Preface xv
Symbols and Abbreviations xvii

1 Automation and Chemistry 1
1.2 Automation of the Different Stages of the Analytical Process 2
1.3 Computer Operating Modes 4
1.4 Approach to an Automation Problem 5

2 Basic Concepts of Analog Electronics 7
2.1 Introduction 7
2.2 Basic Elements 9
2.3 Circuit Analysis 26
2.4 Basic Circuits 28

3 Concepts of Digital Electronics 55
3.1 Introduction 55
3.2 Boolean Algebra 63
3.3 Logic Gates 69
3.4 Bistables 74
3.5 Basic Circuits 83

4 Microprocessors 103
4.1 Introduction 103
4.2 Hardware, Software, and Firmware 104
4.3 The Memory 104
4.4 Instruction Cycle 105
4.5 Architecture of the Intel 8085 μP 105
4.6 μP Instructions 110
4.7 μP-Based Systems 112
4.8 System Memories 112
4.9 I/O Techniques 114
4.10 I/O Devices 116
4.11 Monitor Routines 118
4.12 Market Development Kits 118
4.13 The Arduino 119
4.14 The Arduino Q 126

5 The Electronic Signal and Its Treatment 127
5.1 Introduction 127
5.2 Transducers 127Contents ix
5.3 Signal Conditioning 136
5.4 Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog Converters 140

6 Communications 149
6.1 Introduction 149
6.2 The RS232 Serial Communication Standard 149
6.3 The GPIB and IEEE488 Interface 153
6.4 Other Communication Protocols 157

7 The Workshop 163
7.1 Introduction 163
7.2 Selecting the Optimum Type of Material 163
7.3 The Mechanical Workshop 167

8 Software 209
8.1 Introduction 209
8.2 Software for Flow Techniques 209
8.3 AutoAnalysis 209

9 Instruments and Apparatus for Laboratory Automation 223
9.1 Introduction 223
9.2 Sample Digesters 224
9.3 Samplers 226
9.4 USB Tester 229
9.5 Automatic Balances 229
9.6 Peristaltic Pumps 231
9.7 Burettes and Dosifiers 236
9.8 Valves 238
9.9 Potentiometers 249
9.10 Potentiostats 253
9.11 Conductimeter 258
9.12 Spectrophotometer 262
9.13 Spectrofluorimeter 273
9.14 Atomic Fluorescence 277
9.15 Thermostat 278
9.16 Thermometric Titrator 281

10 Automation of Analytical Methods 285
10.1 Introduction 285
10.2 Potentiometric Titrimetry 285
10.3 Automation of Potentiometric Stripping Analysis 291
10.4 Automatic System for Conductimetric Titrimetry 295
10.5 Automation of Spectrophotometric Methods 296
10.6 Automation of Fluorimetric Methods 299
10.7 Automation of Calorimetric Methods 302

11 Automated Flow Techniques 307
11.1 Introduction 307
11.2 Flow Techniques 307

12 Laboratory Robotics 335
12.1 Introduction 335
12.2 Motors 336
12.3 Position Detectors 338
12.4 Articulated Arms 342

Appendix 1 Software 347
Appendix 2 Some Interesting Addresses 353
Appendix 3 Recommended Bibliography 355
Index 359