Engineering 345 Lab 2PurposeThe purpose of this laboratory experiment is to become familiar with the use of computers as measurement devices. Data AcQuisition cards (DAQ) are used to collect digital and analog data.TheoryData is read into the computer through the DAQ card, and is then fed to a program that simulates an instrument that would be used in a lab setting.LabVIEW, the program used in this course, simulates many of the tools used by engineers. A temperature probe may be inserted into a hot water bath, and plugged into the DAQ card. LabVIEW reads the probe, and displays the value of the temperature on the screen. EquipmentPC with LabVIEW software, and PCI-1200 DAQ cardInterface cableCircuit Trainer Board (CTB)Signal Generator (on CTB)Digital Multi-Meter (DMM) ProcedurePre-labThe task of the pre-lab was to write a program, using LabVIEW, to count from one to one hundred, and display each number, squared. We accomplished this by using the function block inside a while loop. The output was displayed on an x-y chart. The first time we ran out program we had an “off by one” error. This was quickly fixed, and the program worked well.The program can be viewed by clicking on the following hypertext.Device 1When properly configured, the computer may be used as an oscilloscope. The first device to be made takesin an electrical signal from a signal generator, and plots it on an x-y chart. We ran into some problems while making our device work, because the signal was being read with quite a bit of noise. By switching toa different computer, the noise was eliminated, and the signal was clean.Device 1 may be viewed by clicking on the following hypertext.waveform.viDevice 2The DAQ board can put out a signal voltage. The second device consisted of a knob and a meter. When the knob was turned, the meter changed with it.A multi-meter connected to the DAQ board may be used to see that the computer is producing the voltage.meter.viDevice 3The final device uses a switch to light a bulb. The CTB is wired to the DAQ card, and when the toggle switch on the screen is flipped, both the light on the screen and the light on the board light up.light.viConclusionLabView is a useful tool for making measurements and collecting data in the
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