Real-time Real-life Oriented DSP Lab Modules

In this paper, we present a sequence of engaging lab exercises that implement real-time real-life signal/data acquisition, analysis, and processing using MatLab, LabView, and NI myDAQ. Examples of these signals include real-time human voice and music signals. These lab modules are designed to enhance the existing lab components in the digital signal processing and/or digital communications curriculum in an Electronic Engineering Technology (EET) program at Western Washington University. The lab topics cover fundamentals of digital signal processing (DSP) such as real-time data acquisition, sampling, time-domain and frequency-domain analysis, and digital filtering. Noise analysis and removal examples have been also introduced in the lab modules. Moreover, advanced DSP techniques such as speech recognition have been incorporated in the labs to implement a voice-controlled DSP application as well. Besides serving the EET curriculum, the labs developed in this work can be used as effective outreach tools. For instance, we have adopted these labs as demos to groups of 5 graders of an annual Compass to Campus program in our institution to promote engineering and technology to young minds. These newly developed engaging lab demos will help to further attract and spark young students’ interests in engineering and technology.