Integration of experimentation and computerization

True hands on experimentation in circuits, power, control, and electronics laboratories is an essential part of engineering education. Much can be done with simulation, but simulation does not replace the real thing. The experiments should not be bogged down with meticulous meter reading and manual plotting. A microcomputer with appropriate software and hardware is useful in reducing the tedium without distracting from the benefit of physical hands on experimentation. A system is being developed at the University of Technology in Malaysia, based on the concepts of the prototypes, object oriented and modular, to allow much greater flexibility that can be user modified to incorporate new modules and procedures as appropriate. The concept is to replace the bench full of instruments with a set of virtual instruments in a generic microcomputer.<>