Use Of Computers In Data Acquisition

Abstract

Computer Engineering, and Computer Engineering Technology graduates need a clear understanding of analog transducers and the way to connect them to computers via digital interface circuits. In industry, transducers are used to measure temperature, pressure, strain, flow, position, velocity, and other analog conditions. In most two-year, and four-year electronic programs, students generally study transducers with their applications in one analog course, instrumentation amplifiers in a second analog course, and microprocessor interfacing in a separate digital course. The integration of these three topics in which students design, simulate, build and test a data acquisition system will help them to understand a practical industrial application. In this paper we will use a PC Interface card to connect the interfacing circuit which is on a breadboard to the computer. The interfacing circuit will be connected to an analog circuit that measures temperature. All engineering and engineering technology school laboratories are equipped with microcomputers. The advantage of using a PC interface card is that with a moderate cost for interfacing cards, the computers can be used for the programming of the digital circuits which are connected to the analog data acquisition circuit. As an example we will discuss the design, simulation, construction, and programming of a circuit used to display the temperature, as well as indicate high and low temperature alarm conditions. Electronic Workbench for Windows 95 simulation software will be used to simulate the operation of the circuit prior to its actual construction. Next the electronic circuit will be constructed. Finally, the students will write a computer program to control the system, and display the temperature information. The students are grouped into several project teams. This approach is similar to experience they will encounter in industry. Therefore, this project will enforce the team work concept as well as integrating knowledge learned across several electronic classes.