![]() ![]() Overall, I found the software to be useful and a good tool to complement any course of instruction in logic circuit design, and I would recommend it. Moreover, the software produces SPICE-format files, a report standard based on a package developed at the University of California at Berkeley, so the designs developed can be integrated with these analog simulators. Moreover, the software simulates a variety of signal types and devices (including programmable read-only memory (PROM) and programmable logic array (PLA) devices).Īlthough I did not test interfaces to other systems, the manual claims that the software easily interfaces to the Advanced Boolean Expression Language (ABEL) Programmable Logic Devices (PLD) design package (also developed by Capilano) so students can extend their experiences to PLD design. It supports the creation and documentation of schematics for the designed circuit. The software allows fully interactive design. ![]() ![]() Time diagrams of signals at user-selected taps in the circuits allow the student to examine the effects of circuit design and modifications. The software has many nice capabilities, including graphical editing capabilities that allow the user to cut and paste circuit elements, select from several device databases, or design custom devices. Students could easily spend hours experimenting with ideas and have an enjoyable learning experience. The graphics are pleasing and simple, following circuit layout conventions. Although it is not designed for Microsoft Windows, it provides a nice window environment with pull-down menus and icons to make it easy to learn and use. ![]() Some of the figures in the book contain a few obvious inconsistencies, but the actual graphic displays generated by the software are correct.Īfter a bit of a problem installing the software-an annoying conflict with the extended memory manager required me to modify my AUTOEXEC.BAT file-I was able to begin the tutorial exercises in the book and learn the basics of the computer-aided design (CAD) system. The manual was written with the obvious understanding that the students who are to use this software would want to begin working with it quickly, without a lot of extra training about how to use its features. As someone who dislikes reading applications software manuals, I found this book painless and appealing. I feel, however, that the software is sufficiently general that it would complement any course and any textbook in logical circuit design.įirst, as a users' manual, the book is clearly written and at just the proper level to guide someone through the process of learning how to use the software. Devices simulated in the software follow generic 7400–series conventions for identification, and the device simulations follow the specifications from standard data books, such as Texas Instruments' TTL Data Books, the Intel Component Data Catalog, and the Motorola Microprocessors Data Manual. No particular texts are recommended or even specified. It does not replace a textbook on circuits and circuit design. The associated book is strictly a users' manual for the software. The system on which the software is installed is an IBM-compatible 80486 (the minimum configuration required is an 80286 with at least 4 MB of RAM and a hard drive with at least 2 MB of free space), although a Macintosh version of LogicWorks is also available. Thus, at a reasonable price, one can obtain an abridged version of this well-known and well-respected design tool and have all of the capabilities required to learn and understand the principles of logical circuits and the fundamentals of computer-assisted interactive design.īecause the book is more a piece of educational software than a contribution to the literature, I will emphasize my experiences with it on a personal computer. This book comprises both the users' manual for LogicWorks and the software, contained on a floppy disk packaged with the book. LogicWorks is a student version of Capilano's DesignWorks application software for the design and simulation testing of circuits. ![]()
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