Incorporating software tools in electrical engineering laboratory experiments-an example

The advantages of incorporating software tools, other than simulation packages, in electrical engineering laboratory experiments are discussed. This approach supports the prerequisite lecture material and allows study and understanding of some practical issues which are best handled through a laboratory experiment. It is also shown that only through software can feedback be easily integrated in the students' work. Time and effort are optimised and difficulties in assimilating the material and correlating the results are minimised. A detailed laboratory experiment, namely performance analysis of an induction motor, which is significantly enhanced with the support of a software package called Mathcad, is provided as an example.<>