Electronics puts its foot on the gas

Article Abstract:

Hotrodding has been reborn in the form of EPROMs (electrically programmable read-only memories) which are being installed in vehicles, under such descriptions as 'on-board microprocessors' and '100 percent solid state' devices, as replacements for factory-installed devices. In the past a hotrodder would install a higher-performance ignition system or larger jets in the carburetors. Now he installs an EPROM which reprograms ignition and fuel injection control. The EPROMs change the ignition timing curve by advancing the onset of the spark. Demand is created by disappointed purchasers whose vehicles do not perform as TV commercials, magazine ads and salesmen led them to believe. Two companies - Veloz (for cars that use Bosch Motronic) and HyperTech (primarily for General Motors products) - do the lion's share of replacement-EPROM business. The legality of the business is questionable and untested in the courts.

Motor vehicle supplies and new parts, Technology, Electronic Industry, EPROM, ROM

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Software

Article Abstract:

HyperCard is the most exciting entry on the software scene. Cost is all of $49 for this hypertext application. In new software, from CASE to AI, the emphasis is on practicality and even OS-2 is challenged on this basis. IBM will offer an extended version of OS-2 others may find difficult to match. CASE tools, computer aided software engineering, have so far proved most effective when used just for design and testing. Makers of AI software (and hardware) suffered from low sales in the past year. Neural networks have burst on the scene, but most speakers at the IEEE conference on neural computing have warned that the science is in an early stage and there are many drawbacks. Much software research has been devoted to interaction with peripheral devices with a goal of providing an industry standard for "What You See is What You Get!

Software, Graphics software, Artificial intelligence, Computer aided software engineering, Hypertext, Trends, Computer-Aided Software Engineering, OS/2, OS/2 (Operating system)

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Luxury sedan: molded by computer

Article Abstract:

Computer-aided design (CAD) tools are used to develop Jaguar's XJ40 design, the first new Jaguar since 1968. The XJ40 is a totally new design, incorporating improvements in reliability, economy, and style. Jaguar engineers were trained in CAD, and the design database was integrated with computerized manufacturing equipment for increased productivity. Jaguar has plans for integrating its finite-element analysis with test equipment to utilize feedback data.

Manufacturing, Computer aided design, Design, Databases, Database, Computer-Aided Design

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