Virtual Instrument Workstation

Msc and Phd Projects from 1980's

Dr Terry Barnaby

Introduction

This web page lists information available for the Msc and Phd projects that I undertook in the 1980's.

Phd Information

The Phd project involved the research/design and implementation of a Virtual Instrument Workstation. The projects summary was:

"This thesis introduces a new approach to the design of bench-top instrument systems, the Virtual Instrument Workstation (VIW). The VIW sets out to produce a much more flexible, modular instrumentation system than conventional designs, and one which is also cost effective. The main thrust of the work is to break down conventional instrument systems into clearly defined hardware and software modules that can then be shared concurrently among a number of Virtual Instruments (VIs).

The use of a touch sensitive, window managed, software driven CRT display is central to the concept. This allows the high level of user interaction with the system and multiple VIs to be accomplished with an easy-to-understand front-panel. A special Instrument Bus system is defined to allow the easy
production of instrument modules for use in the system. The communications between the instrument modules is unified, such that all data can be passed between all modules.

VISYS, a real-time, multi-tasking, operating system is developed to provide a software environment for the VIW. This system is UNIX based and, has many real-time extensions. The VIW described has the ability to perform the operation of several separate instruments simultaneously. The range presented in the work includes a Signal Generator, a Digital Multi-Meter, an Oscilloscope and a Component Meter.

Both the hardware and software aspects of the VIW are presented in detail. "

Msc Information

The Msc project involved the research/design and implementation of a basic Virtual Instrument System. The projects summary was:
"This thesis introduces a new appraoch to the man/machine interface ( MMI ) of bench top instruments. The new approach termed Virtual Instrumentation ( VI ) removes the conventional hardware orientated front panel from bench top instruments and replaces it with a software orientated one. This is accomplished with the use of a graphics cathode ray tube with a touch sensitive surface.
The design of a VI is described which allows the common measuring functions of : frequency counting/timing, volts/amps/ohms maesuring and signal generation to be performed. Each section of the VI is described in detail with special reference to the VI concept. The MMI ( front panel ) software is described at a system level in the chapter on software."

Management