Modern Instrumentation: A Computer Approach
Craig McGarrity · Measurement Science and Technology · 1996
The now ubiquitous computer is becoming an important tool for the experimentalist as well as the theoretician, not only for producing the end-product of journal papers but also, increasingly, for the acquisition and processing of experimental data. Computer hardware, peripheral electronics and data analysis software have all developed considerably since the early works of authors such as Dalglish (1987 An Introduction to Control and Measurement with Microcomputers (Cambridge: University Press)) using the (now humble) Apple II and BBC computers. This is a good introduction to the field of computer controlled instrumentation as the field now stands. It is intended for the beginner or the experienced researcher who is not computer literate and provides good comparative tables of hardware and systems as a guide to help the reader to make an informed choice. It is a well structured work and is appropriately divided into two sections. The first concerns the acquisition of data and instrument control and the second concerns the manipulation of this data. The book is predominantly concerned with the software considerations. One-third of the first part of the book is devoted to instrumentation software and data structures. The other two-thirds of part 1 outlines the field for the first-time reader and contains chapters which provide introductions to basic data acquisition concepts presented as brief summaries. For example, data conversion techniques (both D/A and A/D) are covered in only ten pages including figures and tables. This does not detract from the work as a valuable starting point. However, the intended reader should be aware that it only provides summarized accounts of many topics since these are provided as background material to the discussion of more sophisticated software. The book is attempting to portray the complete picture for the benefit of those not experienced with either the hardware or the software and so, to keep the work to a manageable and readable size, few of the concepts are covered in depth. The range of sophisticated software now available, such as MATLAB and LabWindows, are recent developments compared with the early work with microcomputers. Half of the book is devoted to the use of software such as these. MathCad, DSPlay, SPICE and Lotus tools are all discussed. The presentation of these tools is more detailed and includes some good worked examples. Since this is not intended to be a textbook, problems are not provided. As an overview of the field of computer-based instrumentation, this book achieves the purpose of a good introductory text out of which the initiate can make an informed choice in building his or her own system. For a more detailed discussion of the basic concepts the reader could then refer to the extensive references for each chapter or the operating manuals of the hardware and software of their choice.