Development of electro pneumatic trainer embedded with Programmable Integrated Circuit (PIC) and graphical user interface (GUI) for educational applications

Abstract

Electro Pneumatic Trainer for educational applications is developed as supporting tools towards the existing typical teaching and learning process. The main objective is to improve the learning outcome towards student's cognitive knowledge and practical skill where the existing teaching and learning for electro pneumatic courses conducted in the classroom without emphasizing on simulation and complex practical aspect. Generally, computer graphic or simulation can reduce the unsuccessful of practical implementation during the practical session through installation error. Visual Basic (VB) was used as the platform for graphical user interface (GUI) and using Programmable Integrated Circuit (PIC) as the interface between the GUI and hardware of Electro Pneumatic Trainer. The development of Electro Pneumatic Trainer interfacing between PIC and VB has been designed and improved by involving various types of electro pneumatics instruments such as single acting cylinder, double acting cylinder, semi rotary motor, air motor, and linear drive. Newly developed Electro Pneumatic Trainer controller interface are able to be re-programme for numerous combination of tasks. Based on Practical Work Assessment Form evaluated by the lecturers, there is an average marks of 40% and 40% of improvement on teaching and learning (cognitive) and practical's skill respectively when newly developed Electro Pneumatic Trainer were used by students during the teaching and learning process. It is also user friendly and embedded with systematics graphical diagram inspiring students for conducting the practical session.