A semi-hierarchic computer network for data acquisition and control in staircase voltammetry

A simple computer system designed for controlling voltammetric experiments has been implemented. The system connects a Hewlett-Packard 2100A minicomputer with a Texas Instruments 9900 microcomputer by means of a bidirectional serial transmission link. Experimental parameters are down-loaded from the host to the satellite which supervises the experiments at a remote location. The data collected are transmitted back to the host at 2400 baud for reduction and plotting. Through this division of labor, each system is used to its best advantage. Although the software developed is specifically for staircase voltammetry, the system hardware is of general-purpose design which is suited for other types of pulse experiment.