Incorporating LabVIEW to enhance the learning experience in the electromechanical analysis laboratory

This paper describes our experiences in incorporating data acquisition and virtual instruments in the Electromechanical Analysis Laboratory to promote hands-on and real-world experiences to students enrolled in the mechanical and the electromechanical engineering technology programs at the State University of New York, Alfred. Because the students taking this course come from two different backgrounds, mechanical engineering technology and electrical engineering technology, the incorporation of virtual instruments has helped to balance the difference in the backgrounds. The paper describes in detail how the experiments have been organized to ensure that students from both backgrounds acquire the knowledge and skills in the mechanical and the electrical components of the course.