The analogue subsystem - 1:

The digital computer revolutionized electronic design to such an extent that today even relatively minor devices contain microprocessors. Computers, from single,chip models to personal computer 'desktop' units, to rack mounted minicomputers (if that term is still useful), to megacomputers, are used at the heart of electronic control, instrumentation and data acquisition systems. One need not look very far to find computer based scientific or engineering instruments, household devices, and assorted control systems. Hobbyists get in on the act by building everything from microprocessor based instruments to small microcomputers. The advertisements in this magazine often contain several single-board computers designed specifically for use as the heart of an instrument or control system. Personal computers that allow plug-in boards make the contriving of significant, complex devices particularly easy to accomplish.