Virtual Instrumentation Approach for Teaching EMC Concepts

E Lunca,A Salceanu

doi:10.5755/j01.eee.117.1.1057

Abstract

This paper illustrates the possibility of using virtual instrumentation techniques for enhancing the conventional EMC learning environment. After a short introduction into the EMC curricula, the main considerations for adopting a LabVIEW approach to create EMC educational tools are given. Then, a number of virtual instruments (VIs) concerning various EMC concepts, utilized during the EMC courses delivered by the authors, are briefly introduced. Three of them – a hardware-based VI module for experimenting with radiated electromagnetic interferences, an interactive simulation for teaching the radiation properties of the dipole antenna and an example of calculation program for EMC, which computes electrical parameters for typical PCB transmission lines – are presented in detail as case studies. Ill. 5, bibl. 22, tabl. 1 (in English; abstracts in English and Lithuanian).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.117.1.1057

Highlights

Today, many academic courses teaching engineering subjects incorporate virtual instrumentation tools, either in lectures or in laboratory sessions
The virtual instrumentation approaches have potential to enhance the content of a wide range of courses, complementing the theoretical lessons and promoting the experimental learning
Working with LabVIEW for many years and looking for new ways to make the EMC course in our faculty more engaging and enjoyable, we have introduced a set of computer-based instructional modules (VIs) concerning EMC concepts

Summary

Introduction

Many academic courses teaching engineering subjects incorporate virtual instrumentation tools, either in lectures or in laboratory sessions. The virtual instrumentation approaches have potential to enhance the content of a wide range of courses, complementing the theoretical lessons and promoting the experimental learning. This paper demonstrates that, using a virtual instrumentation approach, it is possible to enhance the Electromagnetic Compatibility education through the development of new teaching resources. Designed to be used in conjunction with conventional teaching resources, they aim to consolidate the EMC skills of the 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students. Some of these tools might serve to other EMC purposes

Present development

Characterizing DC and lowfrequency magnetic field sources

Understanding essentials in PCB impedance control

Conclusions