The following resources come from the 2009/10 BEng in Electrical Engineering (course number 2ELE0066) from the University of Hertfordshire. All the mini projects are designed as level two modules of the undergraduate programmes.
The objectives of this module are to demonstrate within an industrial environment:
To use USB development Kit
To programme with VB
To integrate the logging system
The aim of this project is to develop a temperature logging system based on USB development Kit. The temperature logging system should collect ambient temperature samples, sample manipulation and display the data in a text and/or graphic format. Students design and programme GUI using VB.
2. Mini Project- USB Temperature Logging
Section 1. Project Introduction
Learning Outcomes assessed (as taken from the DMD)
All Learning Outcomes specified in the Definitive Module Documentation are assessed as part of this mini project, the
specific Learning Outcomes are:
Knowledge and Understanding
• Identify and enhance knowledge gained from other studies in areas relevant to the project topic selected.
Skills and Attributes
• Use relevant measurement instruments to analyse a defined electrical/electronic engineering problem.
• Synthesise a solution to a defined electrical/electronic engineering problem
• Take, and analyse appropriately, test results from that solution.
• Carry out a simple critical evaluation of the results taken
Project Title: USB Temperature Logging
Project Objectives: (technical, specific to this project)
To demonstrate within an industrial environment:
• To use USB development Kit
• To programme with VB
• To integrate the logging system
Project Summary: (50 words max)
The aim of this project is to develop a temperature logging system based on USB development Kit. The temperature
logging system should collect ambient temperature samples, sample manipulation and display the data in a text and/or
graphic format. Students design and programme GUI using VB.
Introductory Lecture (2hrs) Content:
• Temperature sensor.
• USB protocol.
• USB development Kit.
• Microsoft® Visual C# introduction.
• Hardware to be used.
• Topics for students to revise: Temperature sensor data sheet, Visual c# text book, USB development kit user
manuals and A/D conversion text book.
Preparation Session (3hrs):
• Temperature sensor operating parameters.
• USB development Kit.
• Identification of the required interface stage.
• Microsoft® Visual C# file operations
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3. Mini Project- USB Temperature Logging
Section 2. Day 1
Expected Outcomes for the day:
Students working individually should demonstrate setting up and running a Demo application of the USB development
Kit. Students individually should design and build a temperature sensor circuit. Interface this circuit with USB
development kit. Develop a flow chart for the programme (Microsoft® Visual C#) required temperature login logic.
Assessment criteria;
the way in which the work has been planned and managed, demonstrate the technical criteria on designing the
required sensor circuit. Demonstrate the integrity of the flow chart relative to the USB temperature logging system.
Key Tasks:
• Project Planning; developing an appropriate strategy to meet a specific set of technical requirements.
• USB development Kit setup and running a Demo application.
• Development of the required interface stage.
• Integration of all the hardware components.
• Testing of all the hardware components.
• GUI development
• Technical Appraisal; First phase test (check for correct wiring up for input and output USB contacts).
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4. Mini Project- USB Temperature Logging
Section 3. Day 2
Expected Outcomes for the day:
Students working in small groups will have to produce an appropriate programme (in Microsoft® Visual C#) that
should reflect the logic of the flow chart developed during the first day. Towards the end of the day the students once
more in small groups should integrate the developed software and hardware components.
Assessment criteria;
Based on successful demonstration of the developed software and hardware modules. Demonstrate the complete
USB temperature logging system is working according to the above specification.
Key Tasks:
• Project Planning; developing an appropriate strategy to meet a specific set of technical requirements.
• GUI development.
• Integration of software and hardware components.
• Technical Appraisal; Second Testing stage (overall USB temperature login system).
Facilitator guidance (key ideas to draw out from students):
Day 1: USB communication protocols, analogue interfacing, ambient temperature measurements.
Day 2: Sampling and Microsoft® Visual C# optimisation.
Required Resources: Laboratory Facilities and Teaching Support.
Laboratory Resources:
1. PC Workstations with Visual Studio developer software.
2. USB development Kits and CD with drivers.
3. PC Workstations should allow the installation of drivers from the user.
4. A set of LM35 temperature sensors.
5. A set of 741 op-amps.
6. One Signal generator and one oscilloscope.
Teaching Resources:
1. Introductory lecture
2. Day 1; briefing pack containing instructions for the day with source materials.
3. Day 2; briefing pack for the day; additional source materials, team allocations for group work.
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