Described is an inexpensive apparatus, consisting of a microcomputer, a magnetostrictive digitizing tablet, and a teletype terminal, that accurately and quickly measures positions, lengths, and areas. Particular emphasis is given to interfacing, software, and to some applications in education and research of this minimum configuration system.…

Summarized are the results of a survey conducted at Purdue University of nine different engineering schools regarding the programming languages and expertise needed by their undergraduates. (CS)

In certain boundary layer or natural convection work, where a similarity transformation is valid, the equations can be reduced to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. They are therefore well-suited to a fast solution on an analog/hybrid computer. This paper illustrates such usage of the analog/hybrid computer by a set of…

Described are applications of computer data acquisition to three laboratories in materials science at the United States Naval Academy. In each laboratory, data are input to a minicomputer, scaled using previously obtained and stored calibration factors to convert the transducer signals to load, displacement, temperature, etc., and then stored on…

Presented is an approach to undergraduate microcomputer education at Marquette University. The course of study includes four courses to serve students with a variety of educational interests. Two laboratory courses are discussed in terms of their organization and goals. (Author/SA)

The simulation of a sampled-data system is described that uses a full parallel hybrid computer. The sampled data system simulated illustrates the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) discrete control of a continuous second-order process representing a stirred-tank. The stirred-tank is simulated using continuous analog components, while PID…

A problem is presented that teaches the engineering student or practicing engineer the behavior of Hooke's joint, a widely used mechanism for transmitting rotary power in mechanical equipment. Also provided by this problem is an exercise in analog programing which utilizes nonlinear computer elements. (Author/CS)

A do-it-yourself laboratory course in automated systems designed at the University of Florida is described. Using a working model of a warehouse interfaced with a minicomputer as a working laboratory, the student gains hands-on experience in operations programing and applications of scheduling, materials handling, and heuristic optimization. (BT)

Described is a microcomputer laboratory at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, which provides easy access to non-volatile memory and a single input/output file system for 16 microcomputer laboratory positions. A microcomputer network that has a centralized data base is implemented using the concepts of computer network…

Presented is an integration of laboratory and lecture results in special homework problems for this logic design course. The Bit Bucket, a compact logic trainer, is the basis for the program. A discussion is presented of the reasons for changing to the new method. Experiences are included. (SA)

Ways are described for the use of a microprocessor trainer in undergraduate laboratories. Listed are microcomputer applications that have been used as demonstrations and which provide signals for other experiments which are not related to microprocessors. Information and figures are provided for methods to do the following: direct generation of…

Described is an approach to teaching computer architecture courses with a set of software tools. Aspects of computer science with aspects of computer engineering are merged. The laboratory approach is utilized so that students learn by trying and doing. (Author/SA)