Synopses & Reviews
This book is about how microcomputers can be used to help control and interface with sensors in laboratory experiments. The computer work is done mostly in the context of several physics experiments, such as the physics of activation temperature, heat diffusion, and motion in fluids. These experiments show how with computer control conceptually sophisticated experiments can be performed with simple apparati. The authors explain how the computer interfaces with common sensing devices, including digital-to-analog coverter, analog-to-digital converter, timers, digital input and output devices, optical encoders, stepping motors, and analog amplifiers, to provide a link between the experimenter and the physical phenomena being studied. The authors chose the IBM-PC, AT, or XT (which can apply to clones as long as they have expansion slots to accomodate boards) as their example, and use Turbo Pascal (Version 4.0 or greater) throughout the book for programming. Most of the programs will be presented by way of example, so some experience in computer programming is necessary. The equivalent of two semesters of college physics is also helpful to understand the experiments.
Review
"The material is well-written, well laid out, easy to follow, and adequately illustrated. The book fulfills its aim of supporting an extensive laboratory of typical applications." Computing Reviews
Review
"For instructors looking to upgrade their courses with a more versatile computer and for those in the process of developing courses, IBM-PC in the Laboratory can be an equally valuable resource." American Journal of Physics
Review
"...a delightful and fruitful marriage of the computer world with the experimentalist's real-time laboratory of sensors and control systems..." Stan Townsend, Physics in Canada
Synopsis
The primary object of this manual is to build an understanding of the principles of computer operations and the use of computers in the laboratory.
Synopsis
'Based on the IBM-PC design and on courses taught at Cornell University, this text is intended as a tutorial guide to be used in conjunction with laboratory work. The authors\' primary purpose is to show that while the development of applications for computers has been rapid since their introduction, the principles of computer operation and their use in sensing and control have remained stable. The book generates an understanding of what occurs inside the computer, and explains how the laboratory provides a vital experience in linking theory with physical reality.'
Synopsis
Physics experiments show how computer control can enable conceptually sophisticated experiments to be performed with relatively simple preparations in a text on the importance of microcomputer interface in the scientific laboratory.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction; 2. Instrumentation structure and using the IBM-PC; 3. Thermistor experiments; 4. Timing; 5. Thermal diffusion; 6. IBM-PC architecture and assembly language programming; 7. Viscosity measurement; 8. Interrupts; 9. Other topics; Appendices; Index.