This class is a course in computer interfacing which assumes no prior knowledge of the subject. The course begins with a discussion of signal processing techniques, including topics in noise reduction, A/D converters, and digital filters. These techniques are illustrated both in hardware as well as simulated in software using the LabView Graphical programming environment. The course will continue with the development of data acquisition applications with Graphical User Interfaces(including popups, buttons, graphics, etc) using the LabView development system,and topics regarding interfacing the software systems to physics hardware devices. The hardware information will be covered in a series of class note handouts. There is a small component of the course where we discuss the inner structure of the computer, central processor units, internal command structures, and interrupt/port structures.
The course will consist of two lectures and one/two lab sessions per week for each student. Lectures will cover theory and will provide concrete examples that will be useful in the lab. The Lab exercises are a mandatory part of the course and compromise a large fraction of the course grade.
Please note Both the Lectures and Lab Contact hours are scheduled in the South Physics (SP, or just Physics on ther map) Rm. 302. This building is just north of the Math deparftment (JWB) and just east of Kingsbury Hall.