ECE 201L Circuit Analysis Laboratory
Lab 3

This lab provides experience with the USB-1208FS data aquisition module (DAQ).

Attachment: lab3.zip.

Do the following exercises. Report your results by editing the attached Word document and submitting it in Isidore. Submit one report per group.

  1. You will need to install the daq using InstaCal, which can be obtained from the MCC downloads page.

    When you run InstaCal, you should get a "PlugandPlay" window like the one below

    Afterwards the InstaCal screen should look something like the following screenshot.

    Perform the following tests:

    1. Select menu: Install — Config .... Press "Flash LED" button

    2. Select menu: Test — Analog. Connect pins as instructed in the diagram below, (see also the DAQ pinout) and confirm appearance of a square wave signal.

  2. Close InstalCal before starting MATLAB. Run daq_info.m script to verify operation of daq in MATLAB. Add your names to the script and publish the results. Include in Isidore submission.

    If you are having trouble running the daq in Vista or Windows 7, see the following link.

  3. Connect pins 1, 2, and 3 (see pinout) and run aitest.m script to test the analog input system. Report the mean value and sample deviation as calculated by MATLAB. This test indicates the noise level of an analog measurement under optimal conditions. Add your names to the script, publish and submit the results.

  4. Construct the circuit below. R1 should be 10KΩ or more. R2 is your photoresistor. You may also try interchanging the position of the two resistors in the voltage divider.

    Run the aidata.m script, which sets the sample rate to 50 samples/second and collects 20 seconds of data (1000 samples). While the DAQ LED is blinking, block and unblock the field of view of the photoresistor with your hands. Deterime the voltage signal when blocked and unblocked. You should capture examples of data acquired, paste the plots into your report, and discuss the behavior of the circuit.

  5. Build a circuit using two LEDs (with resistors) and your DIP switches showing (a) two switches in series and (b) two switches in parallel. One LED should be connected to the switches in series, and the other LED to the switches in parallel. Verify the truth table of the result and demonstrate the circuit to the instructor.

  6. Connect an LED and 400Ω resistor to the digital line A0 and run script diotest.m. Demonstrate the operation to the instructor. In the middle of the script (before running the last section), you should be able to type in the command window putvalue(dio.Line(1),0) to turn the LED off and putvalue(dio.Line(1),1) to turn the LED on. Add your names to the script, publish, and submit via Isidore.

  7. Connect a input switch and 10KΩ resistor to digital line B0 and run script dioswitch.m. Keep the LED connected to digital line A0. Open and close the switch several times while the script is running. Add your names to the script, publish, and submit via Isidore.

    Data Acquisition Board Pinout

Maintained by John Loomis, last updated 14 September 2010