An Integrated Approach to Minicomputers and Microcomputers in Electrical Engineering Laboratories

This paper describes the integration of minicomputers and microcomputers into the general laboratory experience of an Electrical Engineering student. Considerations in the planning of a laboratory building to allow data lines to be installed are pointed out. A detailed description of the computer laboratory facilities is given. The traditional involvement of the small scale computer in engineering education is reviewed. The nontraditional implementation of the small scale computers in laboratory classes is described in detail. It involves concepts such as data collection and processing, automated test, and process control. Along with these concepts, plans should include a real-time operating system along with minicomputers and microcomputers capable of real time operation. The software generated for integration of this computer system in the laboratories should be modular for easy expansion and should be easy to use. This avoids discouragement of students who lack computer sophistication, but also allows early involvement.