Tools II/Design techniques: Design for production: The computer steps in to automate physical design and testing of computers and other electronic equipment

Born in the weaving patterns of component wiring interconnections, computer-based design automation has grown to provide tools for many aspects of digital system engineering. In the more traditional areas, automation of the physical design of computer boards and integrated circuit chips now permits automatic placement of components and devices so they will operate correctly and can be properly interconnected, and automatic routing of connections between these devices and components has been developed to the point where few connections need be made manually. Design automation systems also routinely generate necessary artwork for these physical designs and produce documentation needed for design, manufacturing, and maintainance activities.