EB-170 is a single board comprehensive instructional module designed to teach the basic concepts of amplitude modulation (AM) communications to technology students in technician and engineering training programs. The module can be operated as a stand-alone unit or as part of the EB-2000 Computer Managed Laboratory (CML). The module contains an AM transmitter and broadcast band receiver that allows the student to perform a number of meaningful practical experiments at various levels of difficulty. Manual or computer driven fault-finding exercises and testing are available when the board is connected to the PU-2000 mainframe. Measurements are performed by connecting test equipment to the 2mm jacks, placed at various test points related to the circuits on the board. Students need to perform a minimal amount of wiring, so that the effective training time is minimised. A comprehensive student manual is provided with each training module. The manual relates to the technological subjects covered enabling a focus on the specific objectives of each experiment. Courseware that runs on IBM-PC or compatible computers can enhance the experiment manual by checking the student's response to questions and measurements. The optional CML software enables the instructor to monitor each student's achievements and store them in the database at the instructor's station.

DESCRIPTION

The EB-170 module is designed so students will spend the maximum time on the experiments and practice drills for testing comprehension and troubleshooting. The module also ensures that students use their time more efficiently. The printed circuit boards are pre-wired so that set-up time is minimal. For operation the module is connected to a PUZ-2000. To facilitate the exercises, all the major signals are brought out on-board with 2mm jacks for tests and interconnections. The ICs and the transistors are mounted on sockets, enabling easy replacement. The student has only to plug-in the appropriate patching cords and shorting plugs in order to perform the recommended experiments. The boards also come equipped with "black boxes" containing components used in the fault-finding and practice modes, components that should not be visually identified by the trainee.