A sensible potentiometer [PC-based transducers and control]

The author discusses the use of personal computers in process control and data logging. In particular, he considers the placing of some of the routine (or low-level) signal processing within the transducer thus releasing the PC for more complex tasks. Three specific applications of microcomputer-based transducer are discussed. A modular servo applied to a stabilised platform for the mounting of video camera or satellite dish; a semi-intelligent inclinometer designed in small size but with very high reliability; and a low cost encapsulated single channel data logger. All the transducers are configured such that the data is readily accepted into spreadsheets, databases or any programme which accepts external data, because it is transmitted in serial ASCII form using conventional protocols