A TEST SYSTEM FOR THE TELEMANIPULATOR IN THE OPEN ELECTRONICS LABARATORY AT BTH

Abstract: Online laboratories have introduced a new phase in the advancement of the science education systems. This aid provides more experimental opportunities for students independent of distance and time. This aid is a solution to overcome the constraint of limited laboratory hours. The purpose of the VISIR (Virtual Instrument Systems in Reality) project is to disseminate the online lab workbenches created by the Signal Processing Department (ASB) of Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH). BTH is using them in their own courses, where the students are encouraged to work at full time on the experiments they would like to work on. The physical breadboard has been replaced by a circuit-wiring robot, i.e. a switching relay matrix which is remotely controllable. The ASB’s goal is to create a template for a grid laboratory where the nodes of the grid are different workbenches at different far off universities. In this thesis we have developed a test system that assures the switching relay matrix is working under normal operating conditions. A working matrix means that all the relay switches must operate as specified and components with digital interface must work and the supply voltages are within specified limits. The results of the tests specify the operational state of each relay through which we will be able to identify which relay is not working. The result of the thesis is a detailed specification of the working test system with a remote control feature. The test program can be used for testing new matrices as well as the present matrices.