Conference Session

New Developments in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Branimir Pejcinovic, Portland State University; Melinda Holtzman, Portland State University; Phillip Wong, Portland State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

: Implementing Sophomore Cornerstone Courses in Electrical and Computer EngineeringMany engineering programs have significant project- and design-based courses in the freshmanand senior years. Freshman courses usually serve a dual purpose: a) making engineering a moreattractive study option for undecided students, and b) introducing the basics of technical andnon-technical skills, such as teamwork and project planning. On the other hand, seniors doingtheir capstone projects are expected to perform at a more proficient level, one that woulddemonstrate their readiness for entering the workforce as engineers.As will be discussed below, the project component in our freshman year-long sequence evolvesfrom minimally structured projects

Conference Session

Assessment of Learning in ECE Courses

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Claire Lynne McCullough P.E., High Point University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Tennessee atChattanooga--that this positive evaluation took place in the first semester in which the new criteriawere effective is regarded as particularly notable. While an earlier version of this work describedthis process as a partially implemented strategy [1], the plan has now been completely detailed,implemented, and validated by the ABET visit which found no shortcomings. This paper describesthe assessment processes, along with the two-year cycle of the assessment schedule, and givesexamples of assessment artifacts and rubrics. The paper also describes some common assessmenterrors and misconceptions, and recommendations on how to avoid them. While each programshould thoughtfully develop its own assessment plan based on its curriculum, its

Conference Session

Capstone, Undergraduate Research, and Projects in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Ahmed Abul Hussain, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University; Nizar Tayem, Texas A&M University; Chedly B. Yahya, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University; Sadiq A. Alhuwaidi, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University; Jamal Nayfeh, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

are encouraged to takeresponsibility for individual tasks and work together in a team according to the project plan andachieve project goals. This paper presents a case study of senior design projects (in the ElectricalEngineering department) at PMU systematically administered and monitored to meet the qualitystandards and ABET student learning outcomes. Evaluation methods (both direct and indirect)and developed assessment tools used are also presented along with survey results of students’feedback.Administering Capstone Senior Design ProjectThe Capstone senior design projects at the EE department at PMU are administered and executedover a period of two semesters comprised of the following two courses which are worth 3 credithours each: 1

Conference Session

New Developments in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Alan Johnston, Villanova University; Edward Stephen Char Jr.

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

orbit.The AMSAT CubeSat Simulator features a Raspberry Pi Zero W-based multi-board stack and a3D-printed frame structure. It was designed to be low cost (less than $400 USD in componentsper Simulator, significantly less than the $20,000 USD for a spaceflight-ready CubeSat) and useoff-the-shelf parts. It is fully open sourced, with all software and plans available on GitHub [4].The development has been sponsored by AMSAT as part of its educational outreach mission,and the development is ongoing.II. Villanova University ECE Freshman Projects course philosophyECE-1205 ECE Freshman Projects is one of the first electrical and computer engineering coursestaken by freshmen at Villanova University.For the 2009-2010 academic year, the College of

Conference Session

Course Transformation in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Karl Brakora, Grand Valley State University; Lihong (Heidi) Jiao, Grand Valley State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

demonstrate unique embedded system projects.This paper presents the benefits and challenges of teaching and administering a design-build-testembedded system project course in electrical engineering and addresses plans for ongoingimprovement. The course instructs students in each element of an electronics developmentproject. This starts with recognizing electronics problems, specifying critical designfunctionalities, identifying constraints, anticipating risks and failure modes, and designing fortest and remediation. During the course, students receive instruction in proper firmware codingtechniques, common electronic circuits and practices, component selection, power regulation,data conversion, transmission line theory, signal integrity, layout

Conference Session

Assessment of Learning in ECE Courses

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Caroline Crockett, University of Michigan; Cynthia J. Finelli, University of Michigan; Harry Courtney Powell, University of Virginia

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

conceptual under-standing of signals and systems. We briefly discuss conceptual understanding, one way to measure it, and previousresults in engineering-related disciplines. We then describe the Model of Educational Productivity as a frameworkfor studying student, instructional, and environmental factors that may influence conceptual understanding and dis-cuss results from previous studies that suggest additional influencing factors. Finally, we present our planned mixedmethods approach, consisting of an exploratory qualitative stage to identify possible factors that influence conceptualunderstanding, a quantitative analysis to measure understanding and these factors, and an explanatory qualitative phaseto add depth to our quantitative results. The

Conference Session

Improvements in ECE Circuit Analysis

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Brian J. Skromme, Arizona State University; Wendy M. Barnard, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

now incorporates an introductory tutorialfor students on this new approach to mesh analysis [21]. Unfortunately, the randomly generatedexamples and exercises in that system do not yet support using this method, as the relevant partsof the software were written prior to conceiving of the new approach and considerable changeswill be required. It is planned to add support for it in the future. The entire tutorial system isfreely available (via the first author) to instructors who wish to use it.The revamped approach to mesh analysis can now be summarized as follows: 1. Select a reference mesh, whose mesh current is usually defined to be 0 A. This mesh can be any mesh in the circuit, including the outer mesh, but should ideally include

Conference Session

Active and Cooperative Learning in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Werner Creixell, Texas A&M University; Rachelle M. Pedersen, Texas A&M University; Susan Niki Ritchey, Texas A&M University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

,networking, the Linux operating system, nor circuitry, they are encouraged to look and usetutorials and materials available on the Internet as well as collaborate with their peers.The evaluation is to the group as a whole, each team member will have the same grade. Theevaluation has four instances throughout the semester: - Proposing the project: The team has to come up with three ideas for a project after two weeks from the start of the semester. They have to choose one out of those three to start the development and planning process. The ideas are presented to the class, where peers and the instructor can make comments and ask questions, further solidifying their projects details. Students propose three ideas and receive

Conference Session

Active and Cooperative Learning in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Jun Ouyang, University of California, Davis; Hooman Rashtian, University of California, Davis

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

(PID)controllers. The applications of each of these controllers and their advantages and disadvantages comparingto other controllers are also explained. After these lectures, two experiential modules for proportionalcontroller and proportional-integral controller are assigned. Although originally there was a plan for a fourthexperiential module on PID controller design, for practical reasons that will be explained later, it turned outthat implementation of such controller using analog circuitry would not be straightforward.III. Hardware SetupThe RSLK module is showed in Figure 1. The RSLK includes the following components: 1) TexasInstrument MSP432r401p MCU evaluation board (MCU), 2) USB cable, 3) Jumper wires, and 4) Solderlessbreadboard

Conference Session

Curricular Advancements in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Douglas W. Jacobson, Iowa State University; Julie Ann Rursch, Iowa State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

feature of our new degree as described below. We do need to teachengineering fundamentals, systems thinking, as well as the tools and methods used in “IT”focused security.BS in Cyber Security EngineeringWhen we were planning for the new cyber security degree, we wanted to start with computerengineering as the core building block for the new degree. However, starting with a degree thatalready contained 127 hours meant we had to look at what was critical and what could beremoved to make room for cyber security courses. At Iowa State University the college ofengineering has a common first year experience which left us with only three years that could bemodified to accommodate the new cyber security courses. It was a fairly clear cut decision tokeep

Conference Session

New ECE Laboratories

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Pelin Kurtay, George Mason University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

to gainexperience ordering parts from various suppliers discussed in the class. Overall, they felt moreconfident going in to senior design. Since some of the students in the class were also involved instudent organization activities such as the student chapter of the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE), the class gave those students the tools needed to work onprototyping designs for group projects.The plans for modifications during future offerings of the course include the potentialincorporation of a second software tool such as EAGLE. Once the basic design principles arecovered, the plan is to have students design the same board using two different software: Onewith KiCAD and one with EAGLE (or another tool). This is

Conference Session

Embedded Systems and Cybersecurity in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Asmit De, Pennsylvania State University; Mohammad Nasim Imtiaz Khan, Pennsylvania State University; Karthikeyan Nagarajan, Pennsylvania State University; Abdullah Ash Saki, Pennsylvania State University; Mahabubul Alam, Pennsylvania State University; Taylor Steven Wood, Pennsylvania State University; Matthew Johnson, Pennsylvania State University; Manoj Varma Saripalli, Pennsylvania State University; Yu Xia, Pennsylvania State University; Stephanie Cutler, Pennsylvania State University; Swaroop Ghosh, Pennsylvania State University; Kathleen M. Hill, Pennsylvania State University; Annmarie Ward

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Average points earned Percentage Correct Pre-test 5 33.33% Post-test 11 73.33%In addition, we evaluated the workshop and the teachers’ experience. We used Likert Scalequestions to ask if the goals were accomplished, their understanding enhanced, and asked themto rate the instructors, activities, and facilities. In addition, we asked for feedback on theworkshop’s strengths and weaknesses, how they plan to incorporate these activities into their 6 5 4 Maximum 3

Conference Session

Curricular Advancements in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Brandi Geisinger, Iowa State University; Arlene de la Mora, Iowa State University; Cori J. Hyde; Diane T. Rover, Iowa State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

related research practices/programsResearch:Precursorto change POLICY SHARED VISION • Collaborating between the three programs to understand and improve • Making strategic hires departmental policies • Engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations • Engaging in department strategic planning and updating departmental documents • Discussing change programs and related goals in department retreats and

Conference Session

Managing Dual Careers

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Yuting W. Chen, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Jena Shafai Asgarpoor, University of Nebraska - Lincoln; Robyn Sandekian, University of Colorado, Boulder; Jill K Nelson, George Mason University; Lee Kemp Rynearson, Campbell University; Shannon Bartelt-Hunt P.E., University of Nebraska - Lincoln; Janet Callahan, Michigan Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer, Faculty Development Division, Women in Engineering

desirable for both partners at one institution or inone geographical area. In that case, stating unequivocally that you will not sign unless a partnergets a better deal or putting other offers on the table for direct comparison. Women andminorities will face the usual penalties to bargaining hard (high chance of being perceived ashostile, out-of-place, unreasonable, etc.) and may wish to be a bit more circumspect dependingon their assessment of the decision makers they are negotiating with.Somewhere in the middle, it depends more highly on the relationship and planning for the future.An agreement might be made that the first job would hit the priorities of one partner but thatanother move / change would be guaranteed after tenure or some other time

Conference Session

Embedded Systems and Cybersecurity in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Shaghayegh Abbasi, University of San Diego; Ernest M. Kim, University of San Diego

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

ProjectGoalsFigure 5: A summary of student survey results on effectiveness of course project in achieving learning objectives.The results of the self-evaluating survey overall demonstrate that the project has been effective inimproving students’ programming skills, as well as showing them the software-hardwareconnection and real world applications of programming in practice. The effectiveness of theproject in introducing IoT to students can be improved by dedicating more time to this topic andcovering more background and implementation methods in the field of IoT. In addition, in futurestudies we plan to utilize other quantification methods in addition to student surveys such as examgrades and project grades. These will create a more comprehensive measure

Conference Session

Embedded Systems and Cybersecurity in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Garry Ingles; Aaron Carpenter, Wentworth Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

. The student body primarily studiesengineering, applied sciences, and architecture and construction fields. Class sizes are typicallysmall, averaging around 20-25 students per class, with no teaching assistants. Students arerequired to take two co-ops, one each during their junior and senior years, with an optional co-opduring the sophomore year. Co-ops can be paid and off-campus with industry and academicpartners, or the students can do on-campus research and work with faculty/staff (paid orunpaid).The rest of the paper is as follows: Section 2 describes the project from a technical perspective;Section 3 describes the planned student and technical outcomes; Section 4 details the results ofthe project, with Section 5 providing lessons learned

Conference Session

New Developments in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Salman Mohagheghi, Colorado School of Mines

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

lost. It is not reasonable to expect the studentsto develop a new business idea and undertake the venture during just one semester. As such, thefocus should be on what the students learn, rather than what they produce. Shifting focus to theprocess instead of the output also affects what is graded, e.g. instead of grading the business plan,the process should be graded [5].The goal of this paper is to present pedagogical approaches to help with the above objectives. Thecase studies presented here have been designed with junior/senior electrical engineering studentsin mind, but can be applied to other disciplines or levels with proper modifications.Project ApproachThe pedagogical approaches proposed here are intended to help students achieve

Conference Session

Capstone, Undergraduate Research, and Projects in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Ying Lin, Western Washington University; Steve Sandelin

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

assess how students feel about the course project experience, as well as whether thisteaching practice is effective and achieves the projected benefits. We acknowledge that theassessment data collected in this work are subjective data based upon students’ perceptions aboutthe project experience. Other assessment measures such as grades of exams would be moreobjective. We plan to include students’ grades in our future data collection and assessment.Assessment Data Collection:Each student who took EE210 in fall 2018 and fall 2019 was asked to respond to ten questionswith each question having five possible answers. Each answer was mapped to a numerical value,specifically, 1-strongly disagree, 2-disagree, 3- no opinion, 4-agree, 5-strongly agree.The

Conference Session

Improvements in ECE Circuit Analysis

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Alejandro H. Espera Jr., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University; Nicole P. Pitterson, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University; René Alexander Soto-Pérez, Purdue University, West Lafayette

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

of student learning [5], [6].Several assessment instruments have been designed in the past to check student’s understandingof basic concepts [7], [8]. Research suggests that students feel the need to have access to andfeedback on any identified misconceptions early so that they can plan on making a move tocorrect them [9]. Bull et al. (2010) used a computer-based method called the open learner modelas a means of highlighting first-year introductory electrical circuits students’ interest inacknowledging their misconceptions as a first move towards dealing with their difficulties inlearning as opposed to just receiving general feedback. The early detection of errors inknowledge among students allows the instructors to be dynamic and proactive

Conference Session

Embedded Systems and Cybersecurity in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Dominic Zucchini, Missouri University of Science and Technology; Justin Chau, Missouri University of Science and Technology; Matthew Neal Mutarelli, Missouri University of Science and Technology and Missouri State University; Rohit Dua, Missouri University of Science and Technology

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

KEY3 to write the machine code into the onboard SRAM chip. 6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 till all the machine codes have been entered.A Platform for Class Project Implementation The WIMPAVR was primarily designed to be a teaching tool and project platform forstudents to understand the working of an AVR microprocessor core in the introductorymicrocontrollers course. The planned WIMPAVR instruction and project curriculum is similar tothe one implemented for the WIMP51 [1] and forms phase 1 of the microcontrollers course.Students are taught the WIMPAVR and its internal design. Students practice writing andexecuting simple ASM programs machine coded as discussed. Students then implement a projectin which they modify the current WIMP AVR

Conference Session

Improvements in ECE Circuit Analysis

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Eva Cosoroaba, University of Vermont

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

tallied in the BB grade center. Use a Resistor: 1) To buy a resubmission of an NSQ report. Note: each report be revised only once. E-mail regarding token use must be submitted by EOD (end-of-day, 11:59pm) the day following grade posting and revised reports are due three days after grades were posted, EOD. Example: If report grades are posted Monday, e-mail is due Tuesday EOD and report revision Thursday EOD. 2) To get a 24-hour extension on the lab report submission deadline. Note: two resistors can be redeemed for a 48-hour extension. You will have to specify the number of resistors you plan to use via e-mail the day before the report is due, by EOD. You cannot extend the same

Conference Session

Curricular Advancements in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Shiny Abraham, Seattle University; Kenneth A. Connor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

most of the skills listed above are satisfied, either directly or indirectly, through ABETcriteria, some are emphasized more than others. Bloom’s taxonomy of educational objectives(1956) is widely used in curriculum design to plan learning experiences and prepare evaluationtools [6]. The original taxonomy was organized into three domains: Cognitive, Affective, andPsychomotor, although only the cognitive domain was developed initially, followed by work onthe affective domain by [7]. The cognitive domain includes objectives which deal with the recallor recognition of knowledge and the development of intellectual abilities and skills. The affectivedomain includes objectives which describe changes in interest, attitudes, and values, and

Conference Session

Capstone, Undergraduate Research, and Projects in ECE

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

Rod Blaine Foist, California Baptist University; John Butler, California Baptist University; Gibson Fleming, California Baptist University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

propercontext, and did not adequately prepare students to integrate knowledge across courses.Furthermore, labs were not used effectively. The study recommended a so-called “spiral model”and effective use of labs (by basing them on design projects):“… the ideal learning trajectory is a spiral, with all components revisited at increasing levels ofsophistication and interconnection. Learning in one area supports learning in another.” [1]-[2]A digest version of the study is available online. It compares a “linear components” model (of acurriculum) to their proposed “spiral model”—using two helpful diagrams [3].Chu’s approach applies the spiral model by introducing certain lab component themes (forfreshman labs) and then maps out a plan to revisit them with