The invention of the microcomputer in the mid-1970s and its subsequent low-cost proliferation has opened up a new world for the laboratory scientist. Tedious data collection can now be automated relatively cheaply and with an enormous increase in reliability. New techniques of measurement are accessible with the "intelligent" instrumentation made possible by these programmable devices, and the ease of use of even standard measurement techniques may be improved by the data processing capabilities of the humblest micro. The latest items of commercial laboratory instrumentation are invariably "computer controlled", although this is more likely to mean that a microprocessor is involved than that a versatile microcomputer is provided along with the instrument. It is clear that all scientists of the future will need some knowledge of computers, if only to aid them in mastering the button pushing associated with gleaming new instruments. However, to be able to exploit this newly accessible computing power to the full the practising laboratory scientist must gain sufficient understanding to utilise the communication channels between apparatus on the laboratory bench and program within the computer. This book attempts to provide an introduction to those communication channels in a manner which is understandable for scientists who do not specialise in electronics or computers.

The invention of the microcomputer in the mid-1970s and its subsequent low-cost proliferation has opened up a new world for the laboratory scientist. Tedious data collection can now be automated relatively cheaply and with an enormous increase in reliability. New techniques of measurement are accessible with the "intelligent" instrumentation made possible by these programmable devices, and the ease of use of even standard measurement techniques may be improved by the data processing capabilities of the humblest micro. The latest items of commercial laboratory instrumentation are invariably "computer controlled", although this is more likely to mean that a microprocessor is involved than that a versatile microcomputer is provided along with the instrument. It is clear that all scientists of the future will need some knowledge of computers, if only to aid them in mastering the button pushing associated with gleaming new instruments. However, to be able to exploit this newly accessible computing power to the full the practising laboratory scientist must gain sufficient understanding to utilise the communication channels between apparatus on the laboratory bench and program within the computer.

The authors believe that the effectiveness of future generations of scientists depends in part on their ability to use intelligently, diagnose, and modify their microcomputer-based and electronic instrumentation. Using a "top-down" approach, the authors present electronic concepts, principles, and technology that are impacting our daily lives. They start at the top, by providing a broad perspective of electronic instrumentation, and work down to functional modules, devices, and detailed operations. This top-down approach enables all of the pieces to fit together so that a working knowledge is developed as one proceeds through the chapters. Written specifically for chemists, physicists, engineers, biologists, medical researchers, students, and other technical personnel who can benefit from "making the right connections" to modern instrumentation, this book will empower you to gain better control and make better use of your microcomputers and laboratory instruments.

Microcomputer-based labs, the use of real-time data capture and display in teaching, give the learner new ways to explore and understand the world. As this book shows, the international effort over a quarter-century to develop and understand microcomputer-based labs (MBL) has resulted in a rich array of innovative implementations and some convincing evidence for the value of computers for learning. The book is a sampler of MBL work by an outstanding international group of scientists and educators, based on papers they presented at a seminar held as part of the NATO Special Programme on Advanced Educational Technology. The story they tell of the development of MBL offers valuable policy lessons on how to promote educational innovation. The book will be of interest to a wide range of educators and to policy makers.

International Electronics Directory '90: The Guide to European Manufacturers, Agents and Applications, Part 2 focuses on information on manufacturers, agents, and applications. The book first presents a list of companies and abbreviations. The text then underscores a classified list of products and services. This includes electronics for office administration, aerospace industry, security and alarm systems, automobile industry, and banking; computers and ancillary equipment; consumer electronics; and electronics for environmental monitoring. Other products and services mentioned include electronics for textile machines, oceanology, metalworking industry, and packaging machines. The selection also provides an alphabetical list of products. This includes accelerometers, access control systems, backplanes, bank note counters, document scanners, drying equipment, flight data recorders, machine vision systems, magnetic tape and cassette recorders, and underwater navigational equipment. The text is a valuable source of information for readers wanting to know about manufacturers, agents, and applications.