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I _– -... Session 2326 :

..— Digital and Analog Circuit Measurements in an Introduction to Engineering Freshman Course

Joseph J. Strano New Jersey Institute of Technology

] ABSTRACT

Students measure basic terminal characteristics of electronic devices and circuits in a seven week laboratory module. This laboratory module is one quarter of a Fundamentals of Engineering course given to all’ freshmen at New Jersey Institute of Technology. The module culminates in a simple circuit or system design produced by each team of four students.

Since entering freshmen have limited background, a measurements approach was utilized to rapidly introduce students to basic electrical and electronic devices. A minimum discussion of the applicable theory was presented, as needed, in order to allow the students to verify their measurements. . ..- Test circuits were constructed on a standard “proto-board” or from assembling simple kits of parts. Devices studied included: (1) diodes, (2) transistors, (3) light emitting diodes, (4) phototransistors, (5) photoresistors, and (6) solar cells. The terminal characteristics of several digital integrated circuits were measured, namely gates, counters, timers and clocks. The kits were utilized to build application circuits. These circuits were: (1) a digital combination lock, (2) a sensitive light actuated relay (3) digital dice and (4) a solar array battery charger.

Student teams assembled and tested the operation of each kit. Teams discussed possible application of these circuits. Based on the measurements taken during the first four weeks of this module, a design project is assigned. Each team successfully complete the design of a circuit or system. During the final class session, teams present their work orally and submit a short report on the working design.

INTRODUCTION

At New Jersey Institute of Technology (N. J. I. T.) an ongoing process of integrating design into the freshman program has continued. The first step of this process was the development of a required one- “ semester course, namely Fundamentals of Engineering Design (FED-101). This paper discusses the elec-

‘ This project is related to the Gateway Engineering Education Coalition, (NSF Award EEC-9444246), which is supported in part by the Engineering Education and Centers Division of the National Science Foundation.

$iiii’ ) 1996 ASEE Annual Conference Proceedings ‘..,~yyc,?

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Strano, J. J. (1996, June), Digital And Analog Circuit Measurements In An Introduction To Engineering Freshman Course Paper presented at 1996 Annual Conference, Washington, District of Columbia. 10.18260/1-2--5994