Bridging the Hardware-Software Gap in Instrument Control

In order to remain competitive in their fields, scientists have been increasingly required to utilize computer controlled instrumentation. Unfortunately, the automated systems that the scientist is confronted with are often awkward to use and sometimes lacking in capabilities necessary for correct operation of an experiment. This paper addresses the problems of equipment automation and the concept of system design. A procedure is developed demonstrating a design process to produce automated laboratory equipment without the occurence of gaps in the overall hardware/software design. Throughout the paper various automation techniques are discussed showing both their relative advantages and their potential problems.