Compact USB-based Instruments for Education and Remote Laboratory Projects

TL;DR

This paper introduces two open-source, compact USB data acquisition devices designed for educational purposes, enabling students to connect various sensors and perform experiments with digital and analog outputs.

Contribution

The paper presents novel, open-source USB instruments that are compact, versatile, and suitable for educational and remote laboratory projects.

Findings

Devices support multiple sensor types

They provide both digital and analog outputs

Enhance engagement in science and engineering education

Abstract

Interactivity, experimenting and performing laboratory practicals contribute much to the efficiency of natural science and engineering education. Computers represent a natural element for today's students, thus the use of computers in experiments may engender considerable enthusiasm amongst them. Here we introduce two open-source, compact USB-based data acquisition devices, which we have developed for the purposes of education. These instruments offer connectivity to various sensors, like thermistors, photodiodes, sensors of acceleration, pressure, magnetic field and many other physical quantities, and provide both digital and analogue outputs.