Week 6 - Electronics Design¶
| Instrument | Primary Use |
|---|---|
| Multimeter | Measures electrical properties (voltage, current, resistance) and tests components (diodes, continuity). |
| Oscilloscope | Visualizes and analyzes electrical waveforms (voltage vs. time) for signal integrity and timing. |
| Function Generator | Generates test signals (sine, square, triangle waves) to simulate inputs for circuit testing. |
| Bench Power Supply | Provides stable, adjustable DC power with voltage/current control for prototyping and testing. |
| Logic Analyzer | Captures and analyzes digital signals (timing, protocols) for debugging digital/embedded systems. |
Key Applications:
- Troubleshooting circuits (Multimeter, Oscilloscope)
- Signal simulation/analysis (Function Generator, Oscilloscope)
- Powering prototypes (Bench Power Supply)
- Digital system debugging (Logic Analyzer)
- Component validation (Multimeter, Oscilloscope)
Multimeter¶
A multimeter is an electronic measuring instrument used to measure various electrical properties such as voltage, current, and resistance.
Functions of multimeter¶
- Voltage Measurement (V): Measures AC and DC voltage in circuits.
- Current Measurement (A): Measures AC and DC current.
- Resistance Measurement (Ω): Measures resistance in ohms.
- Continuity Test: Checks if a circuit is complete (beeps if there’s a continuous path).
- Diode Test: Tests the functionality of diodes.
ChatGPT promt: What is a multimeter.
The multimeter that we Use in our lab is Zoyi ZT301 .
ZOYI ZT301 Digital Multimeter: Functionality Guide¶
The ZOYI ZT301 is a versatile digital multimeter capable of measuring various electrical parameters. Here’s a comprehensive guide to its functions and how to use them:
Voltage Measurement (V)¶
- DC Voltage: Set the dial to V with the DC symbol (straight line)
- AC Voltage: Set the dial to V with the AC symbol (wavy line)
- Connect the red probe to the “V” terminal and black probe to “COM”
- Touch probes to the circuit points you want to measure
- Read the measurement on the display
Current Measurement (A)¶
- DC Current: Set the dial to A with the DC symbol
- AC Current: Set the dial to A with the AC symbol
- For small currents (μA, mA): Connect red probe to “mA/μA” terminal
- For larger currents (up to 10A): Connect red probe to “10A” terminal
- Always connect black probe to “COM”
- Break the circuit and connect the meter in series
- Read the measurement on the display
Resistance Measurement (Ω)¶
- Set the dial to the Ω position
- Connect red probe to “V/Ω” terminal and black probe to “COM”
- Ensure the circuit is powered off
- Touch probes across the component to measure
- Read the resistance value on the display
Continuity Test¶
- Set the dial to the continuity symbol (soundwave)
- Connect probes as with resistance measurement
- Touch probes to the circuit points
- Multimeter beeps if there’s continuity (low resistance path)
Diode Test¶
- Set the dial to the diode symbol
- Connect red probe to anode and black to cathode for forward bias
- Display shows forward voltage drop (typically 0.6-0.7V for silicon diodes)
- Reverse probes to test for reverse bias (should show “OL” for good diodes)
Frequency Measurement (Hz)¶
- Set the dial to Hz position
- Connect probes to the signal source
- Read the frequency on the display
Temperature Measurement (°C/°F)¶
- Set the dial to °C or °F
- Connect temperature probe to appropriate terminals
- Place probe tip at measurement location
- Read temperature on the display
Function Generator¶
A function generator is an electronic test instrument that produces various waveforms, such as sine, square, triangle, sawtooth, and pulse waves, over a range of frequencies. It is commonly used in circuit design, testing, and troubleshooting to simulate signals for different applications. The key features of a function generator include adjustable frequency, amplitude control, duty cycle variation, and modulation capabilities such as AM, FM, and PWM. Some models also offer a sweep function to analyze circuit responses over a range of frequencies. Function generators are widely used in electronics for testing analog and digital circuits, simulating sensor outputs, generating clock pulses for microcontrollers, and performing audio signal analysis. Their versatility makes them essential tools in laboratories, research, and development environments.
The function generator we are using here is GW Instek AFG-2125
User Manual Link : https://www.manua.ls/gw-instek/afg-2125/manual
The operation of this device is very easy whe have buttons that represents function, frequency, Amplitude, offset and duty cycle these are used to vary the values. To vary the values press on the button that represents the variable and using the knob change the values and set it a desired value and then press the save button to start the machine then it will start generating the wave.
Explain about things in scran
First we tested this equipment by blinking a SMD LED on a bord using the function generator. For this we set the frequency to 5Hz so that the LED blinks 5 times per second.
And then we tested by change the value of frequency by rotating the knob so that to change the value of frequency to change the blink rate.
Bench Power Supply¶
AC vs DC Power Supply¶
An AC power supply delivers electricity with a voltage that periodically reverses direction, making it suitable for home appliances and power transmission. It is commonly generated by power stations and distributed through electrical grids. A DC power supply provides a constant voltage and current in one direction, used in electronics, batteries, and electric vehicles. DC power is often derived from sources like batteries, solar panels, or rectifiers that convert AC to DC. While AC is preferred for long-distance transmission, DC is essential for powering most electronic devices.
gw instek GPD - 3303D¶
source :-https://peoplevine.blob.core.windows.net/media/397/business/6408/Power_supply.pdf
The GW Instek GPD-3303D is a versatile and programmable triple-output DC power supply, ideal for laboratory testing, electronics development, and circuit analysis. It features two adjustable channels (0-30V, 0-3A) and one fixed channel (5V, 3A), providing flexibility for various applications. The power supply operates in independent, series, and parallel modes, allowing users to combine channels for higher voltage or current output. With high precision (10mV / 1mA resolution), low ripple, and noise, it ensures stable power for sensitive electronic components. Additionally, built-in overload and short circuit protection enhances safety and reliability
Panel Keys¶
- Power Button :- Turns the power supply ON/OFF.
- Voltage & Current Adjustment Knobs :- Coarse and fine knobs allow precise voltage and current adjustments for each channel.
- Output ON/OFF Button :- Enables or disables the power output to prevent accidental voltage application.
-
Mode Selection Buttons
Independent Mode (IND): Controls each channel separately.
Series Mode (SER): Combines channels for higher voltage (up to 60V).
Parallel Mode (PAR): Combines channels for higher current (up to 6A).
-
Voltage/Current Lock Button :- Locks settings to prevent accidental changes.
-
Output Terminals
CH1 & CH2 Terminals: Variable voltage outputs.
CH3 Terminal: Fixed 5V, 3A output.
Ground Terminal: Common ground for safety.
-
Display Panel :- Shows real-time voltage, current, and mode settings on an LCD screen.
Oscilloscope¶
Electrical signals can be viewed graphically as waveforms. An oscilloscope is an instrument we use to view these signals, showing us the instantaneous signal voltage as a function of time. It can display both AC and DC signals.
The oscilloscope we used is OWON TAO3104A.
PWM waveform in our oscilloscope
The oscilloscope uses probes that are connected to a circuit, which reads the voltage across the two probes and sends it back to the machine. The oscilloscope then amplifies and displays the signal as a waveform.
An oscilloscope can be used to test, verify and debug circuit designs by providing information on:
- time and voltage values of a signal
- frequency of an oscillating signal
- distortion of signal that could be caused by a malfunctioning component
- whether the signal is AC or DC
- noise in the signal
The waveform is displayed as a function of rate of change of voltage (Y axis) over time (X axis)
Source: https://www.tek.com/en/blog/what-can-an-oscilloscope-measure?bpv=2
The following are some of the main parts of the oscilloscope. The information presented here has been extracted from the user manual of the oscilloscope. (TAO3000 4CH Series Handheld Oscilloscopes USER MANUAL).
The front panel has knobs and function buttons. Through the function buttons, you can enter different function menus or obtain a specific function application directly.
- LCD touchscreen
- CH1 - CH4 buttons: Access to setting menu of CH1 - CH4.
- Power button: Power on/off
- The upper knob: When one of the CH1 - CH4 buttons is lighted, this knob is used to adjust the vertical position of current channel, When HOR button is lighted, this knob is used to adjust the horizontal positions of all channels (including mathematical operations). When Trigger button is lighted, this knob is used to adjust trigger level.
- HOR button: When the button light is off, press to light on, the upper and lower knob are for horizontal system. Press to switch between the normal mode and the waveform zooming mode.
- Trigger button: Accesses to trigger system setting. When the button light is on, the upper knob is used to adjust trigger level of current channel.
- The lower knob: When one of the CH1 - CH4 buttons is lighted, this knob is used to adjust the voltage scale of current channel. When HOR button is lighted, this knob is used to adjust time base.
- Copy button: You can save the waveform by just pushing this button in any user interface. The source wave and the storage location are set in the Save menu when the Type is Wave ( → Save).
- Default button: Press this button, a prompt will show, press again to execute the factory settings.
- Autoset button: Quick way to apply a set of pre-set functions to the incoming signal, and display the best possible viewing waveform of the signal.
- Single button: Set the trigger mode as single directly.
- Run/Stop button: Enable or disable sampling on input signals. Side Panel
What is a Logic Analyser¶
A logic analyser is an electronic instrument that captures and displays multiple signals from a digital system or a digital circuit. It is an excellent tool for verifying and debugging digital designs. A logic analyzer may convert the captured data into timing diagrams, protocol decodes, state machine traces, and assembly language. For debugging elusive, intermittent problems, some logic analyzers can detect glitches, as well as setup-and-hold time violations. During software/hardware integration, logic analyzers trace the execution of the embedded software and analyze the efficiency of the program’s execution. Some logic analyzers correlate the source code with specific hardware activities in your design.
Debugging microprocessor-based designs required more inputs than what conventional analog oscilloscopes could offer. A typical logic analyzer has anywhere from 8 to 136 channels, and they are particularly useful for looking at time relationships or data on a bus. For example, a microprocessor address, data, or control bus. They can decode the information on microprocessor buses and display it in a meaningful form.
Types of Logic Analysers¶
There are three types of logic analyzers: modular logic analyzers, portable logic analyzers, and PC-based logic analyzers.
Modular Logic Analyzers: Modular logic analyzers are the standard form seen in labs that have a chassis and multiple modules. These are one of the more expensive and provide the highest level of functionality to the user.
Portable Logic Analyzer: Portable logic analyzers are more portable than modular logic analyzers and provide all the functions that are integrated into a single module with a screen.
PC-based Logic Analyzer: PC-based logic analyzers are compact and they directly interface to a computer via an ethernet or a USB cable. The captured information is displayed to the user via the PC’s display. PC-based logic analyzers are the least expensive but are limited in terms of power compared to modular and portable logic analyzers.
Saleae Logic Pro 8¶
Reading from XIAO RP2040¶
The I2C Signals were checked using connecting the Logic Analyser to the SDA and SCl Pins