Conference Session

Project-Based Learning Enhanced through Instrumentation

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Byul Hur, Texas A&M University; Jaime Pablo Lopez; Brian J. Munoz; Sephia Blair

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Diversity

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Instrumentation Division (INST)

water properties such as water temperature andpH, and it can send the data over the internet. A user can also control the sliding light sourceover the internet. A GUI program using the .NET framework can access data and control theinstrumentation. The images can be stored on a local microSD card. For the main controller, aBeagleBone Black board was used, and the sliding platform was implemented using a steppermotor. In this paper, the details of the mosquito breeding environment testing instrumentationand the educational lessons learned via this engineering capstone project are presented.I. Introduction Mosquito larvae can be found in stagnant water in abandoned or discarded tires [1-3].Abandoned tires left outdoors can collect stagnant water

Conference Session

Project-Based Learning Enhanced through Instrumentation

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carl K. Frederickson, University of Central Arkansas

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Diversity

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Instrumentation Division (INST)

electronics, mechanics, computer programming, and robotics.The progression of classes provides students with the skills to develop autonomous roboticsystems as part of the senior design capstone. Senior Design students in the program haveparticipated in the Autonomous Vehicle Challenge (AVC) as part of the National RoboticsChallenge [1] each of the last two years. The Program has sent two teams to participate in theAVC each of the last two years (2022 and 2023). In the first year that AVC was available aftercovid (2022) the team placed 1st and 3rd in the competition.The Program applied for accreditation as an Engineering Physics program during the 2022/2023review cycle. The Engineering Physics designation best matches the interdisciplinary nature

Conference Session

Learning through Instrumentation: Experiences and Applications

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Asad Yousuf, Savannah State University; Md Rakibul Karim Akanda, Savannah State University

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Diversity

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Instrumentation Division (INST)

and machinery that was mentioned repeatedly when researching themechanisms and machinery for making an automated project. "Design of a Smart Ping Pong Robot"was the title of the model project [1]. There are numerous methods to improve the design of a pingpong robot. One of the best methods to build a ping pong robot is to use readily available materialsthat can be quickly replicated and scaled up.A PVC pipe is the most essential mechanism for keeping a steady stream of ping pong balls. ThePVC piping can handle a variety of sizes. A ping pong ball is typically 40 millimeters (mm) in size[2]. The PVC that would suit the average ping pong ball size is 1.5" PVC piping with an insidediameter of 41.27 mm [3]. This permits any mistakes that occur

Conference Session

Project-Based Learning Enhanced through Instrumentation

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Fernando Silveira Madani, Centro Universitário Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia; Andressa Corrente Martins, Centro Universitário, Instituto Maua de Tecnologia; Anderson Harayashiki Moreira, Centro Universitário, Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia; Alexandre Harayashiki Moreira

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Diversity

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Instrumentation Division (INST)

characteristic of integrating theory and practice,therefore, interdisciplinarity, research, and extension are fundamental steps for an integralformation of the engineer [1]. A. Ribas Neto, M. Fiorin and T. Dequigiovani [2] comment onthe importance of applying projects in building students' knowledge of the technologydegrees. When searching for these courses, it is possible to find a large list of courses thatcontain integrative projects in their curriculum so that students develop knowledge in anintegrated way and help in understanding what each course proposes to offer. C. CechellaPhilippi [3], defines an integrative project as an inter and multidisciplinary pedagogicalpractice that relates the topics and contents taught in the classroom

Conference Session

Learning through Instrumentation: Experiences and Applications

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Abhijit Nagchaudhuri, University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Jesu Raj Pandya, University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Ayomikun Precious Adegunle; Jackson Mitchell Cuppett; Charles Raleigh; Isaac Omodia, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

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Diversity

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Instrumentation Division (INST)

in space and earth system sciences as well asprecision agriculture and environmental stewardship are aligned with the NASA and USDAeducational and research objectives, the land grant mission of University of Maryland EasternShore(UMES), workforce development undertakings, and the goals of the “Smart Farming” and“AIRSPACES” projects ongoing on campus for the past several years. Since their inception, theseprojects have embraced the experiential learning paradigm within a multidisciplinary verticallyintegrated project framework [1, 2]. Undergraduate engineering and computer science students, aswell as other STEM majors, have worked alongside graduate student(s) in the doctoral program inFood Science and Technology (FDST) to advance the project

Conference Session

Learning through Instrumentation: Experiences and Applications

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Cyril B. Okhio, Kennesaw State University; Theodore Orrin Grosch, Kennesaw State University; Austin B. Asgill P.E., Kennesaw State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation Division (INST)

provides a good base for expansion or adaptation as are described in the followingselected works. Figure 1: Smart Cell PCBs. Cell Connection on Left. Output on Right [1]“Completely Decentralized Active Balancing Battery Management System”, examines some ofthe drawbacks associated with centralized battery management systems and the strengths ofindividual cell monitoring [1]. The battery packs used in current all-electric vehicles are typicallyretired when the nominal capacity of the pack is reduced to around 70-80 percent of its value.Switched capacitor topologies are usually used in an active balancing system and are only ableto cope with minor differences in cell capacities. If cells have degraded enough, the currentmarket battery

Conference Session

Learning through Instrumentation: Experiences and Applications

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David N. Long, James Madison University; Karim Altaii, James Madison University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation Division (INST)

poster on their project that ispresented at a symposium. In the senior year, students take a 2-credit hour course in the fall andspring, undertaking the research developed and proposed in their junior year. For the projectdescribed here, students performed an independent research project in Costa Rica. Through thisproject, students analyze a technology‐based problem, develop alternative solutions, recommendthe best solution, and provide a written and oral technical report. As part of this internationalexperience, students are able to demonstrate their ability to define and manage a project, identifygoals, track and report progress, deliver results on time, and clearly report results. Specifically,students have: 1. Develop innovative

Conference Session

Project-Based Learning Enhanced through Instrumentation

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David R. Loker, Pennsylvania State University, Behrend College

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation Division (INST)

assessments willbe shown. For ABET, it will be shown how these projects can be used to assess student outcomes.IntroductionIn engineering and engineering technology programs, there are a variety of programming andembedded systems courses. C/C++ programming is often used as a primary component to thesecourses. Examples of devices used within embedded hardware and software courses include theProgrammable System-on-Chip (PSoC 5LP) and the BeagleBone Black (BBB) [1-3].Alternatively, MicroPython is a subset of the Python standard library, and it is optimized to run on avariety of microcontrollers for embedded applications [4]. One such device is the Raspberry Pi Pico[5]. The Pi Pico is an inexpensive embedded processor board that can be used in a variety

Conference Session

Project-Based Learning Enhanced through Instrumentation

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Fernando Silveira Madani, Mauá Institute of Technology; Andressa Corrente Martins, Instituto Maua de Tecnologia ; Leonardo Oneda Galvani, Instituto Maua de Tecnologia; Anderson Harayashiki Moreira, Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia; Alexandre Harayashiki Moreira M.S., Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia

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Instrumentation Division (INST)

evaluation, andfocused on ABET, how these projects can be used to evaluate students' outcomes.Keywords: Project Based Learning, Integrative project, multidisciplinary project,control, instrumentation and simulator.INTRODUCTION The integration of Instrumentation, Microcontrollers and Control Systems Idisciplines in this technical project represents a significant milestone in theinterdisciplinary approach to engineering, allowing a practical and complete applicationof the concepts learned throughout the course. A. Ribas Neto, M. Fiorin, and T.Dequigiovani [1] highlight the value of project-based learning in technology degreeprograms to deepen students' understanding and skills in the field. In this report, thedevelopment of an interactive

Conference Session

Learning through Instrumentation: Experiences and Applications

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Abhijit Nagchaudhuri, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Jackson Mitchell Cuppett, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Dave Akin, University of Maryland, College Park; Urjit Korok Chakraborty, James M. Bennett High School; Lance C. Ward, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Parker Wilson, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Mason Alexander Morgan; Rahul Vishnoi, University of Maryland, College Park; Romeo Gabriel Perlstein, University of Maryland, College Park

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Instrumentation Division (INST)

institution. The exchange program culminates ina summer research symposium where the students present their work [1].The “Autonomous Instrumented Robotic Sensory Platforms to Advance Creativity and EngageStudents” (AIRSPACES) project led by the principal author at UMES leverages the SEIP platformand integrates its scope within its framework. The AIRSPACES project is also funded by MDSGCannually to engage UMES engineering and other STEM students in hands-on out-of-classroommultidisciplinary team projects throughout the year [2-4]. The UMES-UMD ( University ofMaryland College Park) collaborative project titled “DREAM: Developing Robotic Explorationsusing Agrobots and Moonbots” builds on the foundation provided by the AIRSPACES project andexpands its

Conference Session

Project-Based Learning Enhanced through Instrumentation

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Austin B. Asgill P.E., Kennesaw State University; Cyril B Okhio P.E., Kennesaw State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation Division (INST)

– Senior Capstone Design Project, Engineering (E), Engineering Technology (ET),MouseHead - A Hands-Free Computer Controller.I. Introduction There is a growing importance of computers within the modern age. With more “work fromhome” opportunities being created, societies’ reliance on computer interaction continues toadvance. While this is not a problem in itself, there is an alienated sector of society that is unableto take advantage of these opportunities. A significant portion of the population struggles withimpairments [1, 2]. With technology being such a driving force in society, more opportunities arecreated for those who are constrained and unable to leave home as easily. As opportunities grow,those with impairments, like amputees

Conference Session

Learning through Instrumentation: Experiences and Applications

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David R. Loker, Pennsylvania State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation Division (INST)

. Projects contain engineeringrequirements, schematics, software code, and results. Then, an example of a student project utilizingdata acquisition and Wi-Fi is provided.IntroductionData acquisition (DAQ) involves sampling signals utilizing sensors that measure electricalparameters, processing these signals into real-world values, and displaying the information. Thissystem is typically implemented with a USB DAQ device (e.g., myDAQ, etc.) connected to aPC, and software employed with graphical or text-based programming (e.g., LabVIEW, Matlab,etc.).A variety of courses encompassing both electrical and computer disciplines involve dataacquisition. One such course is Measurements and Instrumentation [1]. This reference describes ajunior-level course

Conference Session

Learning through Instrumentation: Experiences and Applications

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dale H. Litwhiler, Pennsylvania State University

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation Division (INST)

and staff developed the custom test fixture for the project.Dynamic test data was captured with a USB data acquisition unit and LabVIEW software. Thispaper describes the lessons learned by the students and faculty during the project. Examples oftilt sensors designed by the students are presented. The custom test hardware and software arealso presented and discussed.Motivation and IntroductionRiding lawn mower rollover accidents, commercial and residential, cause many injuries anddeaths each year in the United States. [1-3]. The rural student demographic of the campus is anappropriate cohort for a project to raise awareness of this real hazard. Devising a solution for theproblem serves as motivation for the project.Passive indicators are

Conference Session

Project-Based Learning Enhanced through Instrumentation

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Cyril B Okhio P.E., Kennesaw State University; Austin B. Asgill P.E., Kennesaw State University; Nicholas Velatini; Theodore Orrin Grosch, Kennesaw State University

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Instrumentation Division (INST)

wide range of transportation and environmental demands, that can include a reduction invehicular delays and traffic congestion. Figure 1. Drone View from HWY120 and HWY Figure 2. Model of 2 Road IntersectionsCurrent traffic lights in the United States are arbitrary. While systems which sense the presence ofautomobiles exist, they are based on samples of roads and the greatest traffic through the sensorsreceives priority. Most sensing roads have a 3 car per lane measurement capacity which means thata 2-lane road intersecting another like road could have 3 cars while the other has 100, though theywill receive the fixed amount of time regardless. This can lead to grid lock in high traffic cityintersections, increasing travel time of each

Conference Session

Project-Based Learning Enhanced through Instrumentation

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Fernando Silveira Madani, Mauá Institute of Technology; Andressa Corrente Martins, Instituto Maua de Tecnologia ; Julia Meneses Roberto, Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia ; Marcelo Sacilotti Villas Boas; Anderson Harayashiki Moreira, Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia; Alexandre Harayashiki Moreira

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Instrumentation Division (INST)

integrated project encompassing Instrumentation,Microcontrollers, Programming, and Control Systems has been structured into stages to enhancestudent comprehension and improve the application dynamics and feedback on results. These stagesare divided into five parts: 1. Defining the problem and project theme. 2. Conducting theoretical research. 3. Constructing prototypes and conducting validation tests. 4. Delivering oral and practical presentations. 5. Writing a scientific report. By tackling these theoretical and practical challenges, the project not only offers anopportunity for applying knowledge gained the disciplines but also demonstrates the integration ofmultiple engineering domains into a cohesive project

Conference Session

Learning through Instrumentation: Experiences and Applications

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bradley Lane Kicklighter P.E., University of Southern Indiana

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation Division (INST)

hands-on experience for some students. To achieve a positiveexperience for all students, while covering the same objectives as having a physical trainer foreach student, a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) process control simulation has been implemented.This allows for 1. Individualized learning, 2. An ability to cover the objectives withouthaving physical trainers, and 3. Instructs students about hardware-in-the-loop simulation.This paper presents the work to date on hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) process control simu-lation labs for SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) Systems Design. Theimplementation uses a programmable logic controller (PLC) for the controller and a simula-tion of the process (plant) written in Python by the author

Conference Session

Instrumentation in Engineering Projects

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Catherine Johnson, Missouri University of Science and Technology; Rachel L Bauer, Missouri University of Science and Technology

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation Division (INST)

project involves an on-campusweekend, during which students design and execute an experiment using three or more of theinstrumentation techniques covered in the course. This collaborative project culminates in aresearch paper summarizing their findings. The course redevelopment has resulted in increasedenrollment, positive student evaluations, and several peer-reviewed publications. This modeldemonstrates a successful hybrid approach that ensures distance learners gain equivalent hands-on experience and research opportunities as their on-campus counterparts.IntroductionExplosives engineering is a specialized field that requires not only a solid foundation intheoretical knowledge but also the ability to design, execute, and analyze experiments [1

Conference Session

Instrumentation Methods and Techniques

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David R. Loker, Pennsylvania State University, Behrend College; Teck Meng (Jonathan) Liaw, Pennsylvania State University, Behrend College; Steven Nozaki, Pennsylvania State University, Behrend College

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation Division (INST)

inputs, processing these signals into real-world values, and displayingthe results. This system can be implemented with a USB DAQ device (e.g., myDAQ, etc.)connected to a PC, and software employed with graphical or text-based programming (e.g.,LabVIEW, Matlab, etc.).A variety of courses in both electrical and computer disciplines involve data acquisition. One suchcourse is a Measurements and Instrumentation course [1]. This reference describes a junior-levelcourse, which uses the myDAQ device for data acquisition and LabVIEW as the programminglanguage, for designing and implementing measurement systems. Other courses that can includedata acquisition software programming, computer networking, communications systems, andproject-based

Conference Session

Instrumentation Methods and Techniques

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bradley Lane Kicklighter P.E., University of Southern Indiana

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation Division (INST)

, are used in the course (see Figure 1). Figure 1: Allen-Bradley PLC/HMI Trainer with Two-Axis Motion Control Module.The trainer is designed around an Allen-Bradley Micro850 PLC and Allen-Bradley Pan-elView 800 HMI. Both the PLC and HMI are programmed using the Connected ComponentsWorkbench software from Rockwell Automation. The motion control module consists of apower supply, two stepper motor drivers, two stepper motors, and two inductive proxim-ity sensors (used for homing the axes). Acrylic disks with markings every five degrees areattached to the stepper motors. See Figure 2. Figure 2: Two-Axis Motion Control Module.Each student completes their own labs and projects. There are enough trainers and

Conference Session

Instrumentation in Engineering Projects

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Abhijit Nagchaudhuri, University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Lance Ward, University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Danny Pham, University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Anubhav Dixit, University of Maryland College Park; Christopher Snyder, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

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Instrumentation Division (INST)

efforts.1.0 IntroductionThe UMES-UMD (University of Maryland College Park) three-year collaborative project titled“DREAM: Developing Robotic Explorations using Agrobots and Moonbots” was initiated in thefall of 2023 and provides a challenging platform for education and research aligned with the broadscope of the objectives of NASA’s Artemis mission. The work reported in this paper builds uponearlier efforts reported previously[1].The Robot Operating System (ROS) is an open-source software framework that providesmiddleware for robotics applications[2,3]. It allows different components (nodes) of a robot tocommunicate with each other using messages sent over a network. The communication happensthrough a publishing-subscribing model where one node

Conference Session

Instrumentation Methods and Techniques

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nicholas Hendricks, Heidelberg Instruments Nano AG; Emine Cagin, Heidelberg Instruments Nano AG; Nancy Burnham, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Tanisha Gupta, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Brett Michael Mann, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Sophia Reynolds, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; John Andrew DePalma, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Carolina Ruiz, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI); Jeffrey Solomon, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Jonas Vergés

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Diversity

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Instrumentation Division (INST)

projected togenerate over a trillion USD by 2030 [1]. To address this, companies are investigating andinvesting in workforce development. Heidelberg Instruments Nano aims to contribute to thiseffort by utilizing the NanoFrazor tool in nanofabrication related education modules. Byleveraging nanofabrication and imaging capabilities associated with thermal scanning probelithography (t-SPL), students can create and see nanostructures in real-time and within anhour of training.In collaboration with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Heidelberg Instruments Nanohas developed teaching materials for both classroom and laboratory settings. Such materialsinclude guided laboratory exercises, self-learning videos with accompanying quizzes, andlecture slides

Conference Session

Instrumentation in Engineering Projects

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Cyril B Okhio P.E., Kennesaw State University; Theodore Orrin Grosch, Kennesaw State University; Austin B. Asgill P.E., Kennesaw State University; Jeremy Dismukes, Kennesaw State University; Anthony Ware

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Instrumentation Division (INST)

mail,providing details on the sender, type of correspondence, and content to enhance security. Unlikeexisting systems, SMA-01 overcomes limitations such as limited use, low reliability in low lightconditions, and lack of recipient identification. The hardware support involves an infraredmodule, RFID reader, and GSM module powered by a 9V battery. Successful experiments onvarious mailboxes validate its effectiveness. The software support includes libraries for serialcommunication, SPI, and RFID. SMA-01 represents a significant leap in secure and efficientmail handling. Future improvements include compact design and support for envelopes. [1] In the era of widespread internet use, especially post-COVID-19, Thailand has witnesseda surge

Conference Session

Instrumentation in Engineering Projects

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Cyril B Okhio P.E., Kennesaw State University; Theodore Orrin Grosch, Kennesaw State University; Austin B. Asgill P.E., Kennesaw State University; Saiyda N Bey

Tagged Divisions

Instrumentation Division (INST)

network, offering a more versatile and efficient solution. [Source XXIII]LPDA (Log Periodic Dipole Arrays) as a reflector antenna feed offers a wide range ofapplications. However, phase center of the LPDA changes depending on the operationfrequency, which, in turn, leads to defocusing loss as frequency changes. In this study, thedesign of 1-18 GHz printed LPDA antenna is used as a linearly polarized feed for theparabolic reflector which has a 1.2 m diameter. Optimal feed position and f/D ratio are chosenthrough extensive simulations. Performance parameters such as VSWR, gain and half powerbeamwidth are presented. Minimum aperture efficiency was recorded as 0.27 at the targetband. [Source XXIV]This resource discusses various operating principles