Methodology for teaching measuring systems

In this paper, a system approach to electrical measurement teaching is presented. This approach enables one to integrate different fields of measurements and different measurement courses. “Measuring Systems” is proposed as a main measurement course for students of Electronics Faculties. A multi-function laboratory stand for teaching measuring systems is proposed to train basic abilities in measuring system design. The stand consists of an IBM PC with an IEEE-488 (IEC-625) interface board, a bus tester, HP 33120A function generator, HP 34401A multimeter with IEEE-488 and RS-232 interface, and — optionally — a measurement plug-in card and a device with a VXI interface. Students are taught how to remote control, in a unifying way, various measuring devices with various interfaces, using simple IEEE-488 software and advanced software (LabWindows/CVI, HP VEE). The laboratory stand enables students to learn practical aspects of the design of measuring systems, teaching them the system approach to measurements.