Integrated Design Laboratory

1 Robert Kubichek, University of Wyoming, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Laramie, WY 82071 [email protected] 2 John Pierre, University of Wyoming, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Laramie, WY 82071 [email protected] 3 Frank Tuffner, University of Wyoming, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Laramie, WY 82071 4 Jerry Hamann, University of Wyoming, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Laramie, WY 82071 5 John Steadman, University of Wyoming, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Laramie, WY 82071 Abstract Workbenches in traditional student electronics laboratories have supported courses primarily in areas of circuits and electronics. Unfortunately, it has been difficult to design meaningful hands-on exercises for other courses such as signals and systems, communications, controls, and digital signal processing using typical workbench setups. This paper describes the development of a new workbench design that effectively supports a wide range of courses in electrical and computer engineering. Each bench is fully integrated through a computer interfaced to IEEE-488based test and measurement equipment. Additionally, each includes a high-speed data acquisition system as well as an outboard DSP hardware system. This paper describes the test bench setup and illustrates its use by examples from several different courses.