THE IMPACT OF THE IEEE-488 CONCEPT ON MEASUREMENT PRODUCTIVITY

Abstract

In the mid 1970’s three events came together that have had a major impact on measurement productivity. The most significant of these was the IEEE-488 Interface Bus. The second was the “friendly”, interpretive-language desktop computer and the third was the intelligent or “smart” instrument. Since the combined impact of these three has been enormous, their-development and relationships will be briefly traced. Next covered will be the technical characteristics of the interface bus with emphasis on what sets the technical limits of speed, distance, and number of products connected. Knowing this leads to a discussion of how to go beyond these limits if required. Finally, this paper examines the application of these concepts using two aerospace examples and describes the resultant productivity improvements.