Course detail

Controlling the Experiment by PC

FSI-9PEX Acad. year: 2027/2028 Winter semester

The main emphasis is placed on hardware issues associated with using a computer as a control element of experimental setups, A/D and D/A converters, standard interfaces and buses (GPIB, USB, RS-232, Ethernet), and software support in LabVIEW environment. The course combines introductory practical laboratory exercises with independent project work and final presentations.

Language of instruction

Czech

Supervisor

Ing. Zdeněk Nováček, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Physical Engineering

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of numerical systems (decimal, binary, hexadecimal). Basics of programming in any programming language and a basic overview of computer hardware. The course requires no formal prerequisites.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Handing over reports from lab measurement tasks. Working-out the individual project.
A teacher checks the attendance on practical measurements stated in the timetable. The form and the date of the compensation of missed lessons are specified by the teacher.

Aims

To acquaint students with the fundamentals of computer-supported automated measurement.

To teach students how to connect measuring instruments to a computer via standard interfaces and control them using programming tools (LabVIEW).

To gain practical skills in signal processing (sound card, NI measurement modules), virtual instrument design, and solving a comprehensive independent project.

Study aids

Author's presentations and supplementary materials for lectures and laboratory sessions.

The study programmes with the given course

Programme D-ENE-P: Power Engineering, Doctoral, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

20 hours, optionally

Syllabus


  • Weeks 1–2: General principles of computer-controlled experiments, architecture of measurement setups. Hardware resources: A/D and D/A converters, counters, timers, digital I/O. Communication buses and interfaces (RS-232, USB, GPIB, Ethernet).

  • Weeks 3–5: Advanced theoretical aspects of signal processing, DAQ cards, and communication protocols in practice. Assignment of independent projects.

  • Weeks 7–9: Individual consultations on the progress of independent projects (without standard lectures).

  • Week 10: Final presentations and mutual defense of students' projects (replacing traditional lecture blocks).