ENGRD 2640

Interfacing the Digital Domain with an Analog World

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2014-2015.

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.

When Offered Fall or spring.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: CS 1112.

• 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.

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