The availability of economical microcomputing equipment offers the opportunity for developing sophisticated solutions to the needs of utilities and their customers.  The Power System Automation Laboratory performs research on the application of such intelligent equipment on the distribution network.   Investigations are directed toward enhancing the capabilities of conventional equipment as well as developing systems which perform new functions.   Research concepts are tested through the field demonstration of prototype systems on utility circuits. Areas of research cover a broad range of distribution protection, monitoring, and control functions.