Author: ddw

The iPad as a virtual oscilloscope for measuring time constants in RC and LR circuits
– Roberto Ramos and Christopher Devers

Abstract
In a university introductory physics laboratory, the measurement of time constants in RC and LR circuits usually employ a conventional oscilloscope.
The standard oscilloscope with its many knobs and switches often intimidate first-time users and can cause anxiety especially among non-physics and non-engineering majors.
On the other hand, an iPad has a more familiar, less intimidating and friendlier touch-pad interface. We report our experience in using the iPad as a virtual oscilloscope in an introductory algebra-based physics laboratory course.
We used a commercial electronic accessory called Oscium iMSO that turns the iPad into a virtual oscilloscope. Using blind surveys and direct observation, we report student responses to this pedagogical tool.
PhysicsEducationIOP_The-Ipad-as-a-Virtual-Oscilloscope_published.pdf

ZC Analytics was very excited to support the 9th annual IEEE Integrated STEM Education Conference (ISEC) held on March 16th, 2019 at Princeton University in New Jersey.  Thanks to all of the attendees and the students and faculty we were lucky to meet during our visit to Princeton!

https://ewh.ieee.org/conf/stem/index.html

The Integrated STEM Education Conference is known for featuring cutting-edge research and experiences with integrated approaches to the study of science, math, and technology through experiences and activities based in engineering and other design disciplines.

Another exciting program was provided in 2019!  View the program guide and abstracts here:  http://edas.info/p25480

Generation Z—those who were born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s—are more often turning to trade schools to avoid the skyrocketing student debt crisis and hone skills that translate directly into jobs, from electrical engineering to cosmetology. While the power of trade unions has dwindled, and societal value still favors more elite professions, young students are finding themselves drawn to stable paychecks in fields where there’s an obvious need.

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate your oscilloscope screen, it’s possible in Excel. This example re-graphs both analog and digital waveforms. And this is how to do it:

Step #1
First, log data. Then, email that data to a device that has Excel. The data log will be in *.csv file format.

Step #2
Here’s the excel file that was used to graph the waveforms. Please use it as a reference. The analog is a bit easier than the digital. The digital waveforms require Rows 4-8. Because, Excel isn’t smart enough to translate hexadecimals and you are.
Graph_Oscilloscope_CSV_DataLog_20171012.xlsx

Step #3
Plot the graph. Now, you can both post-process the data and re-visualize it for your viewing pleasure!!

Live

Analog – Post Processed (via Excel)

Digital – Post Processed (via Excel)

https://www.oscium.com/blog/how-graph-oscilloscope-data-log-excel

Oscilloscope Turns iPad Into a Serious Science Tool

Availability

iMSO software is free to download, regardless of platform. There are no software license fees or limit to the number of hosts that can have the software. Test drive the user experience today: iOS, Android, PC, Mac.

iMSO-204x hardware can be purchased for $399.97 from Oscium directly or from one of our our partners. Visit us at oscium.com to purchase or for more information.