In this project a high performance, multi-user computer system supports senior-level realtime instruction. Students use the networked, graphics-oriented system for data acquisition, reduction, analysis and presentation. The laboratory system provides high speed analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion; TTL-compatible digital input and output; programmable counters/timers; two large screen, high resolution color graphics workstations; and access to the campus ethernet backbone. Both low-level and icon-based data acquisition and analysis software are available as well as a realtime version of UNIX operating system. Also included is the industry standard networking and computer graphics software. This distributed system allows students to experience modern, distributed laboratory computation. Individual students will be able to simultaneously edit source code and reduce data remotely through network access, while one project group acquires new data and another group analyzes and displays old data on the two workstations directly connected to the realtime host. Student access to the specialized hardware and software is maximized. The award is being matched by an equal amount from the principal investigator's institution.
