Flipping the electronics lab: Learning upper division electronics at home

A junior-level four-unit electronics curriculum is described in which students learn by building their own automated electronic test equipment and performing a rigorous suite of electronics experiments outside the classroom. Each student builds an electronics “workbench” based on an Arduino Nano microcontroller under the control of a software scripting environment (in our case, MATLAB). In the course of their work, students (1) construct a DC power supply and function generator and iteratively add programmable serial interfaces; (2) create an oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer that provides real-time displays of two analog channels for measurement of AC voltage amplitudes, frequency, and phase difference; (3) automate measurements of device I–V curves and transistor gain; (4) design, build, and characterize audio amplifiers and filters through measurement of time constants and frequency responses; and (5) compare the measured and simulated Bode plots. Mixing unconventional topics such as automation, numerical simulation, and programming with basic electronics removes the drudgery of data collection and provides more exposure, repetition, and organization of key concepts. Without being restricted to making measurements within the imposed lab schedule, students can work where and when they are able, repeat automated experiments in seconds, and continue exploring electronics with their workbench. After completing this course, our students demonstrate more confidence and capability with integrating electronics, automation, and programming into other projects and in improving existing systems. Likewise, students glean hands-on experience with scripting repetitive activities, saving enormous effort in their data-gathering work and leaving more time for analysis and creativity.