Laboratories Enhancement With Labview Based Graphical Development Tools

Abstract

Abstract NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract Laboratories Enhancement with LabVIEW-Based Graphical Development Tools Abstract With the rapid development of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, there is a lag for the traditional laboratories to keep up with the modern industry requirement. Although there are many applications of new technologies such as MultiSim, Xilinx, and etc. that have been introduced to classroom, they may only influence one or two courses. The lack of consistent in learning creates new problems in the curriculum. To address this concern, four faculty members in the Engineering Technology department at Prairie View A&M University proposed to revamp the current Engineering Technology undergraduate lab courses with LabVIEW, aiming to improve the delivery of laboratory and corresponding lecture contents through virtual instruments and graphical tools, inspiring students’ interests in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subject by accessing the latest innovations, and strengthening their marketability upon graduation. LabVIEW is a powerful industrial standard graphical development environment developed on a novel concept of virtual instrumentation, which utilizes computer technologies in combination with flexible software and modular hardware to create interactive computer-based instrumentation solutions. Also NI provides a standard academic educational product of ELVIS. With such a multi-functional platform, as well as many third-party compatible products, the same platform can be used in a wide variety of subjects including circuit, electronics, digital logic, network analysis, digital hardware, robotics, control, microcontroller, and DSP. Based on the consistent platform of ELVIS and LabVIEW, a sequence of lab courses in both Computer Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology programs can be developed, from freshmen, sophomore level courses, all the way to junior and senior level courses. Totally there are eleven courses to be revamped, including DC Circuit Lab, AC Circuits Lab, Electronics I Lab, Basic Electronics II Lab, Digital Logic Circuits Lab, Network Analysis Lab, Robotics Lab, Digital Hardware Lab, Control System Lab, Microcontroller Lab, and DSP lab. Through such a plan, all the students will receive enough training on the latest innovative equipment. Also the undergraduate curriculum of Engineering Technology department at PVAMU will be strengthened by the according lab courses. I. Background For the past decade, computer and electrical technology has been one of the most fast growing areas in engineering territory. New equipments have come into being, new products have appeared in the market, and new theories have been applied to the existing devices. All of the above give new expectations to current engineers and technologies. At the same time, they challenge our education of modern technologists. 1. Industry Demand