What This Document Is
This document is a laboratory guide for Electronic Techniques for Engineering (ELENG 100) at the University of California, Berkeley. It serves as an introduction to essential laboratory equipment and foundational concepts used in electrical engineering. Specifically, it focuses on power supplies and digital multimeters – tools critical for circuit analysis and design. The guide prepares students for hands-on experimentation and reinforces theoretical understanding through practical application.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is invaluable for students enrolled in ELENG 100, or similar introductory electrical engineering courses. It’s particularly helpful before your first lab session, providing a foundational understanding of the equipment you’ll be using. It’s also a useful reference throughout the course as you encounter more complex circuits and measurement techniques. Understanding the principles outlined here will improve your lab performance and overall comprehension of electrical engineering concepts.
Topics Covered
* Fundamentals of DC power supplies (constant voltage and constant current)
* The difference between AC and DC current
* Understanding regulated power sources and their limitations
* Safe and effective use of laboratory power supplies
* Introduction to digital multimeters and their applications
* Circuit symbols and representations of power sources
* Best practices for setting current and voltage limits on power supplies
* Importance of equipment maintenance and reporting issues
What This Document Provides
* An overview of typical electrical engineering laboratory setups
* Guidance on consulting equipment manuals for safe operation
* Discussion of the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in DC circuits
* Explanations of how power supplies function and their key characteristics
* Information on setting appropriate maximum values for voltage and current to protect circuits
* Visual aids illustrating circuit symbols for power supplies
* Emphasis on responsible laboratory practices and equipment care.
