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Session 2793

PSpice Applications in the Teaching of Communications Electronics

Andrew Rusek, Barbara Oakley Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan 48309

Abstract

Many parameters of circuits and devices commonly used in communication electronics can be profitably simulated using the free educational version of PSpice. We have created a broad variety of PSpice macromodules for use in classroom and laboratory teaching, including macromodules that simulate pulse width modulators and demodulators, delta encoders and decoders, generic class C amplifiers, frequency synthesizers, noise generators, bandpass filters, AM modulator/demodulators with noise and interference, analog correlators, oscillators, and phase locked loops. Some of the most interesting schematics and simulation results are demonstrated, and the use of these simulations to stimulate classroom and laboratory learning is discussed. We have found that the triangle of lectures, simulation, and experimental work based on initial simulation forms the optimal method of instruction in our communication electronics course.

I. Introduction

Oakland University’s communication electronics course (EE437) is designed to serve as a link between the high level communication system, the subsystem functional block level, and the electrical parts level (Figure 1). The high level communication system might contain, for example, a generic delta modulator as a “black box” subsystem that performs an essential function in the overall system. The subsystem functional block level PSpice implementation of that delta modulator fleshes out the workings of the device with generic blocks, using a integrator, for example, rather than an op amp “wired” as an integrator (Figure 2). The electrical component level realization of a delta demodulator is then composed of the actual electrical parts that are used in the circuit. This is simulated by using the “real” PSpice electrical components, rather than the functional blocks (Figure 3). Of course, this electrical part level is what is finally constructed from electronic components such as resistors,

Figure 1: The three levels linking a typical communications system.

Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2001, American Society for Engineering Education

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Rusek, A., & Oakley, B. (2001, June), P Spice Applications In The Teaching Of Communication Electronics Paper presented at 2001 Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 10.18260/1-2--9703