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Session 1620

Data Acquisition for Process Monitoring and Control

Rafic Bachnak and Carl Steidley Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, TX 78412

Abstract

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi recently finished equipping the Control Systems Laboratory with data acquisition systems and process training equipment. The laboratory provides several capabilities, including internet-based experimentation, data acquisition, process measurements, control system modeling and design, sensor technology applications, neural networks, and signal processing. This paper describes the major laboratory equipment and the implementation of online experiments that offer data acquisition, monitoring, and control from remote locations. A front panel in LabVIEW displays the results and allows storage of acquired data for later processing. A digital camera that provides real-time pictures of the monitored equipment is part of the system configuration.

Introduction

Laboratory development is a major task that faculty at institutions of higher education are constantly addressing [1-3]. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (A&M-CC) recently established a new Control Systems Laboratory that provides interdisciplinary educational and research capabilities across several science and engineering areas. These areas include sensor technology, data acquisition, control system design, system modeling, signal and image processing, neural networks, and data visualization. The laboratory supports several courses and gives Computer Science (CS) and Engineering Technology (ET) students unique training opportunities and benefits by having both groups work on interdisciplinary projects.

The ability to monitor and control processes from remote locations makes proper and timely analysis possible. Advances in networking technologies and development of measurement hardware and software has turned PCs into platforms capable of continuous remote monitoring using the Internet. A software program that facilitates the developments of such applications is LabVIEW [4-9]. The software allows embedding a user on a web page with access to the system. Access can be granted using security features available though the software. Features such as password protection can prevent private information from being viewed by the general public. This features is especially useful for offering online experimentation where students need to gain access to inaccessible laboratories outside of their class time. This paper presents the process

“Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2003, American Society for Engineering Education”

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Steidley, C., & Bachnak, R. (2003, June), Data Acquisition System For Online Process Monitoring And Control Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--12602