
8 Computer interfacing
In recent years, the availability of microcomputers has added a new
dimension to electronics in which the computer can be used as a means
of controlling electronic hardware. The result is an electronic system which
is inherently flexible; significant changes can be made simply by modifying
the control program.
As an example, consider the case of an environmental control system.
Here we may be concerned with accepting information from a number of
transducers and generating the necessary control signals to operate pumps,
fans,
and heaters. To enable us to monitor the system, we would probably
require a display of actua