers can be used in many ship applications such as propulsion control, damage control, performance monitoring, and tactical data systems. The microprocessor is defined as the arithmetic and control section of a microcomputer implemented in a few integrated circuits.Often it is only a single integrated circuit. The microcomputer is a small computer and it consists of a microprocessor, memory, and input/output logic ( f i g .