What This Document Is
This document is a detailed laboratory guide for Electronic Techniques for Engineering (ELENG 100) at UC Berkeley, specifically focusing on the design and implementation of an electronic scale. It delves into the principles behind using strain gauges as sensors to measure force and convert it into an electrical signal. The lab explores practical circuit configurations and measurement techniques relevant to sensor applications.
Why This Document Matters
This guide is essential for students enrolled in ELENG 100 who are undertaking Lab 2. It will be particularly helpful during lab preparation, execution, and post-lab analysis. Engineers and hobbyists interested in sensor technology, signal conditioning, and basic measurement systems will also find the concepts presented valuable. Understanding the material will build a foundation for more complex sensor integrations and data acquisition systems.
Topics Covered
* Strain gauge principles and operation
* Relationship between physical strain and electrical resistance
* Gage factor and its significance
* Wheatstone bridge circuits and their application to sensor measurements
* Half-bridge configurations for improved sensitivity and balance
* Voltage output signal conditioning for sensors
* Practical considerations for accurate resistance and voltage measurements
* Error analysis and minimizing measurement uncertainties
What This Document Provides
* A theoretical background on the operation of strain gauges.
* A detailed description of the experimental setup for building an electronic scale.
* Guidance on measuring resistance changes due to applied force.
* A schematic diagram of a half-bridge circuit configuration.
* Instructions for building and testing the circuit on a breadboard.
* A framework for analyzing and reporting experimental results.
* Conceptual questions to reinforce understanding of the underlying principles.
