A versatile, easily assimilated microcomputer for instrumentation development applied to direct photographic mask generation

A low-cost microcomputer with an application to direct photographic mask generation is described. The microcomputer represents an effort to extend the power of microprocessor solutions to systems where the microcomputer represents a significant portion of the total system cost. 512 bytes of 1702A PROM and 256 bytes of RAM with the CPU and all associated control circuitry are contained on a single 3.5″ x 4.5″ card. The microcomputer speeds prototype development because it is treated as a module in system design. The time-consuming preparation of cut-master artwork for thick-film circuit fabrication has been eliminated by incorporating the microcomputer in a direct photographic mask generation system. Pad locations are entered with a keyboard and the pattern is transferred to photographic film by controlling the movement of an X-Y table with respect to a collimated light source.