Instrumentation: Bench instruments are linked by personal computers and the steps in devising chip tests and designing chips are linked by software

A review of developments during 1984 shows that personal computers strengthened their foothold in the instrumentation field. New programs to acquire and analyze data became available for applications ranging from repairing computers to controlling manufacturing instruments. Computer-aided design and test software for test workstations is linking the task of writing test programs, simulating circuits, documenting test specifications, and debugging test programs. Many of these tasks, previously available only on separate programs, are being done with one software package. In addition, bench instruments improved last year with the introduction of several new products, bringing prices lower and making more portable instruments available.