Conference Session

First-Year Issues in ECE Education

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jonathan Backens, Christopher Newport University; Anton Riedl, Christopher Newport University; C. Gerousis, Christopher Newport University; Dali Wang, Christopher Newport University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

began to improve.There is some fluctuation in these rates due to the small sample size (freshman class again onlyabout 30 students), however the trend has shown overall improvements. The 2014 low retentionrate is seen as an aberration due to a well below average freshman class the previous year (23students of whom 13 continued to sophomore year). Figure 3: Computer Engineering Graduates at CNUConsequently, the graduation rate for Computer Engineering majors has also increasedsignificantly. Although we will not get our 6-year graduation rates for a few months, we areestimating that it has risen to over 45%. This would be over a 15% increase since we redesignedthe freshman engineering course in 2010. This is also reflected in

Conference Session

ECE-related Engineering Education

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dennis A. Silage, Temple University; Keyanoush Sadeghipour, Temple University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

more than that provided by the EE for MEs course. However, selection of a suitablecourse text is somewhat problematic and is certainly a reflection of the scarcity of this courseoffering in EE programs. If such an ME for EEs course was widely required in the EE program,then the number of suitable texts available would certainly be seen to be greater.Some of the available texts that span the material are intended for an introductory course for MEstudents in their first or second year and have sections on the profession, the design process,standards and technical communication5. These texts also often have a minimal requirement forprerequisite calculus and physics. There are texts used for upper division ME courses but severalwould be necessary

Conference Session

ECE-related Engineering Education

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Seemein Shayesteh P.E., Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis; Maher E. Rizkalla, Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

, electrical torque, electrical power and energy,resistances, capacitances, KVL / KCL, and inductors. The mechanical / hydraulic systemhas also transient performance. Likewise, the analogous electrical system with RLCsecond order electrical circuit exhibits transient behavior. Figure 4 reflects the analogiesof the various components.The transient performance and steady state perfomance of the first order circuits is coveredas part of the course. The transient behavior of the electrical circuit could be translatedinto the mechanical parameters. In figure 4c below, the spring is analogous to the capacitor,and the mechanical damper to the resistor.The analogous system brings attached learning from the ME knowledge that is frequentlycovered at the ME

Conference Session

Software & Web-based Education

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Shiny Abraham, Seattle University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

shown in Figure 2. In addition, students were instructed to configure a MailServer templatethat sent out an email notification anytime a desired vibration threshold was reached. At thisstage, students have encountered a data acquisition device; a vibration sensor/accelerometerembedded in the android phone, networking protocols such as SMTP (Simple Mail TransferProtocol) and POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3), and modified a simple JavaScript code to set thevibration threshold. Finally, students were required to integrate a Google Maps widget to theMashup, using which the location of the phone would be reflected on the map, as illustrated inFigure 3. Figure 1: Screenshot of the ThingWorx Android phone application

Conference Session

Innovations in ECE Education II

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Shonda Bernadin, Georgia Southern University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

section describes this paradigm, which is based on the reorganization ofcourse content; and the incorporation of assessments that measure the effectiveness of studentlearning. The results of implementing the model are presented, followed by future courseenhancements and conclusions.A Paradigm for Student AssessmentThe paradigm that was developed for incorporating effective assessments in the introductorysignal-processing course is defined as a three-step process. The underlined theme for creatingappropriate assessments for increased student learning was self-reflection and correction. STEP 1 Course mapping and instructional design

Conference Session

Innovations in ECE Education I

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dick Blandford, University of Evansville; Deborah Hwang, University of Evansville

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

electives and many more choices. Since we have combined the programs, and we create computer science electives with computer engineering in mind, the computer engineering students benefit from a wider array of choices. • Course content: With computer engineering and computer science in the same department, and a shared assessment process, there is a finer level of control over course content. Changes in course content in one program can be immediately reflected in changes in another program without passing through the usual departmental (or college) bureaucracy. • Collaboration: Freshman intro courses and the senior project are obvious places where the three programs can collaborate. Our freshman

Conference Session

ECE Poster Session

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Janos Grantner, Western Michigan University; Ramakrishna Gottipati, Western Michigan University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

confidence after the class are assessed.Some of the assessment questions that were given to students with respect to the quality of theclass/lab are listed below. a. Rate the instructor’s overall teaching effectiveness b. Rate the overall quality of this course c. Was the grading system for the course explained d. The instructor seemed well prepared for the class e. The instructor promoted an atmosphere conductive to work and learning Page 11.860.8 f. Was there agreement between announced course objectives and what was taught? g. How well did examination questions reflect content and emphasis of the course?The results

Conference Session

Design in the ECE Curriculum

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Guoping Wang, Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne (Eng)

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Page 12.171.2necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation and IPFW. Proceedings of the 2007 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright ©2007, American Society for Engineering Education 2. To structure the out-of-class time for maximum learning benefit. 3. To create and sustain team spirit. Students and instructors work as a team toward the same objective ─ to help all students master course contents with the maximum amount of retainable and transferable knowledge. Here is how JiTT format differs from the traditional teaching format. In a traditionalteaching environment (see Figure 1), the

Conference Session

Optical and Wireless Communication Systems

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mustafa Guvench, University of Southern Maine

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

) Figure 6. Light Emission Spectra of Various Light Sources Measured (Various Colored LEDs, a Red Laser Diode and an Incandescent Lamp)In Figure 6 results of the spectral measurements done on various LEDs (with different emissionwavelengths), and also on a laser diode and an incandescent lamp are combined for a perspectiveview and comparison. The colors of the plots are chosen to reflect the color of peak emission ofthe device. These are the same devices whose I-V characteristics were measured and displayed inFigures 2 and 3. It is again observed that the devices with the smaller wavelengths of the peakemission are the ones which required the largest forward voltage to turn on, in agreement with

Conference Session

ECE Laboratory Design

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Fitra Khan, University of Texas-Brownsville; Mahmoud Quweider, University of Texas-Brownsville; Juan Iglesias, University of Texas-Brownsville; Amjad Zaim, University of Texas-Brownsville

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

different offerings of the same course from onesemester to another.Topics of CP’s were not restricted to the ambit of a single particular course. Instead, CP’s weredeveloped having in mind a crossing-discipline emphasis that could integrate different areas ofcomputer science. Appendix B shows a more detailed description of the CP’s.As the reader can appreciate from Appendix B, the topics of CP’s are wide in range going froman “Integrated Monitoring System” for public networks to the “Parallel Simulation ofElectromagnetic Wave Propagation” and “Optimization Based on Genetic Algorithms”. Thisvariety is in fact a reflection of the versatility and generality of the CNL.ResultsDuring the three years of its implementation, the project has proven to be

Conference Session

New Trends in ECE Education II

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mark T Carnes PE, Purdue University, Electrical Engineering Technology; Heidi A. Diefes-Dux, Purdue University, West Lafayette

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

., “knowing why”), 4. Problem solving strategies, also known as heuristics or rules of thumb for solving problems – Specifically, knowing which methods or rules should be applied to specific problems (i.e., “knowing when”).In discussing the various components that form the overall structure of the interview questions,the participant will of necessity need to use ideas that reflect their understanding of the conceptsof voltage and current from several perspectives: definitional, functional, underlying principles,and application to solving circuit design problems. By not posing specific design problems to besolved in a “think aloud” format, the discussion can be more free-ranging and focus onprinciples, rather than the specifics of

Conference Session

Projects in ECE

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Peter Mark Jansson PE, Bucknell University; Daniel Schmalzel; Robert R. Krchnavek, Rowan University; John L. Schmalzel, Rowan University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

and the relatedenergy monitoring systems. We had made a broad announcement of the summer internshipsavailable and were able to interview over two dozen qualified students for the research positions.Most of the students who had made the successful contributions to the first semester (Spring2011) clinic project development of the EAP outline were hired to work as interns. The mostsignificant portion of a complete draft of the EAP was completed during that intensive summereffort. There were a few key reasons for the high degree of success. These included continuity,level of effort, leadership, and focus. As we reflected upon the primary elements of the summerproject work experience we noted that the team achieved such highly successful results

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

New ECE Courses

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lin Zhao, Gannon University; Yuzhe Zhang, Gannon University; Jiawei Zhang, Gannon University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

ACload and either high current load or low current load, etc. To complete the design and the lab,students will be given the options to combine the solar panel control box (as seen in Figure 5)and the wind energy control box (as seen in Figure 2) to emulate the control logic and strategiesbased on the power input and output of the renewable system. Students are encouraged toincorporate virtual instrument (LabView) into their lab design to either display the readings inreal-time or animate the stored readings. Figure 5. solar energy control box B. Fuel cell labIn the course, the fuel cell was first introduced as an alternative energy resource for electricvehicle. The lab was designed to reflect this idea and to

Conference Session

ECE Program Development

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hui Zhong, Shandong University/Gannon University; Lin Zhao, Gannon University; Yuzhe Zhang

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

arrangement has also yield competitive job offers for many students.These five practice courses are linked with each other and provide students with experience atdifferent level. Although it means a lot of planning work for the instructor and the department,rewarding results are the drive to keep these courses alive and thrive.IV. Discussion and ConclusionsChinese industries expect engineering graduates to have the current know-how to solveimmediate problems. This expectation is generally reflected in university curricula in whichthere are a tendency to teach as many courses as possible in the core subject. As a result, the totalcredit-hour requirement is considerably higher than that of U.S. universities. One of the results ofsqueezing too

Conference Session

New Developments in Teaching Electromagnetics and Related Topics

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert H. Caverly, Villanova University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

quantitative assessmentswill be described here.For the first course in microwave networks, students were presented a reflective questionnaire atthe completion of the course to gauge their level of skills enhancement in a number of technicalareas associated with the first course in primarily passive network. The technical areas areshown in Appendix A under the ‘Microwave Networks’ heading with the results of theassessment shown in Figure 6 (red bars). As shown in the figure, the students noted significantenhancement of technical skills in the material covered in this course; these results correlatedwell with student performance in the course as well. The evidence of skills enhancement relatedto Questions 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 was further supported by the

Conference Session

Innovative Instructional Strategies and Curricula in ECE II

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Santucci, Arizona State University; Andreas S. Spanias, Arizona State University, ECEE, SenSIP Center

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

strict linearity requirementsthroughout the dynamic range of the modulated signal8. In addition to transmitting more bits per symbol, wireless providers want to transmitthese symbols faster. This allows less filtering between the symbols, which can cause spectralbroadening. Additionally, in an uncontrolled wireless environment the wireless signal can takemultiple different paths to the receiving antenna. The varying paths to the receive antenna canbe either direct line-of-sight or can involve multiple reflections off buildings, mountains, or evenwalls within a building. These paths can each have different propagation delays, and this cancause problems when the symbol rate is very fast in time. One way around this is to transmitmany

Conference Session

Experiential Learning in ECE

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James Peyton Jones, Villanova University; Connor W. McArthur, Villanova University; Tyler A. Young, Villanova University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

project. The specifics of the VU-LRT toolbox arepresented in section 3, and a brief example is given in section 4. Finally brief conclusions andplans for future work are discussed in section 5.2. The LEGO MindStorms NXT: Hardware and Software AlternativesThe evolution of embedded computing devices is reflected in the wide variety of robot hardwareplatforms in use within the STEM community. Most of these devices, such as the Parralax BOEBot [9], HandyBoard [10], ActivMedia [11], Arduino [12] and first generation LEGO RCX brick[13] for example, are still based on 8-bit processors. Typically these machines run at clockspeeds of 20 MHz or less, have 32 KB or less of RAM and are hard to program effectivelybecause of finite word length and memory

Conference Session

Capstone Design Projects in ECE

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

George York, U.S. Air Force Academy; Daniel J. Pack, U.S. Air Force Academy

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

semester. We value this tension as it reflects real-world projects and makes the students take ownership of the requirements and gain consensus of all parties before pressing on to the next phase.7. ConclusionIn this paper we discussed the capstone design course at the US Air Force Academy andpresented an example UAV project. We find the UAV platform offers many challenges as agood capstone project and is motivational for our students. In addition students are moremotivated when they have customers with real-world needs. The various subsystems of the UAVcan span several disciplines from electrical and computer, to mechanical, to aeronautical, tohuman factors, making it a true multi-disciplinary project. UAV systems also

Conference Session

Innovative Instructional Strategies and Curricula in ECE I

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Chris C Delia Jr., Rowan University; Peter Mark Jansson P.E., Rowan University; John L. Schmalzel P.E., Rowan University; Carlos Daniel Barreiro; Kevin Anthony Whitten, Rowan University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

current plans to reflect input from theracking supplier (SolarDock), showing the required structural elements and connections. Onceall corrections are made and a complete set of structural design drawings is available, theproposal package will be resubmitted to DCA. A construction permit is expected to be issued toallow construction to commence. Clinic students have made significant progress toward thecompletion of most of the project’s key goals, including: full system designs, componentspecification, plan development, permit application, and equipment procurement.Future workThe only outstanding issue before construction can commence is the final construction approvalfrom the DCA. The complete installation is expected to occur midway through the

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

Experiential Learning in ECE

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Liya (Grace) Ni, California Baptist University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Page 22.2.8Test results with the grip of the Falcon device (solid) moving along the outer wall (dashed) isshown in Figure 7. During the test, the user felt the force pushing the grip away from the outerwall. Figure 7 Testing Results for Tracing a Circle with Virtual WallsIn the end of the semester, each team demonstrated and explained their work to the other teamand the instructor, and submitted a technical report with the distribution of tasks among the teammembers. Besides the technical details on the project, students also reflected on the possibleimpact haptics-enabled rehabilitation could have on post-stroke patients, therapists, and thesociety.7. Student feedback and future improvementsIn the end of the Fall 2010

Conference Session

Teaching Analog and Digital Communication: Novel Ideas for Lecture Courses, Laboratories, and Projects

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ratchaneekorn Thamvichai, Saint Cloud State University; Tonya Lynette Smith-Jackson, Virginia Tech; Carl B Dietrich P.E., Virginia Tech; Tamal Bose, Virginia Tech

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

evaluation has helped in adjustingthe program to better serve the students and showed that the program has progressed towardsachieving its objectives. However, further assessment and students’ follow-up survey will beperformed in order to ensure an accomplishment of the program goals.Acknowledgement This work is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant number 0851400.Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are thoseof the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.References 1. Tomovic, M.M., “Undergraduate research—prerequisite for successful lifelong learning,” ASEE Annu. Conf. Proc. 1, pp. 1469 -1470, 1994. 2. Lopatto, D

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

Software and Web-based Learning in ECE

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Anahita Zarei, University of the Pacific; Jinzhu Gao, University of the Pacific; Jason Roy Ortiz; Alan Joe

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

material todifferentiate between the three distributions. These problems were carefully selected to focus oncommon issues and misconceptions that students usually encounter.Figure 2. Workout ModeShop (figure 3) and Contest (figure 4) modes provide the students with an amusing experience,giving them the opportunity to shop for various items that empower them against a computeropponent. Each item in the shop unlocks at a certain point value (table 1). Users will be able toobtain stronger items as they gain more points through the Workout mode. In this segment, thenumber of problems solved correlates directly with the amount of credits available to the player.Therefore, the correct answers ultimately result in greater strength that is reflected in

Conference Session

Projects in ECE

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sheila Patricia Werth, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Kaung Myat Win, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Sergey N. Makarov, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

hour laboratory session. A total of 300 students in 9 different laboratory sectionsfrom two different classes participated in this laboratory activity. Students worked in groups oftwo. The laboratory staff included 3 TAs. Generally, the laboratory was well received by boththe students and the TAs, although there were some challenges that should be addressed in futureimplementations of this laboratory. Most common mistakes observed by the TAs included: 1. Running ground connections from the transmitting board to receiving board. This reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the concept of a ‘wireless’ circuit; 2. Improper and/or inaccurate use of the external modulation function of the function generation; 3. Breaking the

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John J. Devore, Kansas State University; David L. Soldan, Kansas State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

variable is coloredwith the “current” value of that state variable, while the “.d” is colored to reflect its “next” value– the value it will be assigned when a clock TICK occurs. The prototype software supports onlyD-type flipflops, but other types would be easy to add. A single TICK button provides the clockto all registered variables. The updating of registered values because of a TICK is followed bythose new values propagating throughout the set of equations. The behavior of sequentialcircuits can be viewed by repeatedly clicking the TICK button. Thus, a better or fasterunderstanding of such circuits can be achieved by inspecting the changes that occur and that areabout to occur after each successive TICK. In addition to a list of input

Conference Session

Capstone Design and Innovations in ECE

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Barbara E. Marino, Loyola Marymount University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

toys.In 2010, 62% of the students (8/13) reported that one of the new experiments was their favorite.In 2011 and 2012, 50% (7/14) and 60% (9/15) of the students, respectively, reported that one ofthe new experiments was the favorite. It was expected that this percentage would be much largerand would increase from year to year as the experiments were improved. This was not the case.After much consideration and reflection it was determined that surveying students about theirfavorite experiment is not an adequate measure of the effectiveness of these new experiments. Inaddition to being interesting and useful, these experiments challenge the students more thantraditional experiments. Also of note, students with weak abilities in one or more

Conference Session

Improvements in ECE Circuit Analysis

Collection

2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access

Authors

TomHenry J. Reagan, Colorado School of Mines; Stephanie Claussen, Colorado School of Mines; Eric Lyne

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

tools, and the Internet. The 2005 cutoff date focuses the research on studies whichreflect the current relationship between pedagogy and technology. Furthermore, the selection of2005 as a cutoff reflects the shift that occurred in the field of engineering education research inthe early 2000s toward a more scholarly emphasis (Froyd, Lohmann, Johri, and Olds, 2014). Forexample, in 2003, the ​Journal of Engineering Education​ established new review guidelines forpapers submitted to the journal which reflected the greater expectations for rigorous inquiry inthe field (“History of JEE,” n.d.).The first selection round applied basic criteria intended to remove obviously irrelevant papers —those which do not mention engineering education or electrical