Avista T&D Power Laboratory

Housing new power system simulation equipment worth approximately $550,000, the lab provides students a unique opportunity to model and study power system behavior.  Experiments include modeling a small individual power system, synchronizing two or more systems, power transfer between systems, connection and operation of protective devices, and dynamic system behavior under fault conditions.

Controls Lab 

Herak 208 houses a controls laboratory where students conduct exercises, based on time and frequency domain system analysis techniques, are used to model physical systems typical of control systems. The students analyze a moving-coil permanent-magnet dc motor and a pulse-width modulation amplifier in order to derive a (linearized) working model.

Communications Lab

Also held in Herak 208, students conduct experiments in a communication lab where they become acquainted with oscilloscopes, signal generators and spectrum analyzers. Measurement of common signals such as sinusoids and periodic square waves are conducted in both the time and frequency domain. The training and experience that EE students gain in this laboratory enhance their understanding of analog and digital communication systems. 

Embedded Computer

Systems Lab  

An embedded computer systems is a compact implementation of hardware and software functions with a micro-controller so as to meet the specifications for a specific application. Students receive hands-on experience working with embedded systems in Herak 204.

Digital Logic Lab

The Digital Logic Lab in Herak 100 is where electrical and computer engineering students gain practical experience in the use of basic hardware components. Through experiments, students become familiar with gates, multiplexers, decoders, flip-flops, counters, registers and displays.

Microcomputer Lab

In Herak 202, students use a 68HC11 microcomputer that is interfaced to a variety of devices each requiring one of the standard codes for information transfer.  Students gain practical, "hands on" and design experience incorporating microcomputer devices with software polling routines and interrupts to build simple calculators, clocks and other hardware.