What is virtual instrumentation?
Howard Goldberg · IEEE Instrumentation & Measurement Magazine · 2000
A virtual instrument is composed of some specialized subunits, some general-purpose computers, some software, and a little know-how. The instrument no longer has to be in one box. Virtual instruments can be simple or very complex. Understanding the real field of virtual instrumentation is just beginning. Over the next few years, there will be a rash of subunits specifically designed for the virtual instrumentation market. These will provide the building blocks for the next generation of field instrumentation and measurement.