This document discusses the use of electronic mini labs (EML) to improve laboratory education in electronics engineering. EML allows students to purchase inexpensive electronic component kits to build circuits hands-on in the classroom. Using EML gives students individual responsibility for their work while reducing strain on laboratory equipment. Case studies show how EML was used to build projects like an LED flasher and analog to digital converter. The conclusion is that EML is a cost-effective, interactive method that improves the teaching and learning process by giving students more practical exposure and developing their higher-order thinking skills.

1. Innovative Improvements in
Electronic Engineering
Laboratory Education using
Electronic Mini Lab (EML):
A Case Study
Mr. V. J. Dongre
Lecturer Electronics
Govt. Polytechnic, Gondia (Maharashtra)

2. Importance of Laboratory Work in Engg.
Cognitive Domain:
Instrumentation, Experimentation, Mod
eling, Data Analysis and Design.
Psychomotor Domain: manipulating the
apparatus, Sensory
Awareness, Troubleshooting Skills.
Affective Domain: behavior and
attitudes learnt from
failure, creativity, Curiosity, communicat
ion, teamwork, safety, and ethics in

3. Size of Electronic components

4. Glimpse of Electronic Components

5. Characteristics of Electronic Labs
• Instruments & components are small, delegate, fragile.
• They need careful handling.
• Quality of practical kits imposes problems.
• Prone to wear and tear due to rough handling.
• Malfunctioning of Kits due to Voltages of incorrect
ranges or making wrong connections.
• Difficult to experiment in big group of students.

6. Electronics Mini-Lab (EML)

7. SN Item Qty rate Cost (Rs)
1 Digital Multi-meter 1 200 200
2 Soldering Iron 1 200 200
3 Soldering stand 1 60 60
4 De-soldering Baird (mesh) 1mtr 20 20
5 soldering wire 1 25 25
6 Soldering flux 1 15 15
7 Breadboard 1 75 75
8 9 V Battery with connector 1 30 30
9 Wire stripper 1 50 50
10 Nose plier (small) 1 80 80
11 Hook up wire various colors 3 mtr 03 10
12 Berg strip male and female 2 05 10
13 Heat shrink tube 3mm diameter 1 mtr 05 05
13 Plastic container 10”x8”x2” 1 70 70
15 Plastic container3”x2”x0.5” 2 15 30
16 LED various colors 5 mm 5 02 10
17 Resisters ¼ watt (330 ohm) 10 1 10
18 IC 7805 , voltage regulator 1 20 20
19 ICs: 7400, 7402, 7404, 7408, 7432, 7486,
7493, 555, LM324, LM741, IC 89S51
1 each - 300
20 LDR, Thermister, Photodiode, POT 2 each - 80
Total Approximate Cost Rs. 1300

8. Beradboard: The Base of EML

9. Beradboard: Basic Connections

10. Beradboard based Practical setup

11. Teaching Learning Process using EML

12. Practical
Setup done
by students
Small Robot
using
Breadboard

13. Features and advantages of EML
1. They visit the market. It increases exposure.
2. Students purchase their own EML. This builds sense of
belonging.
3. They handle their own components with care to avoid damage.
4. They work individually. So They are responsible for their
success. Hence they are more attentive and focused.
5. Practical completes in short time. More time is available for
doubt solving and assessment.
6. Students cooperate with each other to diagnose faults. This
increases cooperation amongst the students.
7. As the students get 100% practical exposure, they also develop
interest in theory classes. This synergies the teaching learning
process.
8. Burden on College Lab is reduced as this activity is done in
classroom.

14. Case Study: Microcontroller Based LED Flasher
Flashing display Exhibition: 65 students participated
Video available on utube Weblink
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kcoh75h6lZs

15. Case Study: Microprocessor based
Analog to Digital Converter
Analog to Digital Converter setup designed by author
Video available on utube Weblink
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2qNL6Pk2vg

16. Conclusion
• EML is interactive and improved method of teaching learning.
• Cost effective and portable.
• Students are very enthusiastic in working with EML.
• Students inculcate Higher order thinking for analysis, synthesis
and evaluation.
• The concept can be equally extended with suitable
modifications in other branches of engineering.
• EML along with modern technology resources like mobile
camera and internet can serve as boon to practical teaching
learning process.

17. dongrevj@yahoo.co.in

18. Acknowledgements
Dr. Vijay H. Mankar
Department of Electronics and
Telecommunication, Government
Polytechnic, Nagpur (M.S.), India
vhmankar@gmail.com
Mr. Ramkrishna V. Yenkar Maharashtra
State Board of Technical Education,
Regional Office, Nagpur (M.S.), India
rvyenkar@yahoo.com
Co- Authors