Virtual instrumentation: First step towards a virtual laboratory

Abstract

[EN] In this paper the use ofvirtual instrumentation in radio frequency educational laboratories is discussed. In these laboratories students can use instruments in the classic way (looking at the display and changing the controls on thefront panel), and they also use new virtual instruments based on PC that add specific measurement capabilities to the stand-alone instrument. They can create their own virtual instrument using one ar more instruments. In sorne cases, acquisition boards with the appropriate sojiware can substitute traditional ar specific instruments. Sojiware and hardware problems ofvirtual instruments are described and solutions are suggested. Many of the problems related to the high cost o buying and maintaining RF instrumentation far a complete educational laboratory can be minimized. The steps to make a virtual laboratory are suggested. Although the origin of the suggestions and solutions provided by this paper are based on an educational laboratory, they can be applied to a research laboratory ar to other situation where instrumentation is used.