application-note · English
Stored Program Concept for Analog Computers
This final report, prepared by EAI Applications Engineer George Hannauer for NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (EAI Project #320009, NASA Order #NAS8-21228), investigates the feasibility of implementing a stored-program concept for analog computers using electronic switching matrices. The report develops mathematical theory for multi-stage crossbar switching networks -- analyzing three-stage matrices with and without fanout, modular analog configuration design, and switch-assignment algorithms -- then demonstrates the concept against NASA simulation problems including Voyager first-stage ascent and Saturn IV stage control. Software routines for switch assignment, matrix terminal assignment, interconnection, and component assignment are also described.