The board approved the purchase of a NI Virtual Bench for the electronics lab. It is an all-in-one measurement instrument that combines a mixed-signal scope, function generator, digital multimeter, programmable DC power supply and digital I/O with protocol analyzer.
This is a test of the system to see how well it serves DMS users needs. This is not to replace more capable items like the Rigol, Function Generator and DC Power Supplies. The majority of DMS members need classes geared towards the beginner or hobby end of electronics.
I know there are advanced members that would like higher end gear. We intend to continue to improve our tools in the lab. To have funds for these other tools we need to teach more classes!
Class Ideas:
-
Introduction to Virtual Bench (what is it and how is it useful to me)
100 MHz Mixed Signal Scope, 2 Channel Analog, 34 Digital, 1GS/s sample rate -
Overview of the 5 Instruments:
Mixed Signal Oscilloscope with Protocol Analysis
Function Generator: 20 MHz Sine, 5 MHz Square
Digital I/O: 8 in or out, 5 V TTL or 3.3 V LVTTL
Programable DC Power Supplies: +6 V 1 A, +12 V & -12 V 0.5A (can be tracked)
Digital Multimeter: 5 1/2 digits, 300 V max, 10 A max -
Waveforms
Visualizing Waveforms
Setting Up Triggers
Measuring with Cursors
Digital Busses and Protocol Analysis
Math and FFT
Generating Basic Waveforms with FGEN -
Digital I/O & Logic Analyzer
Set channels as Input or Output
Set channels high/low
Logical Analyzer -
Programmable DC Power Supply
3 Channel Supply: +6 V, +12 V & -12 V tracking
Constant Voltage
Constant Current -
Digital Multi-Meter
AC/DC Voltage
AC/DC Current
Measuring Resistance & Continuity -
Automating Virtual Bench
Custom LabVIEW Applications