In this era of revolutionary changes in Electronic Systems and merger of Computer / Communication technologies, delivering value added systems should predominantly depend on proper outsourcing and absorbing latest IT Tools and Platform. In this context Frontending activities might be most vital even in Application R&D ventures. Normally Retrofit Automation activities require proper assimilation of several standard technologies with hardware / software value additions.

Virtual instrumentation is a new technology paradigm which leverages all the continuing advancements in processor/PC technologies, Bus standards, Internet based communication / software standards/protocols and all application / network connectivity features.

Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW) is so far the most powerful software platform, which has almost become a global standard in this area. HP-VEE and other popular programming environments may also be used for VI development.

First success was Import Substitute Instrumentation Transmitters/Isolators for Satellite based Telemetry (Texas) Systems of GAIL- Gas Compressor Stations in Gujarat and MP - 1992-94 (Rs. 7.0 lacs) - First direct Industry Sponsored Project of ER&DCI, Calcutta.

A recent success is Feeding Regulation Project in Beximco Jute Mill, Bangladesh, 1999 ( US$ 12,000 sponsored by International Jute Organisation) - First International / Dollar earning Project of ER&DCI, Calcutta.

Virtual instrumentation system for remote wireless barrage control and allied applications  - (Jointly Sponsored by M/s. Jessop & MIT)

Status: Technology development completed and accepted. Industrial implementation under negotiation with Govt. of AP. Patent awaited. Commercialization and further Application-projects are being negotiated at the National level.

      Virtual instrumentation scada for integrated power plant management - (Jointly Sponsored by DPL & MIT)

Status and Prospects: System Design complete. Module level designs for the technology modules MICRO-DAS, GSOFT, VI-DAS complete. Development and Field Engineering jobs are continuing for TVA, NETMIS, TELE-DAS and other modules.

      Remotely operated virtual instrumentation set-up for sediment/bedform studies - (Fully Sponsored by RRI, Govt. of W.B.)

Status and Prospects: Developmental activities have been completed in the spheres of VI Software and Sensor Carriage Engineering. The Project required technical co-operation of Delft Institute, Holland in the sphere of Sediment Bed Sensing. The Sensor elements/ subsystems designed by Delft would be modified and interfaced with C-DAC, Kolkata's (Erstwhile ER&DCI, Calcutta) PC / VI Electronics.

Virtual laboratory development

Objective: Development of Core Resources for Virtual Laboratory and Learning Centre for Engineering students and Corporate Managers/Engineers in Eastern India with connectivity and distant learning features.