Computer network – based electronic laboratory

Abstract

There are many electronic laboratories, and similar labs, organized in the traditional way. This paper presents the automation of a laboratory using computer network. First, we connect all signal generator, DAQ card, control interface to a PC (workstation). Next, we link the workstations bidirectionally to a central server. The server works with printer and file server, and, through a modem, communicates with the Internet for distance training. This computer network – based electronic laboratory has many advantages, especially the capability of data storage and processing. To establish such a laboratory we have achieved three units, each consists both the hardware and the software, as follows 1. Signal generator (function generator) controlled from PC 2. Converting a PC into two-channel digital oscilloscope 3. Computer networking and communication The above laboratory automation is part of our VNU – HCM supported research completed in 2004 [1]. Unit 2 has been presented in [2]. This paper discusses the last unit.