LabNotebook

Guidelines for the Lab Notebook

Each student is required to maintain a laboratory notebook which can be used to record answers to pre-lab questions, logic minimization, schematics, calculations, graphs, etc. You should use the lab notebook as a tool for preparing the lab, and writing the report and for future referencing. Also, you will be allowed to use the lab notebook during the final lab exam. The contents of the lab notebook do not need to be excessively detailed but should have enough information so that you can remember what you did in lab.

The lab notebook is mainly for your own use. There is no need to hand it in. However, it is strongly recommended that you keep it up to date so it can be used for writing the reports and for preparing the final lab exam.

There is no set format for this lab notebook. If you prefer you can use any spiral book (preferably without loose pages) or use the back section of your ESE200 notebook.

Here are some guidelines for keeping the lab notebook:

1. Write name and course title and number on the front page. Include your phone number and email in case your notebook gets misplaced.

2. Place a Table of Contents in the front of the notebook 3. Make all entries in ink.

4. Use all pages consecutively. Leave no blank pages.

5. Do not have any loose pages in the notebook.

6. A typical entry for each lab experiment consists of the following:

Title

B. Pre-lab:

C. Experimental procedure:

Take notes of what you did including the logic equations or sketches of the logic diagram you implement. When doing measurements write down the results clearly, such as values of the input signals and resulting outputs (table format is usually preferred). Take notes to prove that the circuit works properly, e.g. by comparing the simulation results with the specs of the circuit.

Try to be complete and exact. You will use the lab notebook to prepare your report later.

7. Record all the observation directly in your notebook while you are doing the experiments. Keep good records which would enable you or someone else to repeat the experiment and obtain the same results. Do not erase material. If a mistake is made, cross it out neatly. You should still be able to read the incorrect data after you draw a line through it.

See a typical example of a notebook entry for a simple lab.

Go to Guidelines for writing Lab Reports; go to Lab Procedures

Jan Van der Spiegel jan@ee.upenn.edu

Created: September 12, 1997; Updated: August 23, 2007