An advanced electronics laboratory using computer-based data acquisition and analysis instrumentation is being developed at Franklin Institute of boston for its technology majors. The instrumentation consists of six workstations, each with a 386- based AT personal computer with internal boards for use as: a digital logic analyzer (DLA); and, an analog instrumentation system (AIS) comprised of a digital oscilloscope, function generator and multimeter. The DLA will improve the timing analysis of a microprocessor-based system bus architecture. The AIS will allow a further explanation of electronics and electrical circuits through its capability to extract data and its software manipulation in frequency and characteristic curve analysis. The students using this laboratory are in the 2nd year of two-year engineering technology programs, and they will have had one year of electrical and electronic circuits. The project is significant because it implements an efficient, cost-effective system, of a type currently utilized in the private sector, that will improve our students' educational experience while preparing them for a career in industry. By demonstrating the efficacy of this system and developing the accompanying instructional materials, the project plans to facilitate the implementation of computer-based electronic laboratories by other educational institutions.
