Conference Session

Laboratory Development in ECE

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kejia Li, Kansas State University; Steve Warren, Kansas State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

AC 2010-1595: A HIGH-PERFORMANCE WIRELESS REFLECTANCE PULSEOXIMETER FOR PHOTO-PLETHYSMOGRAM ACQUISITION AND ANALYSISIN THE CLASSROOMKejia Li, Kansas State University Kejia Li received his B.S. degree in Electronic and Information Technology and Instrumentation from Zhejiang University, China, in 2008. He is currently pursuing the M.S. degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering at Kansas State University. He works as a Research Assistant in Medical Component Design Laboratory with research interests in embedded system design, digital signal processing, and hemodynamics.Steve Warren, Kansas State University Steve Warren received a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Kansas

Conference Session

Pedagogy and Assessment in ECE II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rosalind Wynne, Villanova University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

presentation demonstratesreflective activities that support the natural connection between the brain structure and thelearning cycle.2 Activities such as reviewing ideas in journaling exercises for a mathematicallyrigorous engineering course will be addressed. These techniques are often limited to design-courses that develop “soft-skills” in engineers. Conventional courses, however, subscribe totraditional teaching methods with fewer opportunities for student reflection. Examples ofunconventional reflective journaling activities employed in an engineering course that addressedmodern physics concepts and semiconductor material topics will be highlighted in this paper.The teaching and learning model for this course was based on the established theory of

Conference Session

Pedagogy and Assessment in ECE

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gordon Skelton, Jackson State University; Wei Zheng, Jackson State University; HuiRu Shih, Jackson State University; Evelyn Leggette, Jackson State University; Tzusheng Pei, Jackson State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

ENGINEERINGIntroductionThe research reported in this paper reflects an effort to enhance student self-awareness and toself-regulate their learning in a Special Topics Course taught during the fall semester at JacksonState University. The students were introduced to the concepts of software engineering,systems engineering and problem solving in support of a semester level project based upon smallteam dynamics. Emphasis was placed on monitoring the students’ feedback on a number ofissues related to self-regulated learning concepts of motivation, study techniques, self awarenessand metacognition. The primary purpose of the research was to attempt to understand andmentor junior and senior level students in computer engineering in regard to their learning andstudy

Conference Session

Innovations in ECE Education II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Stuart Wentworth, Auburn University; S. Hossein Mousavinezhad, Idaho State University; Mani Mina, Iowa State University; Wei PAN, Idaho State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

engineering laboratories with accessavailable to all faculty and students, mainly for classroom use. Many electrical/computerengineering leading industries use MATLAB and its toolboxes.Waves on Transmission LinesIn a transmission lines first approach towards teaching electromagnetics, students are first (a) (b) Figure 1: MATLAB movie snapshots taken (a) just before and (b) just after wave is incident on the load. The incident wave is blue and reflected wave is red. Page 15.509.4exposed to wave behavior on transmission lines

Conference Session

Pedagogy and Assessment in ECE III

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Richard Kelnhofer, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Stephen Williams, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Owe Petersen, Milwaukee School of Engineering

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

deliver the results required for continuous improvement. At thesame time the process should on a steady basis be able to provide the data that is expected to bean integral component in the preparation of the ABET Self-Study when the time comes forrequesting accreditation.In this paper we describe such a process. The process consists of three components: 1. A fast feedback procedure to implement continuous improvement at the course level. This procedure includes a course improvement form completed by the course instructor that documents their positive and negative reflections, suggested actions for course improvement, and deviations from the institutional syllabus in their offering of the course. A mechanism for

Conference Session

Laboratory Development in ECE

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alexander Ganago, University of Michigan; Inger Bergom, University of Michigan; Britton Wolfe, Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

important.” Participants generally agreed that talking with andobserving experienced TAs in person tended to be the most effective and convenient way tolearn from them. Wiki has very little content so far. Because the wiki is relatively new, it does not containa lot of content posted by TAs themselves. Understandably, lack of content is a reason why TAssaid they don’t use the wiki. One TA commented, “I think somehow you need to give the feelingof completeness so that people will go there first, as opposed to somewhere else.”Suggestions for Wiki Improvement from TAs TAs suggested that it would be helpful if the wiki had a teaching reflection component, inaddition to practical tips and advice. One person commented, “It would be nice if

Conference Session

Design in the ECE Curriculum

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Natalia Litchinitser, SUNY at Buffalo; Albert H. Titus, SUNY at Buffalo; Alexander N. Cartwright, SUNY at Buffalo; Vladimir V. Mitin, SUNY at Buffalo

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

in conjunction with a photoinitiatedpolymer to form a periodic modulation in the refractive index of the resulting materials (due to aphase separation of the constituent materials) [8-11]. This periodic modulation can producesimilar structures (top right of Figure 4) to that of the butterfly (a simplified version of theintricate structure produced by nature) that can also result in preferential reflection. Thus, thismodule will require modeling of photonic bandgap structures and understanding the relationshipof nanostructure to optical properties and will allow students to characterize the optical andstructural properties of butterfly wings and artificial gratings. Because of the simple process toproduce the gratings, students will fabricate

Conference Session

Laboratory Development in ECE

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Yakov Cherner, ATeL, LLC; Amin Karim, DeVry University; Ahmed Khan, DeVry University; Gary Mullett, Springfield Technical Community College

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

scanning range of all optical methods. To fulfill the experimentassignment, students have to apply the proper alignment procedure to calibrate the sensor. Theycan vary such parameters as emitter power, alignment, and distance between light source andreceiver; change size and transparency of the target; and make sensitivity adjustments. Thediagram at the right in Figure 2 illustrates the impact of each parameter and the detectioncapabilities of the sensor. Figure 2. A screenshot of the virtual laboratory Opposed Optical Sensing Method Page 15.1358.6The third lab, Retro-Reflective Optical Sensing Method, was designed to enable students toexplore

Conference Session

Innovations in ECE Education II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Raymond Jacquot, University of Wyoming; David Voltmer, Rose-Hulman Institute; John Steadman, University of South Alabama

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

] (5)where δ ? ψ L' C' and Ι is the complex reflection coefficient defined by Z / Z0 Ι ? L ? Ι e j 2σ (6) Z L − Z0In some of the engineering education literature the interference pattern given by calculation ofthe magnitude of (5) for any nonzero value of Ι is termed a standing wave. As will now beshown this solution of expression (5) does not, in general, result in a standing wave. Using thepolar form for Ι , V(z) may be written as V ( z ) ? V0− e jσ [ e / j( δz −σ ) − Ι e j( δz −σ ) ] (7)For any general termination expression (5) may be rewritten as V ( z ) ? V0− e jσ { Ι [ e / j( δz −σ ) − e j

Conference Session

Innovations in ECE Education II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Stuart Wentworth, Auburn University; Dennis Silage, Temple University; Michael Baginski, Auburn University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Engineering Education, 2010 Individualized MATLAB Projects In Undergraduate ElectromagneticsAbstractFour projects are described that require students to compose individualized MATLAB programs tosolve a problem in electromagnetics. These projects are: (1) vector electric field from anarbitrary charge distribution, (2) vector magnetic field from an arbitrary current distribution, (3)frequency dependent reflection coefficient looking into impedance matching networks, and (4)beam pattern for an arbitrarily arranged 4 dipole array.IntroductionMATLAB projects are often assigned in undergraduate electromagnetics courses, in part to satisfythe ABET criteria on use of modern engineering tools. The best

Conference Session

Laboratory Development in ECE

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

R.F. William Hollender, Montana State University; James Becker, Montana State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

microstrip circuitsMatrix representation of multi-port networks (S-,Z-,Y- and ABCD parameters)Calibration of coaxial and in-fixture VNA measurementsThe diode at radio and microwave frequenciesMicrostrip filter designPower dividers, combiners and couplersEven and odd mode analysisScattering parameter design of transistor amplifiersLinear dynamic range, noise figure and noise calculations for microwave systemsLAB / DESIGN EXERCISESIntroduction to the vector network analyzer (VNA) and basic transmission line theory –Students measure the reflections from a series of open circuit transmission lines of differentlengths and at different frequencies and compare measurement to theory.Passive component characterization using the VNA – Students measure the

Conference Session

Student Engagement in ECE

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Eric Freudenthal, University of Texas, El Paso; Rebeca Gonzalez, Chapin High School; Sarah Hug, University of Colorado; Alexandria Ogrey, University of Texas, El Paso; Mary Kay Roy, University of Texas, El Paso; Alan Siegel, NYU

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

and enjoyed a high-school program based on Alice who ultimately choseto study non-computational disciplines because they found the detail-work associated with the dramaticprojects mundane. MPCT‟s design reflects an understanding that effective career selection includes a matching both ofpractitioners‟ natural inclinations (proclivities) and aptitudes with the principal activities required for aprofession. MPCT‟s activities are designed to provide analytical challenges typical of STEM professions andto motivate additional inquiry. MPCT‟s design is substantially motivated by observations that students‟ perceptions of and deficiencies inmathematics both contribute substantially to avoidance of and attrition from study of computer science

Conference Session

Web-based Learning in ECE

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Yuejin Xu, Murray State University; Lili Dong, Cleveland State University; Theresa Nawalaniec, Cleveland State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

explanation while reading the slides of information literacy and ethics. Students can alsomove to the audio portion of a major topic by clicking its slide index. The 48-minute audiopresentation discusses major topics in information literacy and ethics including informationliteracy standards, library use, literature searching, databases, plagiarism, citation styles, andliterature reviews. The interactive self-evaluation tool (Figure 2) allows students to reflect ontheir own learning of this module, and to interact with course instructors directly for anyquestions or feedbacks, which could lead to further discussions between course instructors andstudents. The assessment component contains an objective knowledge of information literacyand ethics test

Conference Session

Innovations in ECE Education II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Deborah Mechtel, United States Naval Academy; Samara Firebaugh, United States Naval Academy

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

. Aftercompleting Chapter 5 of the Getting Started manual, students are asked to design andsimulate an open circuited 10 GHz 50 Ψ microstrip transmission line capacitor. Studentssimulate their design for a 25 mil thick alumina substrate with a lossless metal and findthe reflection coefficient and input impedance. Historically students experience a steeplearning curve as they shift their perspective from the instantaneous signal propagationapproximation of introductory electrical circuits to grasping the effect of signalpropagation time at higher frequencies. This relatively easy high frequency circuit designshown in Figures 1 and 2 clearly illustrates the effect of changing transmission linelengths on circuit performance. Students also begin to experience

Conference Session

Design in the ECE Curriculum

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bill Yang, Western Carolina University; Phillip Sanger, Western Carolina University; Patrick Gardner, Western Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

not have well-defined requirements initially or the requirements can changeover the course of the project. For such projects, requirements management can be essential. Allthese complex features of project management reflect the dynamic and complex nature of thereal world. While the teaching and learning of project management in an undergraduatecurriculum can only focus on the fundamentals, appreciation of these complex facets of realworld project management is valuable and can be attainable through more open-ended seniorcapstone projects such as an undergraduate research project.A Stage-Gate Structure of Engineering and Technology Capstone ProjectsProject management should be introduced early in the student’s development so that the

Conference Session

Design in the ECE Curriculum

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James Shey, United States Naval Academy; Ryan Rakvic, United States Naval Academy; Thomas Salem, United States Naval Academy; Samara Firebaugh, United States Naval Academy

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Fairchild SemiconductorQRB1134 Phototransistor Reflective Object Sensor. Using this sensor, allows the students tomake a line following robot by properly selecting resistors to properly bias the sensor as shownin Figure 2. This sensor also covers signal conditioning because it outputs a digital signal, butthis requires the students to evaluate whatvoltages are evaluated as a logical “0” and alogical “1” by the controller. VSourceThe second sensor used is the MaxSonar EZ0 Current Pull-upUltrasonic Range Finder. This sensor offers Limiting Resistormultiple output

Conference Session

Design in the ECE Curriculum

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Randal Abler, Georgia Tech; James Krogmeier, Purdue University; Aaron Ault, Purdue University; Julia Melkers, Georgia Institute of Technology; Tamara Clegg, Georgia Institute of Technology; Edward Coyle, Georgia Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Conference Session

Pedagogy and Assessment in ECE II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Christopher Van Arsdale, Michigan Technological University; Anna Pereira, Michigan Technological University; Leonard Bohmann, Michigan Technological University; Michele Miller, Michigan Technological University; William Helton, Michigan Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

,a preference for liberal arts courses), some of the correlations, at first glance, seemcounter intuitive for engineers. “Formal academic experience in automotive technology”has a correlation of -0.298 and the correlation for “Repaired Automobiles” is-0.207. Perhaps this is a reflection of the differences between electrical engineers and,say, mechanical engineers. One that is more difficult to explain is the negativecorrelation with “Formal Computer Programming" (-0.263). The complete list of resultsis shown in Appendix 1. Page 15.1365.4The variable with the second highest correlation is the students' GPA at 0.451. Thissupports the conventional

Conference Session

Embedded System Design

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michael Kimbrough, University of Tennessee at Martin; Rhett Chrysler, University of Tennessee at Martin; Somsak Sukittanon, The University of Tennessee at Martin

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

discrete beams to make it easier for the user to determine what note would be played. Mostlaser light controller systems are simply used as an array of on/off switches or use the intensityof light to change a parameter like the modulation of a note by the intensity of reflected light.This provides control over melody and rhythm, but does not allow for any fluid control overmusical dynamics. In order to control dynamics, force sensors are integrated into malletsallowing for a third degree of control over the musical performance giving rise to all the Page 15.719.8fundamental building blocks of music: melody

Conference Session

Electrical & Computer Engineering Division Poster Session

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Adrian Ieta, State University of New York, Oswego; Rachid Manseur, SUNY-Oswego; Thomas Doyle, McMaster University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

appropriate and grading was perceived as fair, which was also reflected in thestudents’ evaluation of teaching.In addition, students completed a separate questionnaire given in Table 3 for each lab:“On a scale from 1 to 5 (5 is the highest agreement value) how do you perceive the laboratory work?” Question Lab# The lab is relevant to course content Directions for the lab are clear The lab is interesting The lab is too long Post-lab work is too challenging Support from the instructor is appropriate Lab work is conducive to meaningful

Conference Session

Innovations in ECE Education

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

L. Brent Jenkins, Southern Polytechnic State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

K. Introduction to Frequency Response and Filtering 1 VII. AC Power Analysis A. Instantaneous Power B. Average Power C. Effective Value 2 D. Apparent Power E. Power Factor F. Complex Power and the Power Triangle VIII.Introduction to the Ideal Transformer A. Symbol B. Dot Convention 1 C. Voltage and Current Relations D. Impedance Reflection Review and Wrap-up 3 Figure 3: Course

Conference Session

Embedded System Design

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bin Wang, Wright State University; Zhiqiang Wu, Wright State University; Yong Pei, Wright State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

the modules (for visual learners); verbal narrative and explanations (forverbal learners) may also be an integrated part. Small online quizzes and questions posed willprovide opportunities for active participation (for active learners) and time for individualthinking (for reflective learners).Lab Development Supporting Wireless Communication Page 15.1072.8Lab one: Analog modulation and demodulationIn this lab, students will experiment different analog modulation and demodulation techniquesincluding AM, FM, SSB, DSBSC in the prescribed part. They will then build AM and FMreceivers which can tune to AM and FM radio stations. Advanced students

Conference Session

Pedagogy and Assessment in ECE III

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jianbiao Pan, California Polytechnic State University; Albert Liddicoat, California Polytechnic State University; James Harris, California Polytechnic State University; Linda Shepherd, California Polytechnic State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

score (e.g. 85 or 93) for eachquestion that best reflects the evidence provided in the senior project report. Please consider thefollowing grading criteria when assigning a numeric score.A – (90-100) Superior Attainment of Course ObjectivesB – (80-89) Good Attainment of Course ObjectivesC – (70-79) Acceptable Attainment of Course ObjectivesD – (60-69) Poor Attainment of Course ObjectivesF – ( 0-59) Non-Attainment of Course Objectives1. Overall system level design SCORE ____________ Several All requirements Some requirements Most requirements

Conference Session

Student Engagement in ECE

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sergey Makarov, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Reinhold Ludwig, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Stephen Bitar, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

important when studying operationalamplifiers, where the current path to the voltage supply and the role of the voltage supply itselfare frequently ignored by some students.Fig. 1 illustrates the current flow in a typical dual-rail amplifier. Fig. 1a) corresponds to the push Page 15.1048.2mode - the non-inverting amplifier sources the current from the power supply. Fig. 1b)corresponds to the pull mode - the non-inverting amplifier sinks the current into the powersource. Such a figure attracts close class attention and allows students to reflect on initialamplifier concepts. In particular, it clearly establishes the role of the dual power supply

Conference Session

Pedagogy and Assessment in ECE II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gerard Rowe, University of Auckland; Chris Smaill, University of Auckland; Lawrence Carter, University of Auckland; Elizabeth Godfrey, University of Technology Sydney; Bernard Guillemin, The University of Auckland; Mark Andrews, University of Auckland; Waleed Abdulla, University of Auckland

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

experimented to some extent with other approaches designed to get more studentengagement. Their comments reflected a desire for better training in techniques appropriatefor such an at-risk cohort, and for better briefings from course coordinators.“…I didn’t even have that many tutorials so I think we’re not even particularly familiar with the format…”“...no one ever told us how to do a tutorial, how to run a tutorial”.“So we sort of took what we saw academics doing for the first tutorials...”“... we were sort of working quite independently from the lecturers...It would have been good to have... like a 15minute kind of briefing with the lecturer, who was lecturing at that time...”Several of the tutors expressed concern about the appropriateness of the

Conference Session

Pedagogy and Assessment in ECE II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Albert Liddicoat, California Polytechnic State University; Jianbiao Pan, California Polytechnic State University; James Harris, California Polytechnic State University; Gary Perks, California Polytechnic State University; Linda Shepherd, California Polytechnic State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

at Cal Poly both the electrical andcomputer engineering students take a basic electronics manufacturing course in their freshmanyear that includes the design and assembly of printed circuit boards before they begin theircircuit analysis courses. Therefore, the PCB module incorporated into the EE 242 lab is theirsecond experience with PCB design and assembly. The authors believe that this likely accountsfor the higher pre-test scores on Question 47 which may account for the large p-value on theinteraction of Question 47 for the EE 242 experimental group. Therefore, the results forQuestion 47 from EE 361 better reflect the experience of engineering students that have no priorexperience with PCB design and manufacturing.Table 6. Summary of the