Instrumentation on the Internet

Abstract

The paper presents the development of a practical training system for graduates that allows instruments to be monitored and controlled over the Internet. The system takes the form of an online experiment in which students situated at remote locations can control, and obtain real-time measurements and experimental data from, instruments connected to a host computer via a GPIB interface. The 'Internet' element not only provides students with independent and remote access to the experiment, but also gives them an insight into how a GPIB-interconnected system (whether in a laboratory or factory setting) can be remotely monitored and controlled over a long distance. The paper describes both the hardware and software design considerations that have enabled users to manipulate instruments remotely and effectively using a commonly available Web browser.