Introduction to Data Acquisition & Control; Analog and Digital Signals; Signal Conditioning; The Personal Computer for Real Time Work; Plug-in Data Acquisition Boards; Serial Data Communications; Distributed & Standalone Loggers/Controllers; IEEE 488 Standard; Ethernet & LAN Systems; The Universal Serial Bus (USB); Specific Techniques; The PCMCIA Card; Appendix A: Glossary; Appendix B: IBM PC Bus Specifications; Appendix C: Review of the Intel 8255 PPI Chip; Appendix D: Review of the Intel 8254 Timer-Counter Chip; Appendix E: Thermocouple Tables; Appendix F: Numbers Systems; Appendix G: GPIB (IEEE-488) Mnemonics & their Definition; Appendix H: Practical Laboratories & Demonstrations; Appendix I: Command Structure & Programming.

Overview of Data Communications; Basic Data Communication Principles; Physical Serial Communication Standards; Error Detection; Cabling Basics; Electrical Noise and Interference; Modems and Multiplexers; Introduction to Protocols; Open Systems Interconnection Model; Industrial Protocols; HART Protocol; Open Industrial Fieldbus and DeviceNet Systems; Local Area Networks; Appendix A: Numbering Systems; Appendix B: Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) Program Listing; Appendix C: Serial Link Design; Glossary.

Instrumentation is not a clearly defined subject, having a 'fuzzy' boundary with a number of other disciplines. Often categorized as either 'techniques' or 'applications' this book addresses the various applications that may be needed with reference to the practical techniques that are available for the instrumentation or measurement of a specific physical quantity or quality. This makes it of direct interest to anyone working in the process, control and instrumentation fields where these measurements are essential. * Comprehensive and authoritative collection of technical information* Written by a collection of specialist contributors* Updated to include chapters on the fieldbus standards, reliability, EMC, 'virtual instrumentation', fibre optics, smart and intelligent transmitters, analyzers, level and flow meters, and many more