What This Document Is
This document is a detailed laboratory guide for an Electronic Techniques for Engineering course (ELENG 100) at the University of California, Berkeley. Specifically, it focuses on the practical application of electronic principles to design and analyze an electronic scale. It delves into the underlying physics and electrical engineering concepts required to build a functional weighing device, and explores how similar principles are used in other sensor applications. This lab guide provides a hands-on learning experience, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world implementation.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is essential for students enrolled in ELENG 100 seeking to solidify their understanding of sensor technology and circuit analysis. It’s particularly valuable when completing the “Electronic Scale Lab Two” assignment. Engineering students preparing for careers involving instrumentation, measurement systems, or embedded systems will find the concepts explored here directly applicable to their future work. It’s best utilized *during* the lab session and for post-lab analysis and report writing.
Topics Covered
* Strain Gages and their properties
* The relationship between physical strain and electrical resistance
* Wheatstone bridge circuits and their application to sensor signal conditioning
* Half-bridge configurations for improved sensitivity and balance
* Error analysis and practical considerations in measurement systems
* Voltage output sensor design
* Applying theoretical calculations to real-world measurements
What This Document Provides
* A detailed explanation of the principles behind using strain gages as force sensors.
* Guidance on setting up and conducting experiments with a physical electronic scale prototype.
* Instructions for measuring resistance changes under varying loads.
* A circuit diagram illustrating a half-bridge configuration.
* Conceptual problems designed to test understanding of the underlying principles.
* A framework for reporting experimental results and analyzing data.
