IEEE standard 488 and microprocessor synergism

The assembly and use of more new and versatile instrumentation systems is now enhanced dramatically with the widespread application of IEEE Standard 488-1975, "Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation." This Standard interface provides an easy-touse high performance concept that links instruments, calculators or computers, and peripheral devices to function as automated instrumentation systems. Microprocessor technology applied to both smart instrumentation and the implementation of IEEE Standard 488's interface functions provides still further benefits to system designers and users. This article describes both the interface function concepts important to instrumentation systems and the roles played by IEEE Standard 488 and microprocessor techniques in support of these functional concepts. Microprocessor and IEEE Standard 488 interface techniques combine to provide designers and users with significant new tools for improved product performance, something neither technology alone could provide. In the near future, special LSI chips optimized to integrate the two technologies should further enhance the benefits for all concerned.