The Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University of Pretoria has partnered with test and measurement specialist Agilent Technologies to develop one of the largest electrical engineering training laboratories in the world.
The inauguration of the lab was performed jointly by Prof Cheryl de la Rey, vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Pretoria, and Benoit Neel, vice president and general manager, EMG, EMEA, Agilent Technologies, at the beginning of September.
The Agilent-CAEC (Computer Aided Education Centre) facility is a large undergraduate laboratory that has 144 workstations all fitted with a DSOX2002A digital oscilloscope with a built-in function generator, a U3401A 4½ digit dual display digital multimeter and an E3630A triple-output DC power supply. It is the largest laboratory of its kind in South Africa.
First and second year engineering students across all disciplines of engineering perform practical classes here as part of their training in electronic circuit theory in a number of different undergraduate modules. Around 2000 undergraduate students per semester will benefit from this laboratory, mostly at first and second year level, as well as some third years.
Agilent instruments were selected to ensure students benefit from being exposed to high-quality equipment from year one. Agilent’s local representative, Concilium Technologies, will provide technical and maintenance support for the equipment over the next five years.
In addition to the U3401A, Agilent donated Advanced Design Software (ADS), SystemVue, EMPro, Vector Signal Analysis and Wireless LAN Analysis software.
This software, which will operate via the lab’s network, will allow senior undergraduate and postgraduate students in their project design simulations and research. The commercial value of this software is estimated at R15 million.
“South Africa has a dire shortage of engineers, and Concilium Technologies is committed to the development of technical education in South Africa,” said Concilium’s managing director, Steve Alves. “We have various donor programmes for grade 11 science learners, bursaries for promising students in engineering at tertiary level, and life skills and practical work experiential training for technicians completing their studies.
“For the budding engineers, Concilium works closely with universities in providing lab equipment and support for undergraduates and postgraduate students.”
According to Benoit Neel, Agilent EMEA vice president and general manager “Agilent is very honoured and proud to contribute to South African engineering community education. Students at Pretoria University will be trained on the best scientific test and measurement equipment which are used in the industry around the world. With our partner Concilium, Agilent technologies will play an even bigger role in the country’s development.”
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| www: | www.concilium.co.za/test-measurement |
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