A computer is used as both a simulation and measurement tool to illustrate the behavior of analog electronic circuits. The Kolb learning cycle and the 4MAT system are used to justify the computer's role in experimentation. The incorporation of automated device parameter extraction is used to obtain more accurate computer simulations, and computer-controlled measurements illustrate design trade-off issues. Because trade-off analysis requires a large number of measurements, the computer is utilized to automatically control some of the more redundant activities. Using both simulation and automated measurement increases student understanding of amplifier circuits and bridges the gap between analysis and design.
