ENGRD 2640

Interfacing the Digital Domain with an Analog World

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2015-2016 Catalog.

Students use a computer to control equipment and acquire measurements in an engineering or scientific laboratory. Topics include data types, analog-to-digital conversion, digital-to-analog conversion, digital in/out, counter/timers, serial communication protocols, error analysis, least-squared fitting, introductory Fourier analysis, electrical waveguides/transmission lines, stepper motors, and introductory optical microscopy. Laboratory activities include practice exercises, measurement of pulse reflections in a transmission line, and development of a laser scanning microscope system.  Data analysis is performed primarily using MatLabTM and instrument interfacing is primarily using LabVIEWTM, but also C++. Students develop effective written communication skills in the context of science and engineering. They prepare progress reports, technical reports, and formal articles based on laboratory work.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: CS 1112.

Outcomes

• Learn techniques for interfacing computers with engineering and scientific measurements.
• Extend programming skills to using I/O operations in C++, graphical programming, and "virtual instrument" concepts.
• Improve technical writing skills in various forms, progress reports, technical reports and rapid, brief communications.

When Offered Fall or spring.

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