Realization of a Billion-Gate Computer.
Abstract
The primary objective of work on this contract was to develop methods and techniques for realizing the logical design and analysis of a billion-gate computer. If it were possible to construct a billion-gate computer in an extremely small volume, the problems arise of whether or not these gates can be organized in a fashion that will present substantially increased computing capabilities and also whether or not such an advanced computer can be programed in a feasible manner. Toward this end the report considered problems in five areas as follows: (a) New Capabilities: The report analyzed new capabilities that can be realized through the logical design of a billion-gate computer and methods for their realization. (b) Automatic Design - External: The report investigated problems that arise of how to have a present-day computer automatically generate the final design of a billion-gate computer. (c) Automatic Design - Internal: The report developed methods to give the billion-gate computer the capability for effectively 'redesigning' parts of its internal logical structure; that is, so that a fixed logical design can be made to give the computer the capability to virtually redesign some of its parts. (d) Automatic Reliability - Built-in: On the assumption that no actual part-replacement maintenance can occur, the report developed methods such that gate reliability can be logically 'designed in.' (e) Automatic Reliability - Self-healing: The report developed methods by which the computer can be made to fix itself, in the sense of locating faulty circuits and automatically transferring functions to other properly operating parts of the computer. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0714009
Entities
People
- Robert S. Ledley