Nonnumeric applications of microprocessors

Two nonnumeric applications of microprocessors are described. It is shown that commercially available products allow an economical design of a small private automatic branch exchange (PABX). The second application considers a laboratory data aquisition system. Microprocessor characteristics are assessed on the basis of our experience with these applications. In view of some of the shortcomings of current products, some sugsestions are made which would make microprocessors more suitable for the nonnumeric environment. To demonstrate the feasibility of these suggestions, a design of a suitable micro-processor is proposed.