An-Najah National University 

Faculty of Engineering & information technology 

Computer Engineering department 

Presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for 

Bachelor degree in Computer Engineering 

 

Graduation project 2 

 

 

SynLab  

IoT based electronics system 

 

Students: 

Ghassan Qasrawi (12111991) 

Adel Qadi (12112188)  

Supervisors: 

Dr. Raed Qadi 

Dr. Manar Qamhieh 



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Acknowledgment: 

Praise be to Allah, lord of worlds, who taught us what we know, and enabled us to complete this 

research. We show our thanks and gratitude in it to our families for the continuous support and 

patience throughout the past years. We would like to sincerely show our honest gratitude to our 

supervisors Drs. Raed Qadi and Manar Qamhieh whose encouragement, expert guidance, and 

insightful suggestions were instrumental in the successful completion of the project. We also 

extend our appreciation to the Computer Engineering Department at An Najah National 

University along with its administrators and supervisors for providing the suitable productive 

academic environment and the required resources and skills to ensure successful completion of 

this project. 

We can’t forget to acknowledge and thank everyone who contributed their time, effort, insight, 

and assistance during the preparation of this project. And we hope this work shows the 

knowledge and effort invested throughout the development of this graduation project. 

  



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Disclaimer: 

This report was written by students Ghassan Qasrawi and Adel Qadi at the Computer 

Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, An-Najah 

National University. It has not been altered or corrected, other than editorial corrections, as a 

result of assessment, it may contain language as well as content errors. The views expressed in it 

together with any outcomes and recommendations are solely those of the students. An-Najah 

National University accepts no responsibility or liability for the consequences of this report being 

used for a purpose other than the purpose for which it was commissioned. 

  



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Table of contents: 

Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................................................... 10 

1.1 General background ...................................................................................... 10 

1.2 Objectives .................................................................................................... 10 

1.3 Organization of the report ............................................................................... 10 

Chapter 2: Theoretical background and literature review................................................. 11 

2.1 Theoretical background ................................................................................. 11 

Microcontrollers and Embedded Systems .................................................................. 11 

Digital and Analog Laboratory Instruments ............................................................... 11 

Internet of Things (IoT) and Wireless Connectivity ..................................................... 11 

Modular System Design and Data Management ......................................................... 11 

Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) and Software Platforms .......................................... 12 

2.2 Literature review ............................................................................................ 12 

2.2.1 Microcontroller-Based Electronic Laboratory Measurement Devices ............... 12 

2.2.2 Improving Learning Outcomes in Microcontroller Courses Using an Integrated 

STM32 Laboratory ................................................................................................ 12 

2.2.3 Integrating Instrument Networking & Programming into Electronics Curricula . 12 

2.2.4 Impact of IoT on Learning and Smart Labs .................................................. 13 

2.2.5 IoT-Based Lab System for Teaching ........................................................... 13 

Chapter 3: Constrains and Earlier Coursework ............................................................... 14 

3.1. Constrains and limitations ............................................................................. 14 

3.2. Standards / Codes ........................................................................................ 14 

3.3. Earlier course work ........................................................................................ 14 

Chapter 4: Methodology .............................................................................................. 15 

4.1. System structure and design .......................................................................... 15 

4.1.1. System’s overall design ............................................................................ 15 

4.1.2. System’s structure and modules ................................................................. 15 

4.1.2.1. Function generator ................................................................................ 15 

4.1.2.2. IC Tester ............................................................................................. 16 

4.1.2.3. PIC Programmer .................................................................................. 17 



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4.1.2.4. Oscilloscope ........................................................................................ 18 

4.1.2.5. DC Monitor ......................................................................................... 19 

4.1.2.6. AC Monitor ......................................................................................... 20 

4.1.3. Screen interface ....................................................................................... 21 

4.2. Hardware components .................................................................................. 27 

4.2.1. Arduino Mega 2560 ................................................................................. 27 

4.2.2. Arduino Uno R3 microcontrollers .............................................................. 27 

4.2.3. NodeMCU ESP32 Dev Boards .................................................................. 28 

4.2.4. Nextion 3.5” Discovery Display ................................................................. 28 

4.2.5. Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) sockets ............................................................. 29 

4.2.6. PZEM-004T V3 Power measurement module .............................................. 29 

4.2.7. INA219 Current and voltage sensor ............................................................ 30 

4.2.8. LM324 Operational Amplifiers IC .............................................................. 30 

4.2.9. 20 KΩ Potentiometer ............................................................................... 30 

4.2.10. Carbon resistors (Different Ω values) .......................................................... 31 

4.2.11. Solderless Boards (Breadboards) ................................................................ 31 

4.2.12. Jumper wires ........................................................................................... 32 

4.2.13. Female DC Power Jack Adapter Connector Plug Button Switch ...................... 32 

4.2.14. Power adapters from AC 220V to DC 12V and 5V ........................................ 32 

4.3. Mobile application ........................................................................................ 33 

4.3.1. Main page .............................................................................................. 33 

4.3.2. IC tester page .......................................................................................... 34 

4.3.3. Test details page ...................................................................................... 35 

4.3.4. Function generator page ............................................................................ 36 

4.3.5. Oscilloscope page .................................................................................... 37 

4.3.6. AC / DC Monitor page ............................................................................. 38 

4.3.7. AC Monitor Live feed page ....................................................................... 39 

4.3.8. DC Monitor Live feed page ....................................................................... 40 

Chapter 5: Discussion and Results ............................................................................... 41 



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Chapter 6: Conclusion ................................................................................................ 43 

6.1. Conclusion ................................................................................................... 43 

6.2. Future work .................................................................................................. 43 

6.3. References ................................................................................................... 44 

 

 

 

  



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Table of figures: 

Figure 1:SynLab Overall Design .................................................................................... 15 
Figure 2:Function generator module ............................................................................. 16 
Figure 3: IC Tester module ........................................................................................... 16 
Figure 4:PIC Programmer module ................................................................................. 17 
Figure 5:PIC Programmer Interface ............................................................................... 17 
Figure 6:Oscilloscope module...................................................................................... 18 
Figure 7: DC Monitor module ....................................................................................... 19 
Figure 8AC monitor module: ........................................................................................ 20 
Figure 9:Main interface ................................................................................................ 21 
Figure 10:Auto testing interface .................................................................................... 21 
Figure 11:Manual test interface .................................................................................... 22 
Figure 12:Auto testing interface 2 ................................................................................. 22 
Figure 13: Manual test interface  2 ................................................................................ 23 
Figure 14:Manual testing interface 3 ............................................................................. 23 
Figure 15:Wifi networks interface ................................................................................. 24 
Figure 16: Function generator interface ......................................................................... 24 
Figure 17:AC Monitor interface ..................................................................................... 25 
Figure 18:DC Monitor interface .................................................................................... 25 
Figure 19: Oscilloscope interface ................................................................................. 26 
Figure 20:Arduino Mega 2560 ....................................................................................... 27 
Figure 21:Arduino Uno R3 ............................................................................................ 27 
Figure 22: ESP32 Development board ........................................................................... 28 
Figure 23:Nextion display............................................................................................. 28 
Figure 24: IC ZIF Sockets .............................................................................................. 29 
Figure 25: PZEM-004T V3 module ................................................................................. 29 
Figure 26: INA219 sensor ............................................................................................. 30 
Figure 27: LM324 ......................................................................................................... 30 
Figure 28:20K Ohms POT ............................................................................................. 31 
Figure 29:10K ohms carbon resistor ............................................................................. 31 
Figure 30: Breadboards................................................................................................ 31 
Figure 31: Jumper wires ............................................................................................... 32 
Figure 32: Female DC Power Jack Adapter Connector .................................................... 32 
Figure 33: 12V and 5V DC Power adapters ..................................................................... 32 
Figure 34:Mobile main page ......................................................................................... 33 
Figure 35: IC Tester page .............................................................................................. 34 
Figure 36: IC test details page ...................................................................................... 35 



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Figure 37: Function generator page ............................................................................... 36 
Figure 38:Oscilloscope page ........................................................................................ 37 
Figure 39:AC / DC monitor page ................................................................................... 38 
Figure 40: AC monitor page .......................................................................................... 39 
Figure 41: DC Monitor page .......................................................................................... 40 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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Project’s Abstract: 

SynLab project introduces a modular, IOT based electronic laboratory platform that 

merges several important digital and analog instruments into a single connected ecosystem. The 

system incorporates modules like a PIC programmer, IC tester, oscilloscope, waveform generator 

and many others, each is equipped with an ESP32 microcontroller for wireless connectivity and 

synchronization via a centralized software interface. 

This project is significantly important because traditional electronics laboratories rely on 

bulky, expensive and standalone equipment, which restricts interconnectivity, accessibility and 

clearness, SynLab handles these challenges by implementing a networked and scalable smart lab 

which enables students and educators to execute experiments more efficiently and effectively. It 

bridges the gap between modern IOT technologies and physical hardware tools which makes 

laboratory experience more engaging and remotely accessible. 

Main objectives of SynLab include designing and implementing an integrated digital 

laboratory system with several smart instruments, developing an IOT based communication 

framework that connects all modules in the system, building a software platform to allow users 

control, visualize and record data from all modules at real time, and providing a powerful 

extendable lab solution for developers and engineering students. 

The project will be developed through an iterative modular approach where each device 

and module will contain a small microcontroller with an independent ESP32-based node 

connected which will communicate with each other via a central hub containing a main 

microcontroller to coordinate operations and data flow. For the software side, a Flutter based 

web interface, and mobile application will connect with the central hub module to manage 

devices and enable users to implement different operations on each module. 

Although similar ideas exist - such as USB-based IC testers or PIC programmers - but 

few systems provide a complete integrated and functional laboratory environment with IOT 

modular connectivity. SynLab combines multiple devices and laboratory instruments to provide a 

flexible, effective and efficient educational environment. 

 

  



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Chapter 1: Introduction 

1.1  General background 

Modern electronics education increasingly requires flexible, interactive, and digitally 

connected laboratory environments, while the majority of academic laboratories are still 

equipped with isolated bulky, and rather expensive instruments that were not designed for 

operation within a unified integrated system. Moving the workflows of engineering toward 

automation, remote access, and data-driven experimentation, traditional lab setups—without 

synchronization among instruments, with manual data recording, and with restricted physical 

access—stand in the way of learning and innovation. At the same time, rapid development of IoT 

technologies and embedded systems brings new opportunities to transform physical labs into 

intelligent networked environments. By embedding connectivity, control, and data sharing 

directly into laboratory instruments, it becomes possible to create a unified digital ecosystem in 

which hardware tools will be able to communicate, coordinate, and be managed through software 

platforms. This evolution enables more efficient experimentation, remote operation, real-time 

visualization, and scalable expansion, forming the conceptual foundation upon which SynLab 

system is built. 

1.2  Objectives 

The key goal of SynLab is to design and implement a smart, modular electronic laboratory 

that integrates numerous devices covering digital and analog instruments into a single IoT-

enabled system. The system should be capable of providing flexibility for the engineering 

students and developers with an open platform from which utilities can access, control, and 

monitor an IC tester, programmer, oscilloscope, signal generator, and other tools with the help of 

a software frontend. Another major objective is to establish a robust communication framework 

to enable every hardware module to share data with others and to synchronize their operations in 

real time. Furthermore, SynLab aims at enhancing the educational laboratory by means of 

logging data, remote access, and automated workflows for experiments. Overall, the system is 

designed to provide a versatile and efficient laboratory environment that enhances learning, 

experimentation, and real-time interaction with electronic systems 

1.3  Organization of the report 

The report's organization aims to give readers a thorough grasp of SynLab. Chapter 2 explores 

the theoretical Background and previous studies after this introduction, laying the foundation for 

this project. Chapter 3 dives into different constraints and earlier course work. The building 

process is described in Chapter 4. In Chapter 5, discussion and results are presented, providing an 

understanding of the project's results. In Chapter 6, recommendations and conclusions are 

combined to give a comprehensive summary of the project's journey. 

 



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Chapter 2: Theoretical background and literature review 

2.1  Theoretical background 

Microcontrollers and Embedded Systems 

A microcontroller acts as an integrated small component used in the development 

of an embedded system. Each SynLab module features an ESP32-based 

microcontroller. A microcontroller offers both information processing and Wi-Fi 

services. It links an embedded instrument to both sensors and other electronic 

devices. It offers services in automation, integration, and measurements. Because of 

this, each SynLab device will operate independently while staying connected to the 

rest. 

Digital and Analog Laboratory Instruments 

The use of traditionally designed laboratory instruments, like oscilloscopes, 

waveform generators, and IC testers, is vital in electronic experimentation. SynLab 

combines these instruments with a modular digital environment. This allows users to 

accomplish electronic measurements, perform signal analysis tasks, and programming 

with maximum ease. The knowledge of operating principles of these instruments is 

completely vital to accomplish functional modules. 

Internet of Things (IoT) and Wireless Connectivity 

IoT implies a series of physical electronic devices that communicate through the 

use of the Internet of Things network. IoT plays an important role in SynLab by 

allowing wireless connections between all the modules in the system through the use 

of IoT. The significant concepts in IoT that SynLab relies on include client-server 

connection, message protocols that IoT applies, and the use of data synchronization 

that helps in the efficient running of the system. 

Modular System Design and Data Management 

The approach of a modular design allows a complex system composed of a series 

of elements that, while integrated as a cohesive system, at the same time function 

independently as detached units, hence providing a significant advantage in system 

complexness management. The system of syn-lab involves a series of modules 

communicating effectively through a focal hub, requiring understanding of network 

system architectures, system acquire, and structured data handling to function 

effectively as a system in this regard. 

 



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Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) and Software Platforms 

Intuitive interfaces allow users to interact effectively with the laboratory system. 

SynLab uses an application based on Nextion and Flutter for centralizing HMI, real-

time visualization, device control, and data logging. The theoretical elements will 

involve GUI design principles, event-driven programming, and communication APIs 

interfacing with connected hardware for an easy and interactive user experience. 

2.2   Literature review 

This section will present some of the important research domains related to the development of 

the SynLab system, including IoT-based laboratory systems, remote electronic instrumentations, 

and embedded system integration. These research domains offer important research directions in 

utilizing advanced technologies for developing interactive, interconnected, and accessible 

environments for electronics experimentation or electronics education. 

 

2.2.1 Microcontroller-Based Electronic Laboratory Measurement 

Devices 

This paper presents an overview of the development of a portable and cost-effective 

oscilloscope and wave generator system based on a microcontroller device, specifically a 

PIC24FJ128GC006. This research is categorized according to hardware device, signal 

capture through ADC and DAC, and software development for a GUI interface, making 

this proposal suitable for SynLab’s vision.[1] 

 

2.2.2 Improving Learning Outcomes in Microcontroller Courses 

Using an Integrated STM32 Laboratory 

This educational assessment represents a microcontroller interface that combines the 

basic peripherals like timers and PWM a student should have at hand to perform 

experiments, digging into the world of embedded systems in real-time signal validation, a 

subject germane to instrument development in a manner such as SynLab’s.[2] 

 

2.2.3 Integrating Instrument Networking & Programming into 

Electronics Curricula 

This research proposes a networked laboratory design in which oscilloscopes, signal 

generators, and power supplies are interconnected in a LAN network using instrument 

command protocols (SCPI). It also stresses instrument networking as well as automation 

with its associated benefits for pedagogical programming transparency, as in the case of 

SynLab’s distributed instrument network.[3] 

 



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2.2.4 Impact of IoT on Learning and Smart Labs 

A systemic review of devices regarding IoT in the context of a learning environment 

reveals that “IoT enabled lab facilities enhance the technological and educational 

affordances of an environment and provide valuable opportunities for learners to become 

more engaged and to develop more hands-on experiences and integration of hardware and 

software skills, which are of significant value to engineering learners.”[4] 

 

2.2.5 IoT-Based Lab System for Teaching 

Researchers created a lab system based on IoT that supports remote education and 

access to experiments in times of crises, thus promoting distance education and interaction 

with real labs through internet technology. This exemplifies how IoT can be utilized in 

bridging the learning curve from theory to physical experimentation with electronics.[5] 

 

Though microcontroller-based and IoT technology-related labs have demonstrated their 

potential in providing significant advantages in terms of improving ‘hands-on’ experience, 

accessibility, and device interconnection [1]-[5], many of the presently implemented solutions 

are restricted in their functionality to single or limited instruments in their focus on providing 

remotely accessible laboratories or supporting their use in educational settings. Thus, SynLab is 

designed as an overall system that integrates several types of instruments in electronic domains 

like oscilloscopes, waveform generators, IC testers, etc., to be operated together as part of an 

overall system with their respective control software, thereby not just improving the overall 

‘hands-on’ experience but aiding in providing better educational facilities in the field. 

 

  



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Chapter 3: Constrains and Earlier Coursework 

3.1. Constrains and limitations 

• Modules depend mainly on microcontrollers (like Arduino and ESP32) which may 

have limited processing power or lack the advanced signal processing requirements. 

• Heavy load on the ESP32 due to simultaneous connectivity between different 

modules and the mobile application. 

• Use of breadboards due to complexity of building IoT system as PCBs and to not 

have any flaws. 

3.2. Standards / Codes 

➢ We used Arduino IDE along with many useful libraries to develop and upload the 

required software to control and manage Arduino and NodeMCU devices. 

 

➢ We implemented the mobile application using Flutter with Hive database for easy 

data storing. 

 

➢ We used MQTT for managing communication between modules to achieve IoT 

concept and to communicate with the mobile application. 

 

3.3. Earlier course work 

➢ Microprocessor and microcontroller courses, during which we gained knowledge 

of how to control hardware components and build different apps in our project. 

 

➢ Electronics and Signal processing courses helped greatly in understanding vital 

topics for the project. 

 

➢ Critical Thinking courses, which helped us research specific issues, as well as 

enhance our documentation and report writing skills. 

 

➢ Self-learning.  



15 
 

 

Chapter 4: Methodology 

The current chapter will discuss the methodology that was followed in designing, 

developing, and building SynLab, focusing specifically on how this system allows a modular 

IoT-based electronics laboratory for students, professors, and enthusiasts alike. Additionally, this 

chapter will discuss and describe specifically the parts and components that are integrated in 

order to form this system, as well as those tools and interfaces that allow for real-time control, 

monitoring, and visualization of every laboratory module along with the software interfaces. 

 

4.1. System structure and design 

4.1.1. System’s overall design 

 

 

Figure 1:SynLab Overall Design 

4.1.2. System’s structure and modules 

The system includes multiple modules that communicate with each other and with the 

mobile application. These modules are as follows: 

4.1.2.1. Function generator 

The function generator module consists of a single ESP32 development board that can 

generate sine, square and triangle waves using the DAC and the PWM it provides, it is 

also responsible for the Nextion display UI management and connecting to WIFI. 



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Figure 2:Function generator module 

 

 

 

 

It’s connected with the IC tester module too, so we developed two voltage dividers for 

the RX Serial pins of it each of them consists of one 10KΩ and one 22KΩ resistors to 

output a 3.3V to the RX pins since the Nextion and Mega TX pins transmit 5V as the 

following equation suggests: 

 

 

Substituting values where R2 = 22KΩ and R1 = 10KΩ, Vin = 5V, gives Vout = 3.4375V ≈ 3.3V  

A voltage amplifier is connected to the output of the sine / triangle wave generating pin with a 

20KΩ POT to control amplitude. The frequency can be controlled using the Nextion display. 

 

4.1.2.2. IC Tester 

Supports CMOS and TTL ICs with IC numbers 74xx and 40xx. The Arduino Mega 

2560 is used for testing different ICs in the IC tester module, it’s connected via serial 

with the function generator’s ESP32 to enable communication between them and 

enable it to use the nextion displaywhich is controlled by it. 

 

Figure 3: IC Tester module 



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 The IC Tester module is designed to test 14 and 16 pins ICs, it can operate in two modes, 

“Auto” mode where the IC tester module compares and tests the attached IC to the ZIF 

automatically. And the manual mode in which the user enters the code for the IC so the 

module checks if it’s valid or not then proceed to manual testing page. The manual mode has a 

special “Detailed mode” where it shows tests done to the entered IC in detail. 

4.1.2.3. PIC Programmer 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We implemented an in-circuit programming system for the PIC18F4xx microcontroller family 

using an Arduino as the programmer, in accordance with Microchip’s ICSP specification. The 

Arduino communicates with the PC over a serial connection, receives programming commands 

and data, and programs the PIC by directly controlling the ICSP hardware lines: PGC 

(programming clock), PGD (programming data), PGM (low-voltage programming enable), and 

CLR (reset). 

 

Figure 5:PIC Programmer Interface 

Figure 4:PIC Programmer module 



18 
 

To support this hardware, we developed a desktop programming interface with a C++ backend 

and a Python-based frontend, which was compiled into a standalone executable. This interface 

allows the user to upload HEX files to the PIC, erase the device, read individual lines of 

Flash memory, and dump the entire Flash memory for verification and debugging purposes. 

 

4.1.2.4. Oscilloscope 

 

Figure 6:Oscilloscope module 

 

We implemented a simple oscilloscope acquisition node using an ESP32. The ESP32 samples an 

analog waveform using its internal ADC1 on GPIO33 (ADC1_CHANNEL_5). The ADC is 

configured for 12-bit resolution (0–4095) and 11 dB attenuation to support a wider input range. 

For each capture cycle, we collect 256 raw samples at a target sampling rate of 20 kHz using 

microsecond timing from the ESP32 high-resolution timer. 

To reduce bandwidth and keep transmission reliable, we down-sample the captured frame by 

selecting 15 evenly spaced points from the 256-sample buffer. Each selected point is scaled 

from 12-bit to an 8-bit value (0–255) to match the display pipeline and minimize payload size. 

The sampled points are transmitted wirelessly using ESP-NOW. The ESP32 is configured in 

Wi-Fi station mode, paired with a specific receiver ESP32 using its MAC address, and sends 

each data point as a small ASCII command in the format: 

add <wave_id>,<channel>,<value> 

In our design, this sender node performs only acquisition and transmission. A second ESP32 

receiver node listens for these ESP-NOW packets and forwards the reconstructed stream to the 



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TFT/Nextion display over serial, where the waveform is drawn in real time. This split 

architecture keeps the oscilloscope sampling fast and isolated, while the receiver handles display 

communication and UI updates. 

 

4.1.2.5. DC Monitor 

 

We implemented a DC monitoring module using an ESP32 and the INA219 high-side 
current sensor. The INA219 measures shunt voltage and bus voltage, then provides 
derived current and power readings over I2C. In our setup, the INA219 is connected to the 
ESP32 using SDA = GPIO16 and SCL = GPIO17, and the sensor is accessed using the 
Adafruit INA219 library (default I2C address 0x40).  

On each update cycle, we read: Bus voltage (V), shunt voltage (mV), current (mA), and 
power (mW) from the INA219.  

For visualization, we format the results as Nextion/TFT serial commands (e.g., tV.txt="...") 
and send them to the display interface using ESP-NOW: we buffer outgoing display bytes 
and transmit them in compact packets to a paired ESP32 receiver which is directly 
connected to the TFT.  

 

Figure 7: DC Monitor module 

 

 

 



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4.1.2.6. AC Monitor 

 

 

We implemented an AC power monitoring module using the PZEM-004T energy 
measurement sensor, controlled by an Arduino Uno. The PZEM-004T measures AC 
voltage, current, active power, frequency, and power factor from a 220 V mains-
connected load and communicates these measurements to the Arduino over a UART 
interface. 

Because the PZEM-004T operates directly on mains voltage, it presents a significant 
electrical safety risk during operation. For this reason, the entire PZEM-004T and high-
voltage wiring assembly was fully enclosed in a protective casing to prevent accidental 
contact and to ensure safe handling during testing and use. 

The Arduino Uno acts as the local controller and data formatter. It periodically reads the 
measured electrical parameters from the PZEM-004T and transmits the formatted data 
over a direct serial connection to an ESP32. This ESP32 then forwards the data wirelessly 
using ESP-NOW to another ESP32 responsible for driving the TFT display. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Figure 8AC monitor module: 



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Figure 9:Main interface 

Figure 10:Auto testing interface 

4.1.3. Screen interface 

 

 

 

  



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Figure 12:Auto testing interface 2 

Figure 11:Manual test interface 

  



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Figure 13: Manual test interface  2 

Figure 14:Manual testing interface 3 

 

  



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Figure 16: Function generator interface 

Figure 15:Wifi networks interface 

  



25 
 

  

Figure 17:AC Monitor interface 

 

 

 

 

Figure 18:DC Monitor interface 

  

  



26 
 

 

Figure 19: Oscilloscope interface 

  



27 
 

Figure 20:Arduino Mega 2560 

Figure 21:Arduino Uno R3 

4.2. Hardware components 

This section describes in detail the hardware components and pieces we used in building 

SynLab. 

4.2.1. Arduino Mega 2560 

The Arduino Mega 2560 is a microcontroller board based on ATmega2560. It has 54 digital I/O pins, of 

which 15 are PWM and 12 analog inputs, which can be used as PWM outputs, 16 Analog Input Pins, 4 

UART (Hardware Serial ports), 16 MHz Crystal Clock frequency oscillator, a USB port, a power jack, an 

ICSP connector, and a reset button. It has all that is required to support the microcontroller. We used it to 

function mainly as the IC tester due to the big number of digital pins it can have and also to communicate 

with other modules of SynLab. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2.2. Arduino Uno R3 microcontrollers 

Arduino Uno R3 is a microcontroller based on the ATmega328P. It consists of 14 digital 

I/O pins, 6 analog inputs, as well as a USB interface. 

We used the Arduino Uno R3 in the PIC programmer module and the AC monitor module. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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Figure 22: ESP32 Development board 

Figure 23:Nextion display 

4.2.3. NodeMCU ESP32 Dev Boards 

Powerful ESP32 is integrated with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth SOC and usually integrated with a USB-to-serial 

converter (e.g. CP2102 or CH340), it is ideal for compact (open source) growth and prototype board advanced IOT 

and built-in system. 

It supports a double-core 32-bit processor, operates up to 240 MHz and includes 2.4 GHz for 802.11 B/G/N Wi-Fi as 

well as inherent support for Bluetooth 4.2 (classic and bl.) 

It has an integrated TCP/IP stack, +20.5 dbm output power, several GPIOs, ADC, DACS, SPI, I2C and UART 

interface and a high performance PCB or external antenna. 

The board also includes a Micro USB port, boot and reset buttons, and it can be fully programmed via Arduino Idea, 

Micropython or Espressif's ESP-AIDF. 

In our project, we used mainly as the function generator due to it’s powerful DAC and PWM modules, we also 

connected it with the Nextion display to control the UI for it and to scan for WIFI networks in order to connect to the 

internet and use MQTT for IoT communication between modules and the mobile application. We used it in the 

Oscilloscope and the DC measurement modules too. 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2.4. Nextion 3.5” Discovery Display 

The Nextion display is a cutting-edge hybrid graphic user interface (HMI) made especially for 

Internet of Things ( or IoT ) and embedded machinery applications. With an internal memory, a 

resistive or capacitive touchscreen, and an onboard processor, it functions as a stand-alone 

graphical user interface. Microcontrollers like the ESP32 are communicated with via dependable 

serial UART (TTL) communication. 

We chose the Nextion display to be our main interface for controlling and monitoring the system 

to provide easy user experience and easier handling with different modules. 

 

 

 

 



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Figure 24: IC ZIF Sockets 

Figure 25: PZEM-004T V3 module 

4.2.5. Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) sockets 

The ZIF socket is a version of an IC socket that was designed to make it easy to insert 

and remove the integrated circuits without the use of forces, which could easily lead to 

damage of the pins. Within SynLab, the ZIF socket forms part of the IC tester and PIC 

programmer modules and is used to hold microcontrollers or other ICs during testing or 

programming. This provides the capability for fast swapping of components while ensuring 

reliable electrical contact, simplifying the workflow in experiments and device programming. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2.6. PZEM-004T V3 Power measurement module 

The PZEM-004T V3 is a digital module developed for measuring any type of power flow, 

such as voltage, current, power consumption, and energy consumption of AC circuits. 

SynLab uses this module with an Arduino Uno R3 as the AC Monitor Moudle, this module is 

utilized for observing and analyzing the characteristics of a given circuit. This module helps 

users see the real-time power behavior of the circuit, and which enables performance analysis 

of the circuit within the smart lab environment. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



30 
 

Figure 26: INA219 sensor 

Figure 27: LM324 

4.2.7. INA219 Current and voltage sensor 

INA219 is a highly accurate digital sensor that can be used to measure DC voltage, 

current, and power using an I²C bus interface. INA219 is used in SynLab to observe the 

electrical characteristics of low-voltage and DC circuits, which enables users to observe real-

time current consumption and the supply voltage in DC circuits. Therefore, INA219 can be 

used to improve the understanding and safety of DC circuit experiments in real-time so we 

used it along with an ESP32 in the DC current and voltage monitor module. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2.8. LM324 Operational Amplifiers IC 

The LM324 is a low-power quad operational amplifier IC. It contains four independent 

op-amps in a single package. We used it in the function generator to amplify the generated 

wave signals. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2.9. 20 KΩ Potentiometer 

The 20 KΩ potentiometer is a type of variable resistor designed to assist in the regulation 

of voltage levels within electronic circuits. We used it in the function generator module to 

control the amplitude of the generated wave signals. 



31 
 

Figure 28:20K Ohms POT 

Figure 29:10K ohms carbon 
resistor 

Figure 30: Breadboards 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2.10. Carbon resistors (Different Ω values) 

We used multiple carbon resistors across the system to ensure safety of the 

microcontrollers and to build multiple voltage dividers for the ESP32 boards consisting of 

10 KΩ and 22 KΩ resistors, other values include 680 Ω and 3.3KΩ resistors. 

 

 

 

 

4.2.11. Breadboards 

Solderless boards, also known as breadboards, are reusable prototyping boards that are used 

for prototyping electronic circuits without the need for soldering. In SynLab, these prototyping 

boards create a flexible working framework for prototyping analog and digital electronic circuits, 

and is used as the base for different measurement modules, oscilloscopes, power monitors, the IC 

tester, etc. The internal connection pattern of the prototyping board facilitates a structured wiring 

plan, thereby becoming an important part of the SynLab system. 

We used total of 7 breadboards (3 Medium and 4 Small) 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 



32 
 

Figure 31: Jumper wires 

Figure 32: Female DC Power Jack Adapter 
Connector 

Figure 33: 12V and 5V DC Power adapters 

4.2.12. Jumper wires   

We used them for the internal connections of each module with the microcontrollers and 

some for serial communication between some of the modules. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2.13. Female DC Power Jack Adapter Connector Plug Button Switch 

Used to enable 12V adapter connection with the amplifier in the function generator 

module. 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2.14. Power adapters from AC 220V to DC 12V and 5V 

We used multiple 5V power adapters to power the modules separately which enable users to 

choose which module they want to work with and use to save electricity. We also used a 12V 

power supply to power on the amplifier for the function generator. 

 

 

 

 

 



33 
 

Figure 34:Mobile main page 

4.3. Mobile application 

The mobile application allows users to monitor all activities on the system in real time, it also 

enables them to track the results of each module. 

 

4.3.1. Main page 

Presents the home page of the application, it features a grid of 4 buttons at the center of 

the screen to access each module in the system. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



34 
 

Figure 35: IC Tester page 

4.3.2. IC tester page 

Shows the IC tester module results in real time and maintains them for the user with the 

ability to search for specific IC. 

 

 

  



35 
 

Figure 36: IC test details page 

4.3.3. Test details page 

Shows the details of an IC test when clicking on one of the tests in the IC tester page. 

 

 

 

  



36 
 

Figure 37: Function generator page 

4.3.4. Function generator page 

Shows the status (Standby or Active) of the function generator along with the 

frequency, wave type, and real time visualizer / plotter for the generated wave. 

 

  



37 
 

Figure 38:Oscilloscope page 

4.3.5. Oscilloscope page 

 

 

  



38 
 

Figure 39:AC / DC monitor page 

4.3.6. AC / DC Monitor page 

Allows the user to choose between the AC monitoring module or the DC one. 

 

 

  



39 
 

Figure 40: AC monitor page 

4.3.7. AC Monitor Live feed page 

Shows analysis of the AC monitor module which includes Voltage, Current, Power, 

Energy and Frequency. 

 

 

  



40 
 

Figure 41: DC Monitor page 

4.3.8. DC Monitor Live feed page 

Shows analysis of the AC monitor module which includes Voltage and Current. 

 

  



41 
 

Chapter 5: Discussion and Results 

This section discusses and analyzes the experimental results obtained from the 

implementation and testing of the SynLab modular electronic laboratory. The individual 

components of the system were tested separately and collectively in order to assess their 

functionality, accuracy, and reliability in facilitating electronics experiments in a practical 

manner. 

 

➢ IC Tester 

The IC tester module was able to identify and verify logic ICs. The process involved 

inserting ICs into the ZIF socket and choosing the IC type via the software interface. The 

system then used test vectors and checked the output responses. 74xx and 40xx series ICs, 

were identified correctly, and errors such as stuck-at outputs or missing responses were also 

identified. 

➢ Function generator 

This function generator was successful in generating sine, square, and triangle waveforms 

over a wide range of frequency and amplitude. The waveform generation using ESP32 and 

outputting it through a DAC was a success and helped in fine-tuning and real-time control of 

the waveforms using the software provided by our project. 

In order to ensure that the voltage levels were accurate and stable, an RC filter and an 

operational amplifier was integrated into the output stage. This helped in ensuring that the 

output signal was not distorted due to impedance matching with the load circuits. 

Additionally, it helped in ensuring that the output signal was safe and accurate by using a 

voltage divider to scale down the output signal to desired levels. 

All these factors helped in ensuring that the output waveform was clean and stable, and it 

was verified using an oscilloscope module that the output signal generation was of laboratory 

grade. 

➢ Oscilloscope 

The oscilloscope module enabled the observation of voltage signals in real time with a 

resolution sufficient for prototyping and educational use. The ESP32 microcontroller 

transmitted waveform data to the Nextion interface in the system for graphing after sampling 

input signals using the ESP32 microcontroller’s ADC. 

The waveforms from the function generator and external circuits were determined to be 

accurately captured by the oscilloscope module in terms of frequency, peak-to-peak voltage, 

and waveform type. Although it had a lower bandwidth compared to commercial bench 

oscilloscopes, it was sufficient for microcontroller experiments, analog circuits, and digital 



42 
 

circuits. The use of graphing in the same software environment eliminated the need for 

display instruments. 

 

➢ PIC Programmer 

This module was used for verifying and programming PIC microcontrollers, the 

programmer received HEX files uploaded via a pc for the need of a flash drive which cannot 

be connected to the Nextion interface, and verification feedback verified that flashing was 

successful. 

 

➢ AC Monitor 

Voltage, current, power, frequency, and energy consumption were measured in real time 

by the AC monitoring module using the PZEM-004T V3 sensor. After being sent to the 

central hub, the data was shown on the user interface. 

Measurements using resistive and inductive loads were consistent and repeatable. This 

module is an important educational and safety feature of SynLab because it allows users to 

safely analyze real-world AC behavior without being directly exposed to high-voltage wiring. 

 

➢ DC Monitor 

The DC monitoring module provided precise real-time readings of DC power 

consumption based on the INA219 current and voltage sensor. This made it possible for users 

to keep an eye on the power usage of microcontroller boards and test circuits. 

The module is useful for debugging power problems, evaluating circuit efficiency, and 

verifying design assumptions in embedded and analog systems because the results showed 

high consistency and resolution. 

When we integrated all modules int the project through the central hub and synchronized via the 

IoT communication framework, it operated as a unified digital lab system. Data flowed reliably 

between the ESP32 nodes and the software interface, allowing users to control instruments, 

visualize measurements, and record experimental data in real time. 

The system achieved its primary objectives of providing an interactive, connected, and 

multifunctional laboratory environment. Compared to traditional standalone instruments, SynLab 

offered improved usability, reduced hardware redundancy, and greater experiment coordination. 

The results confirm that SynLab successfully delivers a modern, efficient, and intelligent 

electronics laboratory suitable for education, research, and development.  



43 
 

Chapter 6: Conclusion 

6.1. Conclusion 
 

SynLab successfully implemented an IoT based unified synchronized laboratory system 

which features multiple modules used in any electronics and digital systems labs and handles 

real time data. It provides a suitable interactive environment for experimenting and learning. 
Although commercial laboratory instruments may offer higher precision or performance, our 

system provides a cost-effective, integrated, and flexible alternative that significantly enhances 

usability and educational value and combines different modules. 

 

6.2. Future work 

 

• Custom-designed PCBs can replace breadboard-based implementations to improve 

reliability, reduce noise, and enhance the overall physical layout and durability of the 

system. 

• Additional laboratory modules such as a logic analyzer, programmable DC power 

supply, or digital multimeter can be integrated to expand system functionality. 

• Higher-resolution ADCs and DACs may be used to improve the accuracy and 

performance of the oscilloscope and function generator modules. 

• Enhanced software features, including advanced waveform analysis, data logging, 

and experiment history tracking, can further support educational use. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



44 
 

6.3. References 

[1] V. Smolaninovs and M. Terauds, “Microcontroller-Based Electronic Laboratory 

Measurement Device for Distance Education,” *Electronics*, vol. 14, no. 3, p. 438, Jan. 2025. 

 

[2] D. *et al.*, “Improving Learning Outcomes in Microcontroller Courses Using an 

Integrated STM32 Educational Laboratory: A Quasi-Experimental Study,” *Education 

Sciences*, vol. 16, no. 1, p. 157, 2025.  

 

[3] A. Zekovic and P. Pejovic, “Integrating Instrument Networking and Programming into 

Electronics Curricula: Design, Implementation, and Impact,” *Information*, vol. 16, no. 12, 

p. 1024, 2025. 

 

[4] D. Tsipianitis, A. Misirli, K. Lavidas and V. Komis, “IoT Devices and Their Impact on 

Learning: A Systematic Review of Technological and Educational Affordances,” *IoT*, vol. 

6, no. 3, p. 45, Aug. 2025. 

 

[5] Syed A. F. W. Syed Ridza and S. M. A. Motakabber, “IoT-Based Lab System for Teaching 

Methods in Times of Crisis,” *Asian Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering*, vol. 1, 

no. 2, pp. 14–19, Sep. 2021.