Lab Report
EECS 3400
Electronics Lab I
Experiment 1
Using the EspoTek Labrador Board and Software
by
Your Name
with
Your Partner's Name(s)
Date
1
Introduction
The objective of this experiment was familiarization of the student with
EspoTek Labrador Board and Software. A low-pass filter circuit was also
investigated using the Board.
Procedure
The first step of the procedure is calibrating the EspoTek Labrador Board
using the software. The software can be used as oscilloscope, multimeter, function
generator (or signal generator), and power supply. We measured the average,
peak-to-peak and rms values of an AC source (1 kHz triangle wave with 2V
peak-peak, and +1V offset).
Then, a low-pass filter was constructed, and the voltage probes were
used to record its steady-state sine wave behavior. The X-Y mode was plotted to
show the circuit output response as a function of the input source.
Theory
Fig. 1 below displays a 1-kHz 2 Vp-p triangle wave with +1 V offset.
Fig. 1. 1-kHz 2-Vp-p Triangle Wave with +1 V of offset.
2
The terms "dc" and "average" voltage mean exactly the same thing: the
value of a voltage waveform time-averaged over its period is its dc value. This is
the value which will be read on a dc voltmeter. The term "offset" means additional
dc voltage added onto the expected basic waveform. +1 V offset is simply a 1-V
upward shift of the waveform relative to its baseline. Because the normal sine
wave has zero average value, the average value of the triangle waveform is also
the value of the offset applied to the triangle wave.
The average value of the offset triangle wave of Fig. 1 can be theoretically
calculated from the following definition:
T
1
T 0
Vavg v(t )dt
This can be interpreted as the area under the function for one period,
divided by the same period. It can be seen from the geometry of the triangle
wave that the result of doing all this is simply the value of the offset voltage.
The rms value of the offset triangle wave of Fig. 1 can be theoretically
calculated from the following definition:
T
1 2
T 0
Vrms v (t )dt
This can be interpreted as the square root of the average value of the
function squared. The operations of the rms definition can be carried out as
follows:
3
The low pass filter constructed in the lab was connected to a sine wave
voltage source. Its input and output waveforms are recorded in Fig. 2. Phasor
analysis is used to analyze ac steady-state sine wave systems. The phasor
analysis for this low pass filter is given below:
1
Vch 2 Vch1 for a frequency of 159 Hz
1 jR1C1
Vch 2 0.707 45o Vch1
The waveform on channel 2 is therefore expected to have 71% of the
amplitude of that on channel 1, and to be lagging in phase by 45 o. Figs. 2 and 3
show the experimental results for this low pass filter. Fig. 2 shows channels 1
and 2 versus time. Fig. 3 is the filter transfer function: it shows channel 2 (the
output) plotted versus channel 1 (the input).
Fig. 2. Input and Output Waveforms for the Low Pass Filter
4
Fig. 3. Output Plotted Versus Input for the Low Pass Filter
Discussion
The voltage source was set up to output a triangle wave at 1 kHz, 2 Vp-p
with +1 V offset. When the circuit was simulated, it produced the following results:
Vavg Vp-p Vrms
Programmed +1 V 2.0 V 1.155 V (calculated)
Measured with scope +1 V 2.10 V 1.170 V
Error 0% 5% 1.3 %
The rms value calculated above was based on the programmed values for
the peak-to-peak and offset voltages. The ac average value measured with the
scope was 0.607V. Therefore, the total measured rms value is given by:
5
The low pass filter was expected to cause attenuation and phase shift of
the 159-Hz sine wave applied to it. These experimental results are summarized
below:
Amplitude Phase Shift
(channel 2) (CH 2 w.r.t. CH 1)
Measured 0.7 V -45.09°
Calculated 0.707 V -45°
Error -1.0.% 0.1°
These errors are reasonable.
Fig. 3 is called a “Lissajous figure”. By plotting one sinusoid versus
another, their relative phase may be observed. Additionally, if the two sinusoids
had two different frequencies with an integer-ratio relationship, a pretty pattern of
stationary loops would be generated. The Lissajous figure can often be seen on
the oscilloscope in old science fiction movies.
