Distributed Computer Intelligence for Data Acquisition and Control

The critical needs of nuclear science have motivated a trend toward distributed computer systems for data acquisition and control. Such systems combine the flexibility of distributed input/output systems with the capability of handling high data rates and critical control loops by localized intelligence and data reduction. Common problems of such systems such as data rate variations, analysis of alternative configurations, and utilization of standard modules are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the role of the microprocessor as a common component of the system.