Experimentation and Analysis: SigLab/MATLAB Data Acquisition Experiments for Signals and Systems

A set of experiments and associated analysis are presented that use Spectral Dynamics’ SigLab data acquisition unit and MATLAB. These experiments reinforce ideas in the signals and systems course and related courses, as well as provide additional practice in MATLAB programming and in analysis. Topics include sampling and aliasing, modes, dynamic system modeling, frequency response, discrete Fourier transform, power spectrum, and autocorrelation and cross correlation. One unique feature of these experiments is a significant integration of basic signal processing analysis to explain phenomena and to predict and evaluate measurements. Most or all experiments can be easily adapted so that they can alternatively be performed using the MATLAB Data Acquisition Toolbox and a data acquisition board.