An Instrumentation Design Laboratory

This paper describes the design laboratory associated with a course in instrumentation transducers. Students are given the requirements for an instrument, and suggestions for a method of design. They must select component values, assemble the instrument, and test its performance. This approach encourages the student to perform synthesis, rather than analysis, yet also ensures that he will master a core of knowledge. The goals of the laboratory are to increase the student's ability to perform electronic design and to increase the student's knowledge of a variety of transducers. Student evaluation indicates that these senior electrical engineers over-whelmingly favor this type of lab.