Speaker
Level for award<br> (Hons, MSc, <br> PhD, N/A)?
N/A
Apply to be<br> considered for a student <br> award (Yes / No)?
No
Main supervisor (name and email)<br>and his / her institution
F. Petruccione
Please indicate whether<br>this abstract may be<br>published online<br>(Yes / No)
yes
Would you like to <br> submit a short paper <br> for the Conference <br> Proceedings (Yes / No)?
yes
Abstract content <br> (Max 300 words)<br><a href="http://events.saip.org.za/getFile.py/access?resId=0&materialId=0&confId=34" target="_blank">Formatting &<br>Special chars</a>
Several experiments require acquisition devices to read the signals from the external environment. These devices can be interfaced with a computer through the serial communication. The continuous evolution of the electronics changes the communication standards for example from the standard RS-232 to USB. For this reason it is necessary to use an external adapter to connect laboratory equipment with a computer. The laboratory equipment is often expensive and is not affordable for schools or universities located in developing areas. Through the use of Open Source it is possible to design experimental equipment without license fees and build proper electronic devices using inexpensive components. In this article we show an electronic board for prototyping using the Arduino features, called AFRICHINO. This board was developed from our research experience, and represents a synthesis of what is necessary to have a complete experimental board.
