ENGRD 2640 - Computer - Instrumentation Design

(crosslisted)
(also AEP 2640)

Fall, spring. 3 credits.

Prerequisite: CS 1112; permission of instructor for seniors. 1 lec, 1 lab.

T. Cool.

Covers the use of a small computer in an engineering or scientific research lab. The experiments and devices investigated include analog to digital converters (ADC), digital to analog converters (DAC), digital input/output (I/O), counter/timers, serial port communications, digital temperature control, error analysis, nonlinear least squares fitting of experimental data, viscosity of fluids, a robot arm, and thermal diffusion. C++ programming and graphical programming with LabVIEW™ are used for computer interfacing to hardware. Students develop effective written communication skills in the context of science and engineering. They prepare progress reports, technical reports, and formal articles based on the experiments.

Outcome 1: Learn techniques for interfacing computers with engineering and scientific measurements.

Outcome 2: Extend programming skills to using I/O operations in C++, graphical programming, and “virtual instrument” concepts.

Outcome 3: Improve technical writing skills in various forms, progress reports, technical reports and rapid, brief communications.