Lab Guide
Lab Guide
Table of Contents
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6. Project Workflow and Best Practices .......................................................................................... 5
7. Documentation and Reporting ................................................................................................... 5
8. Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 6
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• Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to the coordinator and follow the assigned protocol
during lab activities.
2.2 Lab Equipment Handling
• Handle with Care: Avoid rough handling of components and equipment, especially
fragile devices like sensors and microcontrollers.
• Static-Sensitive Devices: Always wear an anti-static wristband when working with static-
sensitive components.
• Tool Usage: Use only appropriate tools for tasks and ensure that they are in proper
working condition before use.
2.3 Safety Attire and Precautions
• Appropriate Lab Attire: Wear closed shoes, safety glasses, and lab coats if necessary.
• Hair and Clothing: Secure long hair and avoid wearing loose clothing that could get
caught in equipment.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use PPE when working with high-voltage circuits,
soldering, or dealing with hazardous chemicals.
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o Use appropriate wire gauge and insulation for connections.
2. Avoid Loose Connections:
o Ensure all connections are secure; avoid leaving loose wires that could cause
shorts.
o Use color-coded wires to differentiate signals and power lines.
3. Test Points and Debugging Ports:
o Include test points for monitoring critical signals.
o Provide debugging ports for microcontrollers (e.g., UART, SPI).
3.3 Power-Up and Testing Procedures
1. Initial Power-Up:
o Double-check connections for shorts or incorrect polarities.
o Power the circuit with a current-limited power supply initially.
2. Monitor Voltage and Current:
o Observe voltage levels and current draw. Any spike in current could indicate a
fault.
o Use a multimeter or oscilloscope to validate expected behavior.
3. Thermal Checks:
Use a thermal camera or infrared thermometer to check for overheating components.
3.4 Handling Microcontrollers and Sensors
1. Microcontroller Programming:
o Ensure all external circuits are disconnected when uploading firmware.
o Verify pin configurations to prevent shorting GPIO pins.
2. Sensor Handling:
o Use voltage dividers or level shifters when interfacing 5V sensors with 3.3V
microcontrollers.
o Properly terminate I2C, SPI, or UART communication lines with pull-up/down
resistors.
3.5 Safety with High-Power Actuators
1. Inductive Load Protection:
o Use flyback diodes across motors and relays to prevent back-EMF damage.
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o Avoid direct connection of actuators to microcontrollers; use transistors or relays
as intermediaries.
2. Mechanical Constraints:
o Ensure that all mechanical components are restrained to prevent harm during
testing.
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2. Incident Logs:
o Log any circuit failures, accidents, or anomalies encountered.
8. Conclusion
This document serves as the foundation for ensuring a safe, productive, and professional
learning environment within the Giants Electronics Group. By adhering to these guidelines,
students will gain valuable practical experience while maintaining safety and respecting lab
resources.