Use the test equipment in your lab to observe the operation of a microcontroller circuit board.
Document your findings on the group work page.
Introduction
This week, we tested various equipment such as a multimeter, oscilloscope, waveform generator, and power supply to understand their functionality and accuracy.
We programmed an Arduino and analyzed its performance using these measurement tools.
Through these tests, we observed voltage fluctuations, signal behavior, and power consumption.
This hands-on experience helped us gain a deeper understanding of how these tools work together in electronics testing and troubleshooting.
Test Equipment Overview
Oscilloscope
Oscilloscope displays electrical signals as waveforms, showing how voltage changes over time.
It allows you to visualize and analyze the shape, amplitude, frequency, and other characteristics of these signals.
Key Functions:
Debugging electronic circuits
Analyzing signal integrity
Measuring signal frequency and amplitude
Troubleshooting power supply ripple and noise
Viewing digital and analog signals
Tektronix TBS 1000C Digital Oscilloscope
Waveform Generator
A waveform generator (also called function generator or signal generator) produces different types of electrical waveforms
over a wide range of frequencies. These are used for testing and troubleshooting circuits by providing controlled input signals.
Key Functions:
Generating sine, square, triangle, and pulse waveforms
Testing circuit responses to different input signals
Simulating various signal conditions for device testing
Frequency sweep testing for frequency response analysis
Multimeter measures various electrical properties, primarily voltage, current, and resistance.
It's a versatile tool for basic electrical measurements.
Key Functions:
Measuring voltage (AC and DC)
Measuring current (AC and DC)
Measuring resistance
Checking continuity (whether a circuit is complete)
Troubleshooting basic electrical problems
UNI-T and Fluke Digital Multimeters
Power Supply
Power supply provides a stable and controlled source of electrical power.
It typically converts AC power from a wall outlet to DC power needed by electronic devices.
Key Functions:
Providing power to electronic circuits during testing and development
Powering electronic devices
Testing device functionality under varying voltage and current conditions
There are many different types of power supplies, with varying levels of complexity, and control
Power supplies are what provide the electricity for the circuits that you are working on
UNI-T UTP3315TFL-II Regulated DC Power Supply
Testing Equipment in the Lab
Oscilloscope Testing
Testing a microcontroller circuit with oscilloscope and multimeter
Team members analyzing measurement results
Analyzing signal waveforms on the oscilloscope
Waveform Generator Testing
Setting up the waveform generator to produce sine waves, Observing the generated waveform on the oscilloscope
Multimeter Testing and Power Supply Testing
Taking voltage measurements with multiple multimeters
Power supply showing 4.04V output at 0.001A current
Key Findings and Conclusions
Through our testing process, we were able to observe the following:
The oscilloscope allowed us to visualize digital signals from our microcontroller circuit, showing clean square wave signals
We used the waveform generator to produce various test signals (sine, square, triangle) and observed how the circuit responded to different inputs
Our multimeter measurements confirmed that the voltage readings matched what we expected based on our circuit design
The power supply provided a stable 4.04V to our circuit, maintaining consistent voltage even under varying loads
We observed that using multiple test instruments together (oscilloscope, multimeter, and waveform generator) provided a comprehensive understanding of our circuit's behavior
Learning Outcomes
This hands-on experience with test equipment provided valuable insights into how these tools are used in
electronic circuit development and troubleshooting. Understanding how to properly use oscilloscopes,
waveform generators, multimeters, and power supplies is essential for anyone working with electronic circuits.
The ability to observe both voltage levels and signal timing simultaneously was particularly useful in verifying our circuit's operation.
We also gained practical experience in:
Setting up and calibrating electronic test equipment
Reading and interpreting waveforms and measurement results
Troubleshooting potential issues in electronic circuits
Working collaboratively to analyze test results
Documenting our findings effectively
These skills will be valuable as we progress to more complex electronics projects throughout the Fab Academy program.
