A MODULA-2 based virtual instrument for self-tuning control

The aim of the paper is to describe the development of slightly different and practically more flexible, approach to the development of self-tuning instruments. To be specific, the paper describes the development of a software package that could functionally resemble a purpose-built hardware instrument. Specifically it was intended that the final product could be classified in the terminology of the instrumentation industry as a virtual instrument. The virtual instrument concept is widespread in the instrumentation industry. In essence, a virtual instrument is a personal computer programmed to function like a specific item of scientific or industrial instrumentation. The implication of this is that the software structure should be modular in nature, with a well developed user interface and specialised input/output hardware. As regards self-tuning control, the virtual instrument must be able to accommodate a flexibility of structure not usually associated with industrial hardware. In particular, developers will wish to change algorithms and controller structures on a regular and routine basis