Engineering Workstations for Circuit Design Laboratories

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The goal of this project is to integrate computer applications into the laboratory through the use of cost-effective workstations. The equipment purchased includes eight, 80386 based computer workstations with General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) controllers that share four sets of computer controlled laboratory equipment. The test equipment includes a digital multimeter, a synthesized waveform generator, a multiple output power supply, and a digital storage oscilloscope. Hardcopy output is provided by four shared laser printers with plotter capability. This equipment supports and enhances the laboratory by providing fast, automatic data acquisition and analysis capabilities, and graphical display and hardcopy functions. Laborious repetitive measurements are eliminated, allowing valuable laboratory time to be spent investigating various designs, options, and results. Student acquired data is compared to computer simulations with the immediate feedback used to improve experimental techniques. Previously unavailable transient response and waveform analysis methods enhance the overall learning experience. The award is being matched by an equal amount from the principal investigator's institution.