Usage of single-chip computers for data collection and control

This paper deals with usage of single-chip computers for collection of data and control. The aim is to design a general control system, which is easy to use and easy to implement for other laboratory tasks. Performance of control system is limited by performance of used MCU (PIC 16F873A) and its peripherals (2xPWM, 5xA/D...). Main task of MCU are communication with upper level and implementation of required control action together with data collection. Communication between control system (IPC) and MCUs is provided by serial interface. In the first step control system defines initialization of MCU (reset needed) for desired laboratory task then continues with the control application. Everything is controlled and monitored from SCADA/HMI system called Control Web. Application is accessible via Internet browser in local network.