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Last update: 09. May 2008
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The programme unit named HiScope supports analogue inputs of the eProDas modules.
The eProLab programme supports real-time experiments
utilising the data acquisition modules developed within the project.
Without a DAQ module connected to the PC, the programme is still capable
of opening files comprising real experimental data. All ComLab courses
provide experimental data in the form of graphics screen files as well
as sequential files of numerical data.
The programme has a special feature that it enables
a simple translation to practically any language. Everything that is
needed for translation is ASCII text editor (such as MS Notepad) and
Html editor (even MS Word would be fine).
 After installing the programme on a local PC, this
icon found in ComLab courses runs eProLab software opening files comprising
true experimental data.
 After installing the programme on a local PC,
this icon found in ComLab courses runs eProLab software opening files
comprising proper settings for a particular experiment – no experimental
data is displayed.
 The
programme is available on the ComLab website
under the Download section on the 'freeware'
basis.
eProLab units
The current version of the eProLab comprise the following
units:
Testing the interface
The purpose of this module is to test all input and
output function of the data acquisition system. Output functions are
controlled through controls on screen: buttons for digital outputs
and scroll bar for analogue output. All input functions are monitored
continuously and are displayed on screen: with filled and not filled
circles for digital inputs and bars for analogue inputs.
Basic testing the DAQ system requires a wire or two
and voltmeter. To test functions available on connectors, one needs
a sensor or device to be connected (an analogue sensor, a digital sensor,
H-bridge control unit).
 Index
HiScope
The HiScope is the most comprehensive module
within the eProLab package. It is designed to apply analogue sensors
(such as temperature, pressure, voltage, light, …), as well as ultrasonic
distance sensor, to sample frequency of digital signals, pulse width
modulated signals etc. The HiScope module enables to monitor up to
8 variables that can be represented as numerical text data, in time
dependent charts, charts of dependence of one variable against the
other and with a chart of Fourier transform.
Index
Sonic motion
The Sonic motion module has some features designed
specially for sonic distance sensor. Two sonic sensors can be connected
simultaneously as well as one sonic sensor combined with one analogue
sensor. Besides displaying a position of an observed body in motion
sampled through the sonic sensor, the module also displays velocity
and acceleration curves as well as signal sampled from an analogue
sensor (such as force sensor for example).
The Sonic motion module enables to monitor up
to 6 variables that can be represented as numerical text data, in time
dependent charts and charts of dependence of one variable against the
other. The module also supports linear and hyperbolic curve fit as
well as it displays a curve of required position or velocity that a
student tries to follow.
Index
VI curves
The VI curves module enables measurement and
real time display of voltage current curves electronic components such
as resistors, diodes, electric lamps with a filament etc., as well
as npn transistors.
For resistors and diodes, the software is programmed
to generate an analogue voltage output, Uout, which is automatically
increased in 40 steps of 0.125 V from 0 V to 5.0 V. This DAQ output
is capable of delivering a current of up to 150 mA. The time between
steps (called the 'dwell time' in what follows) may be set by the user.
Rx represents the device under investigation and Rref is a reference
resistor whose resistance is known; the value of Rref must be selected
depending on the anticipated range of the resistance of Rx. The computer
samples and stores the voltage at the analogue input, Uin, during each
step of the output voltage (Uout). The software determines the voltage
across the sample (U = Uout - Uin) and the corresponding current through
the sample (I = Uin/Rref).
An example course based on VI
curves module
Index
Sensor editor
The Sensor editor module facilitates analogue
sensor editor, adding and deleting sensors as well as on-line calibration
of analogue sensors. Data saved within this module is used by HiScope and Sonic
motion modules.
Index
Introduction to data acquisition and control
This module is designed to support the course with
the same title. It is an interdisciplinary course that covers the fundamental
principles of computerised data acquisition and control. The DAQ system
is utilised in practical examples such as measuring human reaction
times, determining the frequency of alternating light at which the
human eye cannot detect blinking, etc.
 
Index
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