-By ArdorComm Media Bureau
October 8, 2024
Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), one of India’s largest and most prestigious technological universities, is set to transform engineering education in Karnataka by integrating reconfigurable instrumentation from Liquid Instruments. This move will impact more than 150 affiliated colleges, equipping thousands of engineering students with hands-on experience in modern technology, starting this fall.
Liquid Instruments’ innovative Moku platform, originally developed using technology from NASA’s space-based gravitational wave detection projects, offers a suite of 14 test and measurement instruments in one compact device. Powered by a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), the platform delivers everything from basic tools like an oscilloscope to advanced instruments like a lock-in amplifier. This all-in-one solution allows students to perform real-time experiments in diverse fields, such as digital signal processing and control systems.
Dr. R. Sundaraguru, head of the electronics and communication engineering department at Sir M. Visveshwaraiah College of Engineering in Bengaluru, hailed the Moku platform for its flexibility and usefulness. “It is excellent in all functions,” he said. “It will be easy to operate and very much useful to students.”
Traditionally, such advanced tools have only been available in high-end research labs due to cost and space constraints, leaving undergraduate students reliant on simulations. Liquid Instruments’ Moku platform changes that by providing affordable, real-time experimentation capabilities. With API support and the ability to configure multi-instrument test setups, the platform bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, making it an invaluable addition to the curriculum.
Daniel Shaddock, co-founder and CEO of Liquid Instruments, is excited about the partnership. “We’re thrilled to equip Indian students with state-of-the-art tools to accelerate their education. This approach allows students to explore how signals evolve and interact with the physical world, giving them practical skills essential to today’s workforce,” he said, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience in preparing students for careers in India’s rapidly expanding tech industry.
To ensure the successful rollout of this new technology, Liquid Instruments, along with regional partners Tessolve and Spruha Solutions, will offer training sessions for faculty members and help establish learning labs at each institution. This initiative ensures that professors are well-equipped to guide students, helping them gain the skills needed for internships and future employment opportunities in the modern workforce.
By integrating such advanced technology into the curriculum, VTU is not only enhancing the academic experience but also setting the stage for a new generation of engineers who will shape the future of India’s booming tech landscape.