A common platform is used in conjunction with a host computer to control various
equipment sensors that perform different functions. In one aspect, the common platform
is a micro-controller board, the host computer is a personal computer (PC), and
the equipment sensors comprise an add-on card and a sensor for use in automotive
services. A universal serial bus (USB) or an RS232 interface used for the common
platform communicates with the host computer and with the equipment sensors. The
common platform is a plug and play board that, once attached to the host computer,
operates with little or no human intervention. The common platform is capable of
accommodating various equipment sensors that are run by various appropriate application
software. Further, the common platform can run under different operation power
sources. In one aspect, these power sources include a power source embedded in
the common platform, an RS232 power source, and a power source external to the
common platform, such as a battery.
