Data Transfer in On-line Systems

The problem of transfer of data in both directions between experimental equipment and process systems on the one hand, and hardware processors on the other, is an important one. This fundamental question is discussed in the context of contemporary practice, where the principal processing element is the minicomputer. Although several interface conventions are considered, practice is dominated by the CAMAC system, and the main emphasis is to review recent developments in that system, particularly in the area of distributed configurations. The impact of new microcircuit technology on the way in which data transfers are performed is only beginning. The present discussion tries to assess this impact and to identify the main changes that are expected to occur.