1. Mini Project- USB Temperature Logging
Author: University of Hertfordshire
Date created:
Date revised: 2009
Abstract
The following resources come from the 2009/10 BEng (Hons) in Electrical Engineering (course number 2ELE0066)
from the University of Hertfordshire. All the mini projects are designed as level two modules of the undergraduate
programmes.
The objectives of this module are to demonstrate within an industrial environment:
• To use USB development Kit
• To programme with VB
• To integrate the logging system
The aim of this project is to develop a temperature logging system based on USB development Kit. The temperature
logging system should collect ambient temperature samples, sample manipulation and display the data in a text
and/or graphic format. Students design and programme GUI using VB.
Contents
Mini Project- USB Temperature Logging.........................................................................................................1
Section 1. Project Introduction..........................................................................................................................2
Section 2. Day 1.................................................................................................................................................3
Section 3. Day 2.................................................................................................................................................4
Credits................................................................................................................................................................5
In addition to the resources found below there are supporting documents which should be used in combination with
this resource. Please see:
Mini Projects - Introductory presentation.
Mini Projects - E-Log.
Mini Projects - Staff & Student Guide.
Mini Projects - Standard Grading Criteria.
Mini Projects - Reflection.
You will also need the Mini Project USB Temperature Logging presentation..
© University of Hertfordshire 2009 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.

2. Mini Project- USB Temperature Logging
Section 1. Project Introduction
Learning Outcomes assessed (as taken from the DMD)
All Learning Outcomes specified in the Definitive Module Documentation are assessed as part of this mini project, the
specific Learning Outcomes are:
Knowledge and Understanding
• Identify and enhance knowledge gained from other studies in areas relevant to the project topic selected.
Skills and Attributes
• Use relevant measurement instruments to analyse a defined electrical/electronic engineering problem.
• Synthesise a solution to a defined electrical/electronic engineering problem
• Take, and analyse appropriately, test results from that solution.
• Carry out a simple critical evaluation of the results taken
Project Title: USB Temperature Logging
Project Objectives: (technical, specific to this project)
To demonstrate within an industrial environment:
• To use USB development Kit
• To programme with VB
• To integrate the logging system
Project Summary: (50 words max)
The aim of this project is to develop a temperature logging system based on USB development Kit. The temperature
logging system should collect ambient temperature samples, sample manipulation and display the data in a text and/or
graphic format. Students design and programme GUI using VB.
Introductory Lecture (2hrs) Content:
• Temperature sensor.
• USB protocol.
• USB development Kit.
• Microsoft® Visual C# introduction.
• Hardware to be used.
• Topics for students to revise: Temperature sensor data sheet, Visual c# text book, USB development kit user
manuals and A/D conversion text book.
Preparation Session (3hrs):
• Temperature sensor operating parameters.
• USB development Kit.
• Identification of the required interface stage.
• Microsoft® Visual C# file operations
Page 2 of 5

3. Mini Project- USB Temperature Logging
Section 2. Day 1
Expected Outcomes for the day:
Students working individually should demonstrate setting up and running a Demo application of the USB development
Kit. Students individually should design and build a temperature sensor circuit. Interface this circuit with USB
development kit. Develop a flow chart for the programme (Microsoft® Visual C#) required temperature login logic.
Assessment criteria;
the way in which the work has been planned and managed, demonstrate the technical criteria on designing the
required sensor circuit. Demonstrate the integrity of the flow chart relative to the USB temperature logging system.
Key Tasks:
• Project Planning; developing an appropriate strategy to meet a specific set of technical requirements.
• USB development Kit setup and running a Demo application.
• Development of the required interface stage.
• Integration of all the hardware components.
• Testing of all the hardware components.
• GUI development
• Technical Appraisal; First phase test (check for correct wiring up for input and output USB contacts).
Page 3 of 5

4. Mini Project- USB Temperature Logging
Section 3. Day 2
Expected Outcomes for the day:
Students working in small groups will have to produce an appropriate programme (in Microsoft® Visual C#) that
should reflect the logic of the flow chart developed during the first day. Towards the end of the day the students once
more in small groups should integrate the developed software and hardware components.
Assessment criteria;
Based on successful demonstration of the developed software and hardware modules. Demonstrate the complete
USB temperature logging system is working according to the above specification.
Key Tasks:
• Project Planning; developing an appropriate strategy to meet a specific set of technical requirements.
• GUI development.
• Integration of software and hardware components.
• Technical Appraisal; Second Testing stage (overall USB temperature login system).
Facilitator guidance (key ideas to draw out from students):
Day 1: USB communication protocols, analogue interfacing, ambient temperature measurements.
Day 2: Sampling and Microsoft® Visual C# optimisation.
Required Resources: Laboratory Facilities and Teaching Support.
Laboratory Resources:
1. PC Workstations with Visual Studio developer software.
2. USB development Kits and CD with drivers.
3. PC Workstations should allow the installation of drivers from the user.
4. A set of LM35 temperature sensors.
5. A set of 741 op-amps.
6. One Signal generator and one oscilloscope.
Teaching Resources:
1. Introductory lecture
2. Day 1; briefing pack containing instructions for the day with source materials.
3. Day 2; briefing pack for the day; additional source materials, team allocations for group work.
Page 4 of 5

5. Mini Project- USB Temperature Logging
Credits
This resource was created by the University of Hertfordshire and released as an open educational resource
through the Open Engineering Resources project of the HE Academy Engineering Subject Centre. The
Open Engineering Resources project was funded by HEFCE and part of the JISC/HE Academy UKOER
programme.
© University of Hertfordshire 2009
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
Microsoft product screen shots reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft and Visual C# are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
The name of the University of Hertfordshire, UH and the UH logo are the name and registered marks of the University of Hertfordshire. To the
fullest extent permitted by law the University of Hertfordshire reserves all its rights in its name and marks which may not be used except with its
written permission.
The JISC logo is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales
Licence. All reproductions must comply with the terms of that licence.
The HEA logo is owned by the Higher Education Academy Limited may be freely distributed and copied for educational purposes only, provided
that appropriate acknowledgement is given to the Higher Education Academy as the copyright holder and original publisher.
Page 5 of 5