Labs (ECE 461)

Lab Information

Before a lab session:

Read book chapter and do related reading.
Answer the questions to the prelab.
Turn in prelab answers by uploading a single PDF file at the provided link in the Assignment section on Quercus (The link is in the PRA101 or PRA102 part of ECE461).
Prelab answers are submitted individually.
Prelab answers must be typed. (Please also type prelab questions, so that the grader can match answers with questions).
Submit prelab by the posted due date.

During a lab session:

Show up for your time slots.
Bring a USB flash drive, the lab manual, and solutions to prelab.
Complete exercises of the assigned lab (1 hour to several hours, Average: 3 hours).
Perform experiments. Save data to USB flash drive.

After a lab session:

Write lab report with your lab partner, using saved data on flash drive.
You may only use data that you collected in the lab session for your lab report.
Submit lab report by the posted due date.

You must complete the lab with a lab partner. The lab partners must be in the same lab session (PRA0101 or PRA0102)
Sign up for a time slot in class, in the first week of classes. Your time slot is allocated for the entire semester.
You are guaranteed access to the lab during your time slot.
If a time slot is not used 15 minutes after the start time, it becomes available to others on a First-Come-First-Served basis.
Outside your assigned lab section, you may use the lab anytime you want, as long as the equipment is available.
If you have questions or problems, attend one of the posted TA office hours.
Note:
- Out of time? If you cannot complete the lab session within the time slot of 3 hours, you have two options: (1) Find an available rack at another time and continue the lab session at another time/day; or (2) Write the lab report using the experiments that you have completed. (If the missing portion is significant, you will be asked to complete the missing parts at some other time).
- Problem with equipment? If there problem with the equipment (cables, routers, etc), please work around the problem. We will try to fix problems as soon as possible, but there is no technical staff to help with equipment problems.

Lab reports must be typed.
Submit lab reports by uploading a single PDF file at the provided link in the Assignment section on Quercus (The link is in the PRA101 or PRA102 part of ECE461). Only one report is submitted by either lab partner. Both lab partners receive the same mark. (Virtual labs are completed and submitted individually.)
File Formats: Submit lab reports as a PDF file.
Each submitted lab report must have a cover page, indicating the lab number, team members' names and UToRID. (Virtual lab, clearly indicate this on the cover page.)
Truncate long output, insert relevant supporting output into the place where you answer the lab questions. Only include data that supports your answers. The graders of lab reports are advised to deduct points (significantly) if collected data is included that is not needed to support your answers.
Please organize your lab report according to the lab exercise part number. Avoid using your own numbering system. Type each of the lab questions briefly, so that the grader knows which question you are answering.
Only include answers to exercises listed on the course website.
Turnitin (plagiarism review) is used for all submissions.