Evolution of a remote access facility for a PLL measurement course

This paper describes motivations for the further development of an existing remote access facility for use in teaching and learning of microelectronic circuit design and test principles. Initial development was based upon adaptation of 'at presence' material for use with an existing remote access laboratory based upon a standard internet link The selected course material for adaptation was a PLL (phase-locked loop) circuit. Initially, the remote lab interface was developed with minimal modifications to the existing hardware and the process produced satisfactory results in terms of enhancement of the learning / teaching experience. However, it was evident that some aspects of the course material could be enhanced via appropriate modifications to the existing hardware and software framework. The goal is to work towards a blended learning infrastructure. The paper thus provides observations on the initial course development and then provides details of suggested and ongoing modifications to the material.