The Fiery Era: Becoming an Industrial Giant

Chapter 207 Successful Research and Development, Wife Gives Birth
If the integrated circuits they designed were even slightly more powerful, they could be used as samples for reference designs of small computers.

The computing power should be sufficient to support the operations of a small computer; it just needs to be redesigned.

Once they've tested the logic and confirmed it's working correctly, they can provide it to the computer research institute for reference.

However, it's unclear whether the Computer Research Institute will have any other reactions once they find out.

What those professionals couldn't come up with, the machine tool factory people developed?

After the thought flashed through Zhou Zhiqiang's mind, he put it out of his mind.

He then carefully reviewed the test procedures devised by Zhao Chenghui and others. The procedures were logically clear and covered all functional verifications from basic gate circuits to combinational logic. He then nodded to indicate that they could begin.

They were all technical experts in this field, and Factory 190 was one of the semiconductor component factories established by the Fourth Ministry of Machinery Industry with the strongest technical research and development capabilities.

There's no way there will be any mistakes in this regard. Zhou Zhiqiang checked several times just to be on the safe side.

We'll deal with other more complex tests later; first, we need to verify the correctness of the integrated circuit design and the feasibility of the manufacturing process.

Only if these two are successful can CNC machine tools be mass-produced.

"Team Leader Zhou, Deputy Factory Director Zhao."

As soon as a technician pushed open the door, he quickly said, "The testing station and equipment are all installed and we can start anytime."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhiqiang turned to Zhao Chenghui and said, "Comrade Chenghui, shall we begin?"

"Let's begin! This time, we'll succeed on the first try!"

After saying this, Zhao Chenghui, Zhou Zhiqiang, and the other engineers and technicians who remained in the technical department walked towards the testing area.

Upon arrival, Zhou Zhiqiang saw a test bench composed of many mechanical devices, and the integrated circuits they designed and manufactured were fixed on the test frame and connected together by many wires. This was the result of their hard work.

After all the instruments and equipment were started up, everyone's attention turned to Zhou Zhiqiang, the team leader.

"Let's begin by verifying the basic logic functions, and then proceed in sequence."

After Zhou Zhiqiang finished speaking, the technician in charge of the operation immediately agreed and then input the signal combination according to the instructions.

After the instrument is powered on, it emits a faint sound. Then, under the technician's operation, the signal is combined on the pin of the input channel integrated circuit, and the waveform representing the input signal is displayed stably on the monitoring oscilloscope screen.

Everyone else's hearts were pounding in their throats. This was the first step, and they couldn't afford to make a mistake on the very first step, or it would be a huge blow to them.

Their internal plan was to complete it within a year, or even fifteen months; however, if it fails this time, they will have to spend another two months redesigning it.

However, when the waveform of the output signal strictly matches the logic truth table of the gate, rising when all inputs are high and remaining low under other conditions, the tense crowd finally relaxed.

This meant that the first hurdle was almost cleared. After the inputs and outputs of each basic logic gate were accurately displayed on the oscilloscope screen, Zhao Chenghui couldn't help but say, "It's done."

However, he realized after speaking that he might disturb the upcoming test, so he suppressed his excitement and kept quiet.

After the technicians, including Zhou Zhiqiang, nodded to indicate that the recording was complete, he said, "Proceed to the next step: static logic function testing."

As the testing progressed, the operational requirements became more demanding, and the pulse signals also became more complex.

However, the technicians made very careful adjustments, and there were no problems during the test.

"Static logic is normal and meets the estimated design requirements."

"Proceed to the next step: combinational logic functional testing."

"Output successful."

Each subsequent test resulted in a successful outcome.

When the last test was successfully passed, the technicians watching couldn't help but smile, and everyone was overjoyed.

The fruits of their hard work throughout the year have now been successfully tested.

"It's done, Comrade Zhiqiang. The last test has passed. The integrated circuit is working perfectly."

Zhao Chenghui patted Zhou Zhiqiang on the shoulder happily and said, "A man in his fifties is as excited as a primary school student who got a perfect score on a test."

However, Zhou Zhiqiang was also very happy, but he was still able to control his facial expression and maintain the demeanor of a commanding general.

Nodding, he said to Zhao Chenghui, "Yes, Comrade Chenghui, our integrated circuit has passed the basic logic test, so the CNC team's task is considered complete."

The next step is to ensure perfect coordination between the integrated circuit (the brain), the servo system, and the mechanical transmission. The other two groups are also waiting for overall testing.

This year has been incredibly fruitful. Not only have we manufactured silicon transistors, but we've also produced a semi-finished medium-scale integrated circuit that has passed logic function testing.

Zhou Zhiqiang was very familiar with the research and development progress of the other groups, and it was exactly the same as the expected design. It could be said that everything was ready except for the final push.

"Comrade Zhiqiang, is there anything else we need to do next?"

"It's not really necessary anymore. Let's continue training the semiconductor device technology production personnel. I'll be going back to the Second Machine Tool Plant to do the subsequent linkage control testing."

After finishing his sentence, Zhou Zhiqiang thought of something else and added, "Make a few more integrated circuits, five of them, and send them over together after they pass the tests."

Then we can send a copy of the integrated circuit our group designed to the Computer Research Institute; it might provide them with some inspiration.

Zhao Chenghui nodded and said, "Okay, it should be ready in about three days and delivered to your factory."

Zhou Zhiqiang then discussed some arrangements with Zhao Chenghui, and then had the technical staff prepare the technical testing items.

It was lunchtime, and after the testing workbench was tidied up, the group went to the cafeteria for lunch.

Logically speaking, the fact that the integrated circuit passed the test should be a significant achievement for Factory 190, and a celebration should have been held.

However, Zhou Zhiqiang had to rush back to the Second Machine Tool Factory in the afternoon to arrange some matters, so the celebration party was canceled, and the group simply ate something in the canteen.

Just after Zhou Zhiqiang left, Director Liu, who was somewhat delayed in hearing the news, rushed to the technical department.

"Comrade Chenghui, where is Factory Director Zhou?"

"He's gone? He just left a short while ago. Did you need to see him?"

Zhao Chenghui pointed to the factory gate and said, "But I'm afraid we can't call them back now. If you need anything, call the Second Machine Tool Factory later."

"I don't have much to say, I just heard that your research was successful, so I'm just asking if you want to celebrate."

Factory Director Liu said, "Although our factory is not wealthy, we still have the means to hold a celebration banquet; after all, Factory Director Zhou has helped our factory develop so well."

By the way, is your group free now?

"It's alright. Next, we just need to wait for the Second Machine Tool Plant to manufacture the prototype and pass the production test, and then we can wait for the tasks assigned by the higher-ups." Zhao Chenghui paused for a moment and then said, "Comrade Zhiqiang won't miss this meal. The treatment at their Second Machine Tool Plant is much better than at our plant."

The Second Machine Tool Plant ranked first in foreign exchange earnings last year, and the Ministry of Machine Building will definitely provide strong support this year.

Nationwide, there is certainly no factory with better benefits than the Second Machine Tool Plant, especially since it gave out dozens of bicycles and sewing machines last year.

However, Zhao Chenghui felt that Zhou Zhiqiang was not the kind of person who was greedy for food and pleasure. Although this comrade was much younger than him, he was much stronger than other people of the same age in terms of will and spirit.

He can endure long hours and work overtime, and he doesn't care what he eats. The spirit of hard work and perseverance is perfectly embodied in him.

"I think someone brought him up before the New Year?"

"Take him? Comrade Zhiqiang?"

Seeing that Director Liu nodded, Zhao Chenghui asked curiously, "What is it?"

"It's not a good thing. I only heard it from others. Anyway, they say his social atmosphere is bad."

Factory Director Liu shook his head and said that he was having dinner at a friend's house during the Spring Festival when the conversation turned to Zhou Zhiqiang.

There were many people at the meeting back then, including dozens of ministerial-level leaders and deputy leaders, so the news couldn't be kept secret at all.

The Second Machine Tool Plant was the factory that earned the most foreign exchange last year and was riding high. Since they were all involved in factory construction, they quickly started chatting about this machine tool plant that had been featured in the newspapers several times.

"Isn't this nonsense? He has a bad work culture? Since when has working overtime until two or three in the morning been considered a bad work culture?"

Zhao Chenghui immediately started cursing and saying that he had personally witnessed Zhou Zhiqiang working overtime until two or three in the morning every day, and how could anyone still talk about this kind of comrade?

"Don't talk nonsense. What level of leader would dare to mention Comrade Zhou Zhiqiang by name?"

"So what? Even the highest-ranking leader has to accept criticism."

Despite saying that, Zhao Chenghui didn't continue his rant. He then glanced at Liu Ruiguang and said, "Comrade Ruiguang, I came in in a good mood, but your sudden news about this has really annoyed me."

"Okay, it's my fault. I'll give you a cigarette as an apology."

After Liu Ruiguang finished speaking, he took out a cigarette, handed it to Zhao Chenghui, and lit it himself.

------

After returning to the Second Machine Tool Plant, Zhou Zhiqiang summoned the other teams from the CNC machine tool project and told them the news of the successful development of the integrated circuit for the CNC system.

They also announced that they would complete the perfect coordination of all parts, including the CNC system, servo system, and mechanical transmission, within one month.

Professor Yu and Engineer Zhong all nodded in agreement; the work was done exceptionally quickly.

This efficiency is almost catching up with theirs, and theoretically, CNC systems should take more time.

After Zhou Zhiqiang issued the order, the other CNC machine tool groups began the final assembly and debugging work. The machine bed had already been assembled in the factory.

The next period will be the busiest time.

Next, Zhou Zhiqiang will be busy with the CNC system integration and debugging, and he probably won't have time for anything else.

Inside the precision workshop.

After the second axis of the CNC machine tool was positioned, a technician immediately went up to measure it. After carefully measuring it twice, he immediately looked up and reported to Zhou Zhiqiang.
"Factory manager, there's still a discrepancy, about ten millimeters."

The others next to the CNC machine tool frowned immediately after hearing this. How could there still be a deviation after calculating so many times?

After thinking for a moment, Zhou Zhiqiang said to Professor Yu next to him, "Let's change the diameter correction factor of the drive wheel again and recalculate it according to the current deviation. Let's do it like this for now and check it step by step."

"Don't look so glum, everyone. The machine is running; a tiny deviation is nothing. Besides, it's only ten micrometers; once it's fixed, it's equivalent to a senior technician working day and night!"

After Zhou Zhiqiang finished speaking, smiles appeared on the faces of the people around him.

Yes, they've come this far. The CNC machine tools are all working successfully. The next step is to solve the problems of positioning deviation and continuous operation, and then they will be considered successful.

Just as Zhou Zhiqiang was about to discuss with Professor Yu how much to modify, he suddenly heard a sound coming from the workshop entrance.

"What's all the noise at the door?"

Just as Zhou Zhiqiang finished asking his question, a worker ran in.

Technicians and workers from outside the project team are strictly prohibited from entering the precision workshop while work is being done. Just now, the security guard at the gate notified the workers inside and then asked him to pass on the message.

A worker from the precision workshop quickly ran up to Zhou Zhiqiang and said, "Factory manager, there's a worker from Workshop 3 outside named Zhao Tiandong. He said your wife is about to give birth and is at the Second Hospital."

Upon hearing this, everyone else turned to look at Zhou Zhiqiang.

"Um, Professor Yu, could you keep an eye on things here for a bit? I have something to attend to and need to leave now."

The following matters didn't particularly require his attention, so Zhou Zhiqiang decided to ask Professor Yu for help.

"I understand. Leave this to me. I'll check for any errors later. You can go ahead and get busy."

Professor Yu said with a smile, "Congratulations, Comrade Zhiqiang, may you have many children and be blessed with many children."

Others chimed in, saying, "Factory manager, congratulations on becoming a father!"

"The factory manager already had a son; don't congratulate him if you didn't know that."

"Congratulations, factory manager."

Zhou Zhiqiang waved his hand and said, "Congratulations, congratulations! That's all for today, I'll be going now."

After saying that, Zhou Zhiqiang immediately walked out of the precision workshop.

After coming out, he saw Zhao Tiandong waiting at the door. Upon seeing Zhou Zhiqiang, Zhao Tiandong immediately said, "Brother Zhiqiang, I came from the hospital. Aunt Mei asked me to come and inform you. My wife is also helping out at the hospital."

"Okay, thanks Tian Dong. I'll go call the driver. You can come with me."

Zhou Zhiqiang quickly called a driver, and he and Zhao Tiandong got into the car and headed to the hospital. They arrived at the Second Hospital shortly afterward.

This isn't Guo Yuting's first time giving birth, and since she stayed at the hospital beforehand, she was immediately taken to the delivery room if anything went wrong, so there shouldn't be any problems.

Zhou Zhiqiang arrived and waited here as well. Giving birth takes a long time, sometimes seven or eight hours, sometimes even more than ten hours.

This process cannot be shortened, so we just need to be more patient.

After an unknown amount of time, Zhao Tiandong and Mao Pingping both left. It wasn't until his mother-in-law, Mei Xiuxue, arrived with a lunchbox that the doctor inside opened the door to the delivery room.

(End of this chapter)