On the information-handling efficiency of a digital computer program

The use of a stored-program digital computer as an element in a control system raises a number of problems which have not previously been encountered in the control field. This paper is concerned with the effectiveness of the computer program in performing its assigned task (of satisfying the precision and dynamic response requirements of the system) with a computer of minimum capability. The concept of information-handling efficiency is utilized as a measure of program effectiveness and is related to the problem of minimizing the computer cycle times. A procedure is described in detail for developing an optimum program schedule for a multivariable control system.