Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Ease of use
Flexibility
Performance
Functionality
Examples
Moderately
Flexible and
Fast and efficient.
Offers a high level
Custom-written
complex (usually
adaptable. Offers
Requires
of functionality.
software using
requires moderate
significant
significant
programming
programming
customization.
development time.
languages in
expertise)
conjunction with
extensions,
external libraries,
or Active X controls.
Average level of
Moderately flexible
Reasonably fast
Offers a high
Programmable
complexity (may
and adaptable to
and moderately
degree of
applications and
require some
most situations.
efficient.
functionality but
data analysis tools
programming
Moderately
Application
may require
(such as LABView),
expertise)
customizable.
development can
configuration for a
DASYLab, etc.).
be reasonably fast.
particular
application.
Simple and
Somewhat limited
Usually fast and
Levels of
Dedicated
relatively easy to
inflexibility and
efficient. No
functionality vary
applications
use (requires no
some packages
development time
but are often
(such as
programming
may be dedicated
required.
limited to a
TracerDAQ,
expertise)
to particular
particular function.
WINDAQ, etc.).
functions (such as
strip recorders).
Limited
customization.
Very simple to use
Restricted to
Usually fast and
Provides a limited
General tools and
(but may require
particular
efficient. No
range of functions
utilities (such as
interpretation)
applications (such
development time
(such as reporting).
Norton Utilities, VB
as port testing).
required.
Port Test, etc.).
Not customizable.
Very simple to use
Not customizable.
Usually fast and
Usually only
Operating system
and generally
efficient. No
provides reporting
utilities (such as
highly intuitive
development time
facilities.
Windows System
required.
Tools).
Custom-written software
Custom-written can be developed using a variety of programming languages
such as assembly language, BASIC, and C/C
++
. The techniques for developing
custom-written software have already been described at some length in earl-
ier chapters and readers should refer to these for information as well as
sample code written in MASM32, Microsoft BASIC, PowerBASIC, C/C
++
,
and Visual Basic. You should not underestimate the task of developing your
