A microprocessor-based pulse programmer for pulsed NMR applications employing digital integrated circuit and microprocessor techniques is described. The pulse programmer was designed to be completely general with the capability to quickly and easily program any desired pulse sequence. Pulse sequenching and timing information is entered through any standard ASCII terminal using a programming language developed specifically for NMR. A resident text editor provides for easy pulse sequence modifications as well as a program library feature. A language translator and run-time monitor transform this general hardware system into a ''smart'' pulse programmer capable of extended programming functions.