I-Virtual lab kit with microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) system for basic electronics

Abstract

Basic electronics experiments are essential fundamental foundation in electronics. Hence, this work proposes an i-Virtual Lab Kit with microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) system based on Gagnes’ nine instruction elements specifically for basic electronics and instrumentations experiments in pre-university level. Development process including hardware and software (module) will be discussed in details. Developed gadget utilizes Phidget Interface Kit and sensors for real-time data acquisition of voltage and current and sending it through USB (Universal Serial Bus) to personal computer (PC). LabVIEW used as the graphical interface to control data acquisition and data analysis. MBL module has been designed to represent the data interactively on the computer screen as well as an interactive laboratory teaching kit. Furthermore, voltage and current measurement were successfully merged with on-board electronics components for simplified experimental setup. This system was designed based on Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction, consists of four experiment modules, namely Ohm’s Law, RC Circuit, Virtual Meter and Diode Characteristics. It provides two input channels and also can be utilized as an oscilloscope on the computer screen. At low development cost, this sleek and compact system is expected to enhance students’ performances and attitudes towards the laboratory work in basic electronics. This claim will be validated later and will be included as a future work.