The introduction of the microprocessor in computer and system engineering has motivated the development of many new concepts and has simplified the design of many modern industrial systems. During the first decade of their life. microprocessors have shown a tremendous evolution in all possible directions (technology. power. functionality. I/O handling. etc). Of course putting the microprocessors and their environmental devices into properly operating systems is a complex and difficult task requiring high skills for melding and integrating hardware. and systemic components. software This book was motivated by the editors' feeling that a cohesive reference is needed providing a good coverage of modern industrial applications of microprocessor-based real time control, together with latest advanced methodological issues. Unavoidably a single volume cannot be exhaustive. but the present book contains a sufficient number of important real-time applications. The book is divided in two sections. Section I deals with general hardware. software and systemic topics. and involves six chapters. Chapter 1. by Gupta and Toong. presents an overview of the development of microprocessors during their first twelve years of existence. Chapter 2. by Dasgupta. deals with a number of system software concepts for real­ time microprocessor-based systems (task scheduling. memory­ management. input-output aspects. programming language reqUirements.

Section I Methodology: Hardware, Software and Systemic Topics.- 1 Microprocessors-The First Twelve Years.- 2 Introduction to Real-Time System Software.- 3 Digital Control Algorithms.- 4 Estimation and Signal Processing Algorithms.- 5 Configuration of Distributed Control Systems.- 6 Modelling and Simulation.- Section II Real Time Applications.- 7 A Low Cost Self-Adaptive Microprocessor Controller: Application to Heating and Ventilation Control.- 8 Self-Adaptive Multi-Microprocessor Control of Cutter Suction Dredging Ships.- 9 Advanced Control in Thermal Power Plants.- 10 Status Report on Real-Time Control in Industries: Electric Power Systems.- 11 Status Report on Real Time Control in Steel Industry.- 12 Process Monitoring and Control of Gas Pipeline Networks.- 13 Real Time Computer Control of Cement Industry.- 14 Current Status of Microcomputer Applications on Railway Transportation Systems.- Author Index.