Lab 1:

Introduction to Virtual Instrumentation (ELVIS II), DC Analysis, RC

Circuits, Low Pass Filtering, and Strain Gauge Measurements
Jason Tran
SID: 861105333
Lab: 9AM Wednesdays
Group 2: Gloria Bartolo, Jacquelin Mantooth
Due: 9AM 13 April 2016
Abstract This lab covers the basics of using virtual instrumentation to analyze DC
Circuits, RC Circuits, Low Pass Filtering, and Strain Gauge Measurements. Using the
Educational Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Suite (ELVIS II) developed by
National Instruments (NI), students are instructed on how to use basic functions
followed by more specific instructions depending on its targeted use.
Introduction This lab was split into three parts; (1) ELVIS II Orientation, (2) DC
Analysis of Simple Circuits, and (3) RC Circuits. In Part (I), students are introduced
to the ELVISs ability to act as a function generator, oscilloscope, and power supply.
In Part (II), fundamentals learned in Part(I) are used to analyze the direct current
(DC) response of a (1) Voltage Divider and (2) Wheatstone Bridge. Applying the
principles of a wheatstone bridge, students are able to calibrate and understand the
function of how a strain gauge functions. Finally, in Part (III), students use
knowledge and experience gained from the first two parts in order to understand
and analyze the properties and function of capacitors as well as low pass filters.
Materials and Methods The following section is described in the manual for Lab
1. We followed the procedures described precisely and did not deviate from the
manual. We were able to successfully simulate all that was asked of us without a
problem. The lab was completed within the three allotted hours.

Results
Part 1: ELVIS II Orientation
I. DAQ Communication Check: successful Self Test and observed green line
(Amp v Samp)
II. Introduction of ELVIS II (Q1-7):
Q1: 5

volts
division

Q2: Adjusting time base changes time period/scope of the signal

Q3: Our screen is stable with constant amplitude and frequency
Q4: Enabling the trigger function results in an additional square
wave
Q5: The trigger works by stabilizing repetitive wave forms in order
to capture single-shot waveforms.
Q6: Screenshot

Q7: Adjusting the offset of the signal results in a changing

centerline of frequency on the viewscreen

Results (cont)
Part 2: DC Analysis of Simple Circuits
I. Voltage Divider (Q8-12):
Q8: The relationship between input voltage (V in) and output voltage
(Vout)
We know

Vin = i(R1 + R2)

Which gives
Therefore

i=

V
R 1+ R 2

Vout = i(R2)
Vout = Vin [

R2
( R 1+ R 2)

Q9: Assume we want H = 0.5. If R2 = 350

We know

R2
( R 1+ R 2)

H=

V out
V

= 0.5

R2 = 350

Vout = Vin [

Which gives

V out
V

=H=

R2
( R 1+ R 2)

HR1 + HR2 = R2
R1 =

R 2H R 2
H

350( 0.5 ) 350

0.5

R1 =

350
Q10: Using a multimeter, we measure ouput voltage to be .991V
Q11: We expect output voltage to be 1V
Q12: The expected (1V) and observed (.991V) voltages may have
differed because of internal resistance of the electrical
components used.

2. Wheatstone Bridge (Q8-12):

Q8