A Versatile Problem-Oriented Language for Engineers

The language of DAS (Digital Analog Simulation) simplifies communication between an engineer and a digital computer. Typical applications range from evaluating design formulas to simulating air defense systems. Training time is about two hours. To describe a problem in DAS language, the engineer first sketches a block diagram of the problem, using blocks describable by single words of the DAS vocabulary. These words include I (for integrator), S (for summer), TD (for time delay), and about twenty others. The output of one or more of the blocks in the basic diagram represents the solution to the problem. To provide for printing or plotting these outputs automatically, several kinds of read-out blocks are available. The DAS language description of the block diagram consists of a list of all the blocks used in the diagram and a related list showing which blocks provide inputs to those in the first list. This dual list is the DAS language description of the problem. A program for solving problems described in DAS language is available through SHARE. Engineers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base use DAS language programs together with their own interpreter (called MIDAS) to aid in setting-up and checking-out large analog simulations. Both SHARE-DAS and MIDAS are designed for use with an IBM 7094 computer.