An Analog Computer for Electronic Engineering Education

This paper describes a compact analog computer and proposes its use in electronic engineering teaching laboratories to develop student understanding of applications in analog electronics, electronic components, engineering mathematics, control engineering, safe laboratory and workshop practices, circuit construction, testing, and maintenance. The device develops student understanding through experiential learning, where theory is applied and process is observed. The device can be built by or issued to first-year students and used in a variety of units throughout an Electronic Engineering degree course. A number of applications are described that can be given as student laboratories and projects.