Monarch
Article Abstract:
The Athena Group Inc's Monarch computer program, priced from $399, is designed to run on an IBM-PC compatible with 640Kbytes of RAM and a math coprocessor. The use of a hard drive is recommended. The program designs one-dimensional digital filters which are easy to experiment with, and performs such other digital-signal processing operations as fast Fourier transforms (FFTs). Siglab is an environment within Monarch which provides FFTs, filtering, noise generation and other useful signal processing functions. Siglab treats signals as vectors and, although slow, it is easy to use. Two faults of the program are its poor graphics, which cannot be manipulated by the user, and the lack of a facility to let users automate repetitive tasks, thus wasting keystrokes. The program's modularity makes it flexible, and any executable file can be added to the package's menu. Graphics and data are stored in ASCII format.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1989
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Interactive Laboratory System (ILS) PC
Article Abstract:
Interactive Laboratory System PC (ILS) is the latest version of a ten-year-old signal-processing and -analysis package. Once distributed as a collection of binary programs, version 6.1 h as been enhanced with both a menu and a command line. Menus can be customized to suit the user's own signal-processing routines, and the menus allow simple functions to be done quickly. The written documentation is extensive and clear; the on-line help function is more than sufficient for most questions. Application notes are provided to explain ILS's methods of solving digital signal processing (DSP) problems. Drawbacks include a need to keep manual records of where data is located, and a lack of mouse support. A math coprocessor is critical regardless of platform. Despite these caveats, this is an excellent value for most users. Price is $3,100.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1989
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