Specifications

118
5.5 Equipment
To observe and test the behavior of our HVAC control system we are going to
use the available devices that are presently in the Senior Design Lab. If some of
the instruments are not there for us, we can always buy them from an
independent vendor.
 Oscilloscope
This device will allows us to view signal voltages on an x-y coordinate
system. Even though the oscilloscope shows voltages on the y-axis any
other quantity can be change to represent voltage such as current.
Oscilloscopes are useful because it can display the shape of a particular
wave. Each waveform can measure and present various characteristics
such as amplitude, period, and frequency. Other features that the
oscilloscope can show are the pulse width and rise time of two distinct
occurrences.
 Function Generator
A function generator is electronic software that is used to make electrical
signals or waveforms. These function generators generate waveforms
such as a sine wave, square wave, triangle wave, and saw tooth wave.
 High Current Ammeter
An ammeter will be necessary for our HVAC control system because it will
measure electrical current in a circuit. The device uses a moving coil with
a needle which reads the amount of current being generated by the circuit.
As the needle points more to the right the current will start to increase in
amperage.
 Breadboard
A breadboard is used as a construction setup or base for where we place
integrated circuit chips in order to connect wires to different I/O ports. We
do this so we can test them so that they are working according to our data
sheet specifications. A solderless breadboard will be applied as a
prototype to test and observe the behavior of components such as LED‟s,
diodes, resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
 Multimeter
A multimeter is an excellent device to use for our project because it can
measure voltages, currents, and resistances. This electronic tool can be
measured either with analog or digital circuits. Another useful method for a
multimeter is that it can figure out electrical problems in wiring systems
and power supplies.
 Computer Simulation
Computer simulation is used as a preliminary basis for schematic layout
design and printed circuit boards. It will tell us as designers where every
components should be placed and how much current and voltage is
necessary for these particular parts.
 R, L, and C values
Resistor, inductor, and capacitor values will be included in our HVAC
control system design to accommodate changes when necessary.