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Session 3550

Integration of Virtual Instruments into an EET Curriculum

Nikunja K. Swain, Mrutyunjaya Swain, James A. Anderson School of Engineering Technology and Sciences South Carolina State University Orangeburg, SC 29117 Email: nkswain2001@yahoo.com

Abstract

Laboratory exercises and computer usage are an integral part of the Engineering Technology Programs. These exercises help to improve the students’ problem solving, critical thinking, and technical communication skills and require upgrading of laboratory and computer facilities. But in recent years there has been a decrease in resource allocation making it increasingly difficult to modernize the laboratories to provide adequate levels of laboratory and course work.

This calls for an alternative cost-effective method of modernizing laboratory resources and one way to do this is through the introduction of the virtual instruments concept to existing laboratory and courses. This paper describes an on going process: the integration of virtual instruments into various Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) lecture and laboratory courses so that our graduates can be well trained with the latest technology.

I. Introduction

The ET programs are designed with laboratory exercises and computer usage as an integral part. The laboratory exercises provide verification of the basic theory and reinforcement of the underlying principles; acquaintance with physical components and equipment; greater attention to the theoretical limitations; ability to communicate; critical thinking and observations; and the application of logical analysis and computer usage to solve real world problems. This is also true of the Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) programs at the South Carolina State University (SCSU).

The EET program curriculum at SCSU requires six (6) one (1) semester hour laboratory courses covering areas like Circuits, Electronics and Communications, Digital and Microprocessors, Power Systems and Electric Machines, Control and Robotics, and PLC and Virtual Instrumentation and one (1) three (3) semester hour computer aided design course. These courses provide the student with competence in the use of analytical and measurement equipment.

These laboratory courses also help to enhance/introduce the student to the following:

Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2004, American Society for Engineering Education

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Swain, N., & Swain, M. (2004, June), Integration Of Virtual Instruments Into Eet Curriculum Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--14080