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ENGN 3220 - 2023 Lab # 1

This lab aims to introduce students to acquiring physical phenomenon signals using a National Instruments MyDAQ device. Specifically, students will: 1. Build a simple circuit using a photoresistor, resistor, breadboard and jumper wires to generate a voltage signal. 2. Use the MyDAQ device and associated software like an oscilloscope to observe and analyze the signal and its noise levels as ambient light conditions change. 3. Identify dominant noise frequencies in the signal and their possible sources.

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39 views

ENGN 3220 - 2023 Lab # 1

This lab aims to introduce students to acquiring physical phenomenon signals using a National Instruments MyDAQ device. Specifically, students will: 1. Build a simple circuit using a photoresistor, resistor, breadboard and jumper wires to generate a voltage signal. 2. Use the MyDAQ device and associated software like an oscilloscope to observe and analyze the signal and its noise levels as ambient light conditions change. 3. Identify dominant noise frequencies in the signal and their possible sources.

Uploaded by

amohammed10076
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ENGN 3220 Lab #1 - Acquisition of Physical

Phenomenon
Objective:
To introduce the student to the principles of computer-based signal acquisition of physical phenomena using National
Instruments MyDAQ.

Introduction
Computer-based measurement systems are used in a wide variety of applications: laboratories, field services and on
manufacturing plant floors. These systems act as general-purpose measurement tools that are well suited for measuring
voltage signals. Many real-world sensors and transducers require signal conditioning before a computer-based
measurement system can effectively and accurately acquire these signals.
The front-end signal conditioning system can include functions such as signal amplification, attenuation, filtering,
electrical isolation, simultaneous sampling, and multiplexing. In addition, many transducers require excitation currents
or voltages, bridge completion, linearization, or high amplification for proper and accurate operation. Therefore, most
computer-based measurement systems include some form of signal conditioning in addition to plug-in data acquisition
DAQ devices.

Procedure:
1. Collect your parts: photoresistor, 10k resistor, bread board and jumper wires.
2. Wire your circuit according to the diagram below.
3. Open the Virtual bench program or GW power supply.
4. Set the supply voltage to 3 volts and 0.05 amps and turn on the power to the sensor.
5. Plug the MyDaq into the computer and open the oscilloscope.
6. Wire the signal and ground from the breadboard to AI0.
7. Set voltage division to 1 volt and vertical position to 0.
8. Select AI0 on the oscilloscope and confirm you are reading the signal.
9. Observe the level of the signal.
10. Use your hand to shield the sensor from light and observe the signal level.
11. Use you flashlight on your phone and shine it on the sensor and observe the signal level.
12. Turn time division to 10 microseconds and the voltage scale to 200millivolts.
13. Observe the noise in the signal.
14. Stop the oscilloscope, close it and open the Dynamic Signal Analyzer.
15. Hit run and observe the noise spectrum.
16. Set the frequency span to 400 and record the frequencies that contain the most power.
17. Touch a long wire to AI0+.
18. Observe what happens.
19. Close everything down, disassemble the circuit and clean up the lab area.
Electrical Circuit

Connect the circuit as shown, power and ground connect to the virtual bench or power supply,
and the signal and ground connect to the MyDaq. The power supply and MyDaq must share the
same ground.
Lab Report Sheet ENGN 3220 Lab#1

Name: __________________________________ Date: _______________

1. What was the approximate voltage level of the signal you observed using the
oscilloscope?

2. What was the approximate voltage level of the noise you observed in the signal using the
oscilloscope?

3. How stable was the signal?

4. What was the range of fluctuation of the signal going from being shielded to the flashlight
shining on it?

5. What were the dominant frequencies you observed in the noise?


6. How much (if any) did they fluctuate?

7. Where do you think the frequencies in the noise signal are coming from?

8. Do you think these frequencies are related, and if so, how?

9. What happened when you touched a long wire to AI0+, and why do you think this
occurred?

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