Page 32 - Remembering ISTEL

Remembering ISTEL

Chips with everything ?

The Computer field in general
is developing very, very fast,
but the area within computing

which is developing fastest of
all is the micro processor. These
are components which can be

used to construct tiny but
genuine computers ranging in
cost from a few hundred

pounds to a few thousand
Because of their low cost yet
high capability, they offer

enormous potential for
increasing the range of the
application of computers.

In the face of such rapidly
changing technology, the

Advanced Systems group of BL Systems is keeping up with the latest
developments and exploring potential application areas — but with a very firm
mandate to ensure cost effectiveness, reliability and a down to earth attitude to

the application.

At the moment three different micro computers are being evaluated, including

a so-called 'single board micro computer'. This can accept bolt-on extras for the
specific application required, such as data logging, temperature sensing, energy
monitoring and when suitably programmed, will provide the appropriate

responses in out-of-tolerance situations One recent acquisition, an 'Apple'
micro computer, has the capability to recognise and act on voice input, albeit
with a limited range of commands, and can output management information in

colour graphics' form — histograms, bar charts, pie diagrams, etc.

We are now at the beginning of a very exciting era in which this low cost

technology will be introduced on a broad front The Advanced Systems group is
right in there making sure that BL Cars can make effective and appropriate use
of the new technology as it develops

Page: 32