Low cost data acquisition and control systems for the computer hobbyist

Abstract

This paper outlines the basic data acquisition system as it might be configured for the home computing system. Allowance is made for data acquisition, interactive control with display, temporary data buffering, cassette storage of data, and computer control of external devices.Cost/performance trade-offs are examined in each area where a variety of choices are available. For control, a simple keyboard and seven-segment display gives adequate results. Memory requirements are minimized by appropriate choices of data rates, operating system, and design of process control parameters.The maximum cost savings are possible in the choice of A/D and D/A components, by careful decisions on converter speed and resolution, and on test design. The hobbyist has time/cash trade-offs options not available to industrial designers, thus hardware/software trade-offs can save either time or cash, depending upon which is most available to the hobbyist.