Training on computer-based instrumentation

National Instruments and Loughborough University have set up ajoint initiative to deliver comprehensive training and educationon computer-based instrumentation to both NI customers andengineering students.

The initiative extends NI support of theLoughborough University undergraduate programme and makes theuniversity the first NI regional training facility site in theUK.

By supplying state-of-the-art engineering tools, such as theLabView graphical development software and data acquisitionhardware, NI has already played a vital role in teaching andresearch development at Loughborough's Electronic andElectrical Engineering Department.

Through this initiative, NIextends its sponsorship to the department's new computersystems engineering programme, helping students to enhance theircareer opportunities through training and experience withcutting-edge commercial development tools and hardware.Loughborough also has further standardised on NI software bypurchasing a campus-wide licence, giving all Loughboroughstudents access to NI software, such as LabView.

"Ourteaching and research staff have built a wealth of directlyrelevant expertise as a result of working with NItechnology", said Peter Smith, Head of the Electronic andElectrical Engineering Department and Professor of PhotonicsEngineering at Loughborough.

"NI LabView graphicaldevelopment software plays a key role in much of thedepartment's internationally respected research workincluding mobile phone antenna testing, assessment of drugdelivery devices, and the simulation of fighter aircraft cockpitmultifunction displays".

Instrumental in the inception,David Hackett of the Electronic and Electrical EngineeringDepartment will play a pivotal roll in the initiative.

As part ofthe initiative, Loughborough University is using its expertise ofNI technology to develop and host training courses for NIcustomers in the communications, defence, healthcare, andtransportation industries.

In addition to annual conferences andtraining seminars, the University will host up to ten trainingcourses a year for approximately 150 NI customers.

"We arecommitted to ensuring the success of NI customers", saidRobert Morton, NI UK Area Sales Manager.

"With theimpressive facilities at this university and its excellentgeographic location, we can extend our high-quality, affordabletraining solutions to more of our diverse client base".

NIhas more than 20 certified training centres around the worldoffering training to a broad-based audience, from engineeringstudents to highly experienced engineers.

NI also providesinstructor-led seminars and hands-on workshops, as well asonline, self-paced, and on-site training.

Interested parties mayattend courses at the company's Austin, Texas headquartersor in regional training centres worldwide.