The LDA ? An Integrated Diagnostics Tool

In this paper we describe the Logic Designer's Apprentice (LDA). The LDA is a knowledge-based computer program (an ``expert system') that designs digital electronic circuits. The LDA extends existing CAD/CAE capabilities by providing a computer aid to the design process, supplementing those that assist the drafting, layout, and simulation processes. It seeks to ensure that appropriate testability (and in the future, other ``ility') features are incorporated during the earliest stages of design in accord with the guidelines defined for Integrated Diagnostics. We discuss issues relevant to the engineering development of other knowledge-based tools needed for Integrated Diagnostics including tool selection and choice of knowledge representation.