A prototype approach to instrument network software (abstract only)
Thomas Philip · 1985
This paper presents the prototype approach used in the development of a distributed instrumentation network and the benefits derived from it. Each node in the network is a dedicated microcomputer which is used for instrument control, data acquisition, and preliminary data analysis. Data is saved on a mass storage at the control node. General purpose interface bus (IEEE488) is used in the network. A prototype was developed primarily to study the feasibility of the system and get user recommendation for change in requirements. Due to inherent characteristics of this language the prototype was compact and the development was fast. Only two of the seven nodes were included in the prototype. Due to the success of the prototype the actual system is currently being developed. The prototype was helpful in several ways. Many of the techniques used in the prototype are adapted to the actual system, which is in a different computer and language. In a small scale project with low staffing and tight time schedules this is found to be a more practical approach.This work is supported by DOE Contract DE-AC02-80ET15601.