Software and hardware platform Arduino, digital measuring system, laboratory work in physics

This article describes a method of setting the laboratory works in physics, using digital measuring systems, including computer, sensors of various physical quantity, connection device sensors with a computer and corresponding software. Available in educational institutions digital measuring systems are completely ready to work and do not require programming microcontrollers. However, according to the authors, the laboratory work in physics, which provides more in-depth familiarity with the software and hardware of measuring systems is more appropriate. In particular, this can be applied to learning students of IT-major. The article presents the training and methodical materials with the aim to familiarize students with the measuring system on the basis of hardware and software platform Arduino and show the possibilities of its application for statement of laboratory works in physics. The choice of Arduino platform is made due to its advantages such as an open architecture and open initial code, available programming environment, and low cost. It should be noted that there is possibility of using digital measurement systems based on the Arduino in conjunction with the existing in physics laboratories traditional equipment. Due to this, firstly, the continuity of the connection between the new and traditional teaching methodology experimentation is ensured, and secondly, the cost of setting new laboratory works is significantly reduced. Teaching materials include the following modules. 1. Introductory text for the students’ formation of performance about microcontrollers. This material make the students acquainted with the historical information of the origins and development of microprocessor technology, with elemental composition of microcontrollers, variety of modifications, the application area. It focuses on the characteristics of the software and hardware platform Arduino. 2. Guidelines for installing software and testing Arduino board. Students are advised to install the IDE software for the Arduino, connect Arduino UNO board to a computer, install the drivers, and test the plate. 3. The material for the study of basic language constructs and syntax Arduino IDE. Here is the required minimum of programming knowledge. 4. Guidelines for laboratory work using the Arduino platform and the corresponding sensors of physical quantities. As an example, a description of two laboratory works, “Measurement of specific heat of Metal sample” and “Study of damped oscillations of ‘mathematical’ pendulum”. The work performing includes assembly, programming, testing measuring complex and measurements with its use. The data processing is carried out in the medium MS Excel spreadsheet processor. The desired quantities are determined by the construction of graphs with using the least squares method.

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