The MIXI Learning System

[Applications] [E-vocational] [Methodology] [Models] [News] [Mikrovolt] [Software]

E-model

Our newest model is the e-model, which unites the advantages of emulation learning equipment with the possibilities of multimedia computer programs. This far, we have completed two applications in this model, the Digital Integrated Circuits and the Incremental Transducer. The e-model facilitates the work of the teachers and it can also be used in distance learning.

The MIXI Interface is a further important component of the e-model. We have recently developed the possibility to build it into the S-model and into the T-model.

MIXI Reference letters

Our satisfied users have sent us reference letters and we are proud to publish them here.

Our latest applications

DSP

Our DSP application demonstrates an important field of usage of one of the peaks of today's technology, that of the special-purpose processor, of the so called DSP. The demonstration is easy to understand and yet rich in details. It includes an the basic types of the analog passive filters, as well as their characteristic features. The application also demonstrates a possible way of designing digital filters. It analyzes the differences between analog and digital filters, their advantages and disadvantages. The application is to be programmed using a computer program, which facilitates the analysis of the filters. With the help of the MIXI – DSP external device, a microphone and a loadspeaker, the student can perform interesting and examinations with audio signals, which will be memorable experiences. The student can playfully create filters, which would be very difficult to realize using analog devices.

Idle speed control

The Idle speed control application deals with a neglected but important field of vehicle technology. It demonstrates the idle speed control of gasoline driven engines is not based on a concrete solution of a concrete type, but it is a generalization in order to present the basic principles. In a simplified system, it shows the most important environmental factors influencing the engine speed, and their effect on the system. It teaches the nature and characteristics of the signals and features, which are important for the control loop. It demonstrates the operation of a malfunctioning system, as well as the effect of some environmental factors on the malfunctioning system. The electrical signals, which are important for the control system, can also be measured on an oscilloscope.

E-guide (E-book)

It has been completed, the electronic version of the central students' guide, which is a quite thick book, is now available. It is not only a simple computerization of the existing material, but it has been extended with information about recent technological developments, with figures and pictures, and it now consists of more than 300 pages. Our new users recieve this electronic book we call e-guide automatically. We are happy to send it to our existing users on request, as well.

E-vocational education

Please click here for more information.

Digital measurement equipment

The Digital measurement equipment application shows examples of using digital circuits in measurement technology. The application presents the functional units of equipment for digital measurement of frequency, time and voltage, it highlights the logical connection between the specification data of the functional units (number of bits or decades) and the resolution of the measurement. Furthermore, it presents the measurement errors resulting from the faulty settings (overflow, underflow), as well as the possibilities and limits of sampling analog signals. By connecting the application to a computer, it becomes a digital oscilloscope that has although less services than its professional counterparts, it uniquely helps the realization of didactical goals. With the help of the external connectable equipment, the more important internal signals become even more easily measurable.

Electric system of cars

The Electric system of cars application enables to present the traditional units of the electric system of cars and their cooperation laws. Based on the basic electrotechnological features of the electric system, the students can practice the graphical presentation, the measurement of the operation characteristics of the controlled generator and of the internal resistance of the circuit units, the presentation of how the charge and discharge of the battery depends on the external effects, etc. The complexity of the measurement assignments and the level of the realization are extremely high even when using the application alone, but using the external connectable equipment (MIXI-POWER) enables the execution of further instructive measurements.

PLC Demonstrator (Grafcet)

This application lets the students learn and practice the theory, graphical description and application of sequential function charts (Grafcet). These are applied in process control that is a part of automation. Sequential function charts are described by the IEC 1131-3 and IEC 848 standards. The goal of the application is to explain the notion of control in progress and the various ways of describing a control task.

The students will observe and will study the process states and the transition conditions on the model of mixing and container filling technology. Based on their observations, they will draw or extend the grafcet chart that describes the operation of the process. They may also analyze the technological process by the state codes that appear on the MIXI display or by the grafcet chart they have prepared.

The step-by-step mode of the application eases the observation of the system. The measurement tasks test the students' troubleshooting abilities from vocational orientation to university level. The built-in Emergency Stop mode demonstrates the emergency sequence started by the operator, whereas the Emergency mode exposes the malfunction effects of the sensors, and it also enables "repairing" them.

The development of the PLC Demonstrator (Grafcet) application was funded by the EU programme "Leonardo da Vinci". The application was developed in transnational cooperation.

PAL circuits

This application enables the realization and studying of combinational circuits that contain at most 6 variables and 7 minterms. This application is a reprogrammable variant of a circuit from the gate-array-logic (GAL) catalogue. By using this application, the costs of the circuits that are only once programmable can be saved, while the requirements of the education can still be fulfilled. The output of the circuit can be switched to high-impedance state (tristate), in consequence, it is suitable for use as a bus driver, and for the connection of several such devices.

The PAL circuit application fits into the top-down learning process of the digital circuits. After programming and using the Universal state machine, the Applicant-specific IC (ASIC, programmable logic circuit) may be taught. The logic functions that are used in the ASIC circuits may be realized by the PAL circuit application by setting the following aims:

• introduction of the circuits programmable to a specified logical task,
• practice of the description (documentation) and design methods of combinational circuits,
• cognition of methods for controlling the operation of combinational circuits.

The students do the programming of the logic circuits by a PC connected to the MIXI Learning System, and then they control the properties of the logic circuits by the pushbuttons of the MIXI Learning System. They may realize combinational circuits that were described by a Boolean function, or graphically, by a Karnaugh table. Afterwards, they may practice fault emulation, troubleshooting and numerous digital measurement methods on the realized circuits.

The development of the PAL Circuits application was funded by the EU programme "Leonardo da Vinci". The application was developed in transnational cooperation.

"L"-type Fuel Injection System

Mixing air with gas for an OTTO engine used to be solved by a carburator until the mid-70's. The first car that solved this problem by fuel injection and was in serial production, was the Volkswagen 1600 E, made in 1966 with a D-Jetronic system. Later on, the company Bosch has improved the D-Jetronic system by sensing the current load of the engine in a different way: by measuring the amount of the air absorbed by the engine. This new type of fuel injection system was marketed in the early 70's, and it is called L-Jetronic system.

This application of the MIXI Learning System is a demonstrator for teaching the L-Jetronic system. After studying the theoretical background, the students may use this application effectively, in order to deepen their knowledge during a laboratory practice of 12-16 hours. The application is shipped along with an external connectable device, the injection signal-generator that can be connected to an oscilloscope, so that the operation of the injection valve can be observed in the various modes of operation.

The students' manual is composed in a way that its assignments can be successfully completed by a student in vocational training after the necessary preparation.

The students' manual assumes that the student has basic knowledge of doing measurement with the oscilloscope, but the application itself may also be used for acquiring this necessary knowledge.

The application may also be used at university level education, if there is enough time available for the topic of fuel injection systems.

Just Happened

New software

For everyone who requests to receive our software programs in email or on the download page, we have good news.

We shall send the new, extended, version of our popular MIXI Quiz test sheet generation program to everyone who requests it. The new version that works under Windows, enables the questions and answers to be 255 characters long, as opposed to 160 characters in the old version. In order to achieve simple usage and better productivity, we extended the sheet generation function with the possibility of determining the number of copies. In the sheet generation dialog window, the old version enabled to change the order of the questions depending on the mix-code, but the order of the answers remained the same. The new version changes the order of the answers as well, and it also enables the user to preview the test sheets before printing, and it increments the mix-code automatically for every copy, so that they are different. MIXI users may request the database of the questions and answers as well.

The new, Windows version of the Mixidraw function-generator program is also ready. It can be used along with our Programmable D/A converter application, and it contains an editor for editing polynomial and periodical functions, and this is unique in the MIXI and in the world. Our newest piece of software is the MIXI PAL circuit design program that enables the design of logical functions using a graphical editor or an equation editor. After downloading the newly edited function to the PAL application of the MIXI Learning system, the operation of the circuit may be studied.

We shall send you the computer software for free, if you fill in the form on our download page.

The offline version of our homepage

The offline version of our homepage is ready, which enables you to study the MIXI Learning System independently of the internet. Similarly to the online version, the offline version is continously extended with new content, this is why we suggest you to download it every now and then.

Teachers' Training Program

Mikrovolt Ltd. has prepared teachers for using the MIXI Learning System on a two-days long teachers' training course for years. This way of preparing teachers is based exclusively on contact training, but it is not efficient enough, it is limited by its time-frame, by its topics, and by its professional depth. That is why, we wish to develop distance learning programmes for tutors and vocational teachers. In order to achieve this we have applied for and have been granted a fund from the Hungarian Foundation for Open Vocational Education. In this project, our partners are the MT System Ltd. (Budapest) and the Székesfehérvár Regional Workforce Development and Teaching Center (Székesfehérvár).

As a result of our project, teachers may improve upon their knowledge of the fourth generation school equipment, of the modern possibilities of information technology (the Internet) and of the multimedia distance learning in the fields of informatics, of digital electronics and of car electronics. They learn using the Internet by distance learning and by using modern multimedia devices. They also learn applying the Internet in teaching, and using the EduSystem Distance Learning System. They get to know the MIXI fourth generation Learning System, its operation, its usage, and its application on the various vocational fields.

The program is available in Hungarian only. Should we get any request we are ready to prepare the English version.

HELPING THE NEAR FUTURE

Demonstration Workplace

Are you curious? Do you wish to see the MIXI Learning System in reality?

We have established a permanent demonstration-trial-experimental workplace at our site. We are pleased to see all the current and future MIXI users, but please call beforehand to make an appointment.

We have workplaces for three teachers. You can try there all models, applications, software, and on top of all that, your questions will be answered and you will enjoy our hospitality.

Calls interested in our future plans are welcome. Please send an e-mail to the Mikrovolt Ltd.
After filling in the registration form, programs together with detailed description of our new projects are sent at your request. This may establish our professional cooperation.

THE FUTURE

• Further special vehicle electronics application developments (controller electronics, automotive systems, ABS, hydraulic fuel supplying system, etc.)
• In the field of power-electronics, e.g. circuits for power plants
• DSP application in the practice. (audio D/A-A/D converter, measurement bridge for measuring A/D converters, mass, temperature, voltage, application of Ethernet in measurement devices)
• Application development that introduces the operation of Fuzzy logics
• Application development that introduces the operation of Neural networks
• Gathering and publishing Student projects

[Applications] [E-vocational] [Methodology] [Models] [News] [Mikrovolt] [Software]

Last modified by the Mikrovolt webmaster on Thu Jun 23 23:34:05 2005