Conference Session

Capstone Design and Innovations in ECE

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James L. Ellingson, University of Saint Thomas; Christopher S. Greene, University of Saint Thomas; Scott Edward Morgan; Miguel Angelo Rodrigues Silvestre, University of Beira Interior

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

: Turbulent Structure of the Impact Zone of Two Opposed Wall Flow,” project N PTDC/EME-MFE/ PTDC/CTE-SPA/114163/2009, and ”Estudo Numrico e Experimental de Jactos de Densidade Fortemente Variavel’,’ project n415B4, French embassy/ICCTI with CNRS, Orleans, France. Currently, he is a UBI researcher in the project FP7-AAT-2011-RTD-1 N 285602-MAAT, ”Multi- body Advanced Airship for Transport.” His main research and teaching topics are focused in aircraft fixed and rotary wing aerodynamics, propulsion, performance, design, and development. He is a private and glider pilot and an experienced R/C aircraft modeler. Page

Conference Session

Software and Web-based Learning in ECE

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kevin P. Pintong, Binghamton University; Douglas H. Summerville, Binghamton University; Kyle Temkin, BInghamton University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Binghamton, NY Kevin P. Pintong Douglas H. Summerville Kyle J. Temkin Page 25.1376.2AbstractLab-based courses are generally not available in an online format because of the need forexpensive lab equipment, time consuming technical assistance, and troubleshooting. The recentincrease in demand for online instruction extends past current pedagogical methods and is mademore problematic with the addition of a lab component. In our previous paper, "Transitioning alab-based course to an online format"1, we presented the development of our pedagogicalframework. This framework is based on our 2010 online course and previous studies in onlineeducation. In this

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David H. Hoe, University of Texas, Tyler

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

that is manageable and yet ischallenging and has potential impact. As has been noted by others, work that is publishableprovides some extra motivation for the student.8 A topic in cellular computation that meets thesecriteria was assigned to the undergraduate student. Cellular computation, where smallautonomous cells communicate with just their neighbors, has been touted as the future ofcomputing using nanotechnology due to their simple architecture and their ability to efficientlyhandle complex calculations through massive parallelism9. Cellular automata represent a form ofcellular computation. Because of their regular structure and local interconnect requirements, theycan be efficiently implemented on FPGAs. Figure 1 depicts a one

Conference Session

New Trends in ECE Education II

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Craig J. Scott, Morgan State University; Petronella A. James, Morgan State University; Yacob Astatke, Morgan State University; Jumoke O. Ladeji-Osias, Morgan State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

alternative. Page 25.1413.2IntroductionWith the rapid evolution of communication and computer technologies, the number of onlineengineering programs has also grown substantially. Graduate online engineering programs havebecome more and more plentiful as compared to undergraduate programs owing to the suitabilityof the target audience in terms of accessibility and flexibility, and maturity. The online student istypically a lifelong learner, more concerned with commuting and non-academic responsibilities,and motivated to complete assignments individually.1 Moreover, graduate courses are morecontent and design centered with less needs for laboratory

Conference Session

Laboratory Development in ECE II

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Chuan Yue, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs; Weiying Zhu, Metropolitan State College of Denver; Gregory Lynn Williams, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs; Edward Chow, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

those four lab exercises. We also detail the survey results and analyze the implicationsof those results. The experience presented in this paper is valuable for our faculty members tomove more lab exercises into the cloud. We believe our experience is also valuable to othereducators who plan to use cloud computing services such as Amazon EC2 in their computerscience and engineering courses. The link to our complete lab manuals and instructions is listedat the end of the bibliographic section.1. IntroductionThere is no doubt that cloud computing has become a reality. People talk about it, spend moneyon it, and gain substantial benefit from it. In response to this significant trend in computing, ourcolleges encourage faculty members to use cloud

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

variables and designequations, formatted fields can be created to show groups of Boolean variables formatted asbinary, decimal, or hexadecimal values. Such fields on the display are useful for interpretingarithmetic circuits. Additionally, if such a field is comprised only of input and state variablesone can click it (instead of individual variable names) to increment the field value. Thisprovides a very easy (and fast) way of trying all possible values of a set of inputs. A samplescreen-shot is shown in Fig. 1 to give a feel for the display. It implements an 8-bit ripple-carryadder. The circuit it represents contains 59 (2- or 3-input) AND gates and 15 (2-, 3-, or 4-input)OR gates. Entering this design as a detailed schematic would have probably

Conference Session

Recruitment, Retention, and First-year Programs in ECE

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Constance D. Hendrix, U.S. Air Force Academy; Marcus L. Roberts, U.S. Air Force Academy; William J. Eccles, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Jeffrey Butler, U.S. Air Force Academy; Randall Deppensmith, U.S. Air Force Academy

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

core engineering courses,regardless of their major, to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree. An earlier ASEE paper[1] explored the basic pedagogy developed by the Air Force Academy’s Department of Electricaland Computer Engineering to overcome the inherent challenges of teaching non-engineers “toengineer.” This paper explores the measure of success for those efforts based on tangiblefeedback and assessment data. Furthermore, the paper specifically addresses a monumentalchallenge beyond educating the students: motivating them to care about their learning. Variousapproaches are discussed and solutions graded on their success or failure. A representativesyllabus is included at the end of this paper.IntroductionHistory is rife with famous

Conference Session

Integration of Research and Education in ECE

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tali Moreshet, Swarthmore College; Uzi Vishkin, University of Maryland, College Park; Fuat Keceli, Intel Corporation

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

the software industry and anyone usingcomputers [5].The undergraduate students that are involved in our research have limited time to dedicate toresearch, and usually come with little preparation. These factors add to the inherent complexitiesof parallel programing. The eXplicit Multi-Threading (XMT) general-purpose many-coreplatform for fine grained parallel programs makes an attractive framework given the abovechallenges. XMT is easy to teach, facilitating a smoother learning curve for students that are newto parallel programming and have limited background in parallel architectures [9].In this work, we aim to parallelize the cycle-accurate simulator of XMT, XMTSim, with thefollowing goals: 1. Establish that XMT is an effective self

Conference Session

Laboratory Development in ECE II

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Shawn S. Jordan, Arizona State University; Micah Lande, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

implement a technical prototype in one semester.Student work from a class with this needs-based, human-centered design pedagogical approachis described.1. Introduction Engineering students benefit from working on authentic design challenges that areconnected to real users and real context over “toy problems”. However, finding subject-matterappropriate engineering projects in addition to securing access to real users for design projectscan be immensely challenging and time-consuming for instructors, especially at scale. Thisinnovation relies on students to bring context into the classroom, where the instructor canconnect it to the curriculum. In addition, the learning objectives of the Engineering 301mezzanine Electrical Engineering course

Conference Session

Project-based and Cooperative Learning in ECE

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Oscar Ortiz, LeTourneau University; Paul R. Leiffer, LeTourneau University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

provides students witha broader context to the material learned in class. With project-based learning students shift froma passive to an active learning pattern that is likely to improve knowledge retention as well as theability to integrate material from different courses.1 Each project provides students with the Page 25.1084.2opportunity to apply the knowledge they have learned in classes, and each problem they face inthe project inspires them to explore the material more deeply in future study 2.Project-based learning can develop the ability of students to work in interdisciplinary teams.Interdisciplinary teamwork is not only an expectation of

Conference Session

Capstone Design and Innovations in ECE

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Steven F. Barrett, University of Wyoming; Scott A. Morton, University of Wyoming; Jeffrey R. Anderson, University of Wyoming; Sandra Root-Elledge, University of Wyoming; Cameron H. G. Wright P.E., University of Wyoming

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

by Eyler and Giles is provided followed by adescription of the program developed to link senior capstone design projects with the needs ofthe assistive technology community. A review of recently completed projects is then provided.The paper concludes with a discussion of benefits to all participants: the AT community, seniordesign students and engineering programs.BackgroundService learning as defined by the National Service-Learning Clearing House “is a teaching andlearning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection toenrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.”1 Whileservice learning programs may be quite diverse and employ students from a wide variety

Conference Session

Projects in ECE

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ahmed Mohamed, Florida International University; Osama A. Mohammed, Florida International University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

DC distribution, renewable energy systems, and electrical power systems. Address: Energy Systems Research Labora- tory, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Florida International University, 10555 W Flagler Street, Room EC-3925, Miami, Florida 33174, USA. Telephone: +1 305-348-6194; Cell +1 786-975-4524.Dr. Osama A. Mohammed, Florida International University Osama A. Mohammed received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from Virginia Poly- technic Institute and State University. He has many years of teaching, curriculum development, research, and industrial consulting experience. He authored and co-authored more than 300 technical papers

Conference Session

Laboratory Development in ECE I

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Victor P. Nelson, Auburn University; John Y. Hung, Auburn University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

successful educationalprogram. As defined by ABET, “student outcomes describe what students are expected to knowand be able to do by the time of graduation.” [1] An effective assessment process must produceuseful data that are both summative and formative, the former to determine levels to whichstudent outcomes are being attained, and the latter to identify specific areas for programimprovement [2,3]. In addition, the assessment process must be efficient, to ensure sustainability.The program must identify or create opportunities to assess each of its student outcomes at oneor more points in the program, where students are expected to have attained, and should be ableto demonstrate that outcome at an acceptable level.The junior-level embedded systems

Conference Session

New Trends in ECE Education I

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert O'Connell, University of Missouri, Columbia; Pil-Won On, University of Missouri, Columbia

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

consumes approximately two-to-three weeks of class time. For each of those majorcontent units, the following three-phase sequence of activities occurs.Phase 1 is the Preparation phase, in which students complete the reading assignments for theentire two-to-three week unit. The purpose of the first phase is for students to obtain “a goodintroduction to the information and ideas on the topic,” and not “an in-depth mastery or fullcomprehension.” The Preparation phase is conducted outside of class and before the material isformally addressed in the classroom. In the first class session following the allotted preparationtime, the Preparation phase culminates in the Readiness Assurance Process, which consists of ashort objective readiness test on the

Conference Session

Software and Web-based Learning in ECE

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joseph P. Hoffbeck, University of Portland

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

thatusually contain the title of the song, name of the artist, and other information.The hardware consists of an antenna, USRP1 with an appropriate daughterboard such as theTVRX or the WBX, and a standard PC or laptop as shown in Figure 1. The antenna can be alength of wire or an FM antenna. The author used the USRP1, which costs about $700 and isone of the inexpensive versions of the USRP 3, but it should be possible to use the other versionsof the USRP as well. Page 25.1243.3 Figure 1. Hardware (USRP1, Laptop, and Antenna)SoftwareThe Simulink-USRP Project is an open source project that created software that allows

Conference Session

Recruitment, Retention, and First-year Programs in ECE

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Wilczynski, University of Southern California; Gisele Ragusa, University of Southern California; Michael Crowley, University of Southern California

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

productive work. We heard the same complaint at various workshops and the conclusions ofthe Engineer of 2020 proposal1 reinforces this complaint about engineering education in general.The two course instructors, Wilczynski and Crowley, are well familiar with industrial needs.Both of them went from academic research to industry and entrepreneurial careers beforereturning to the university to teach. Our students are talented, but the evolving workplace often Page 25.1264.2outpaces our curriculum. We needed to find a way to maintain contact with the needs ofindustry; otherwise, we are seen by industry as mostly irrelevant. In particular:1. Working On

Conference Session

New Trends in ECE Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Paul G. Flikkema, Northern Arizona University; Kenji Ryan Yamamoto, Northern Arizona University; Carol Haden, Magnolia Consulting, LLC; Jeff Frolik, University of Vermont; Tom Weller, University of South Florida

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

implemented using wirelesscommunication.The course strongly emphasizes experiential content: the laboratory projects account for 80% ofthe final grade. Student teams consisted of at most two students. For all projects, a team’sproject grade is based on both its degree of success in demonstrating achievement of objectivesin the laboratory and a comprehensive written report.To help students equip themselves with the skills to tackle a substantive final project thatinvolves systems thinking, we adopted a progressive learning method, with continualreinforcement and synthesis of skills and tools via the sequence of projects (Table 1). Table 1: Course projects leading up to Final Project. Project

Conference Session

Capstone Design Projects in ECE

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ziqian Liu, State University of New York, Maritime College

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

) (1) dt JLr J d a Rr Rr a b Mia (2) dt Lr Lr d b Rr Rr b a Mib (3) dt Lr Lr dia MRr M

Conference Session

ECE Division Poster Session

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kevin P. Pintong, Binghamton University; Douglas H. Summerville, Binghamton University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

AC 2011-532: TRANSITIONING A LAB-BASED COURSE TO AN ON-LINE FORMATKevin P Pintong, Binghamton University Kevin Pintong is a first year master’s student and research assistant with interests in online education.Dr. Douglas H. Summerville, State University of New York, Binghamton Page 22.1549.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2011Transitioning a lab-based course to an online format Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering State University of New York Binghamton Page 22.1549.2 1

Conference Session

Innovative Instructional Strategies and Curricula in ECE II

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

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

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

graduates to fill professional IT positions. TheIT-Adventures program (www.it-adventures.org) is one of the authors' responses to the original"Gathering Storm" challenge to increase the number of students to pursue a degree in a STEM-related.The IT-Adventures program, which is now in its fourth year, is an innovative program dedicatedto increasing interest in and awareness of information technology among high school studentsusing inquiry-based learning focused on three content areas: cyber defense, game designprogramming, and robotics.1 The target audience for this project is high school students,especially those students who previously have not exhibited an interest in studying IT, as well ashigh school teachers, not necessarily information

Conference Session

ABET Accreditation, Assessment, and Program Improvement in ECE

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Richard W. Kelnhofer, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Stephen M. Williams, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Owe G. Petersen, Milwaukee School of Engineering

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

is often used for reporting customersatisfaction survey data. Finally, the data is accumulated in a manner often done in trying topredict reliability for complex systems when only a limited number of systems are built.Specifically, we utilize a multi-year moving window and aggregate the data.Introduction and PurposeTo ensure quality in ABET accredited engineering programs, each program must have a set ofProgram Educational Objective (PEOs).1 The PEOs broadly define the career and professionalaccomplishments expected during the first several years following graduation.2Common tools used for assessing PEOs include placement data, input from industrial advisoryboards, and alumni and employer surveys.3 Placement data is a quantitative measure

Conference Session

ECE Division Poster Session

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Miguel Alonso, Jr., Miami Dade College; Sarah Hug, University of Colorado, Boulder; Heather Thiry, University of Colorado, Boulder

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

for students/faculty (Google’s development tools are free and run on Windows, Linux, and Mac computers) Using an emulator, as well as a “real” device to develop and test the applicationsCourse competenciesThe following course competencies were developed as a guide to both the students, as well as theinstructor. A detailed version of the competencies will be available online at http://www.cahsi.orgfollowing Spring 2011 term. Lecture modules and activities were developed to introduce and reinforcethese competencies. These modules will also be available on the CAHSI website after Spring 2011. 1. The student will demonstrate the ability to identify key components of mobile computing platforms. 2. The student will

Conference Session

Experiential Learning in ECE

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mihaela Radu, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Clint S. Cole, Digilent, Inc.; Joe Harris, Digilent, Inc.; Mircea Dabacan, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

for The Royal Academy of Engineering, UK (2006) 1, the paceof change in industry is expected to intensify in both the technological and non-technologicaldomains. Certain disciplines, including electrical/electronic and system engineering are seen asparticular likely to be of increasing importance over the next ten years. Looking at particularskills and attributes needed for engineers, there is strong evidence that the top priorities in termsof future skills will be: (a) practical applications, (b) theoretical understanding and (c) creativityand innovation. Page 22.1590.2The same report claims that certain topics are seen by students to be

Conference Session

Distance and Web-based Learning in ECE

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ronald D. Williams P.E., University of Virginia; Joanne Bechta Dugan, University of Virginia

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

presentation within the recommended presentation sequence. A second control for presentation pace was provided in the form of a button used to request more details about a topic. Thus, each student could choose to divert from the recommended sequence to learn more about the topic from a “sidebar” related to the topic. Topic 1 – Introduction to Boolean Algebra The first topic implemented in GOAL provides an introduction to Boolean Algebra and is intended to be used at a very early point in the semester. The abstract presentation begins with a definition of a binary variable and three operations: conjunction, disjunction and complementation, presented in a formal Figure 2. Abstract presentation of

Conference Session

New Developments in Teaching Electromagnetics and Related Topics

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Madeleine Andrawis, South Dakota State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

extra stuff (videos) helped bring purpose and history tothe material,” “I like the visuals to teach the material. I also like doing problems in class andgetting immediate feedback,” “working in groups on examples was very helpful. The videos andsoftware was also helpful in clarifying the material,” “The software and videos helped tovisualize the concepts in the course,” and “…it helped it stick to my mind,” “.. it (AL) kept classinteresting.”Meanwhile, to verify the positive results of using AL in teaching the Electromagnetics course,results of the Electromagnetics afternoon part of the FE exam required from all our seniors werecompiled. Table 1 shows the percentage of correct answers by SDSU students, and the samenationally for six semesters

Conference Session

Capstone Design Projects in ECE

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James K. Archibald, Brigham Young University; Doran K. Wilde, Brigham Young University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

computational demands of real-time vision processing are met through the use of a customcomputational platform7 equipped with the reconfigurable logic resources of an FPGA, aPowerPC processor, and memory (32 MB SDRAM, 1 MB SRAM, 16 MB flash). The size (6.5cm × 9 cm), weight (37 g) and power consumption (<1.5 W typical) of the computing platformmake it ideally suited for vision-based control of small, autonomous vehicles. Because it offerssupport for both custom computational blocks in hardware and conventional software execution,this computing platform can support the high levels of performance required for real-time visionprocessing at 30 or more frames per second with 640×480 images.After the vehicle and computing platform were used for a few

Conference Session

Recruitment, Retention, and First-Year Programs in ECE

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hector A. Ochoa, University of Texas, Tyler; Mukul Shirvaikar, University of Texas, Tyler

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

the students were given a final project based on a simple circuit that could be applied toreal life. By this point in the semester, the students have acquired enough knowledge tounderstand the basic functionality of the circuit. Also, a basic description of how the circuitworks is provided to the students. The students were asked to create a working prototype on abreadboard, once their prototype is working. They were asked to design the layout of a PCB andby using a LPKF milling machine create their own PCB for their final design. Page 22.1455.4The course lectures were divided into the following eleven main topics:1. History

Conference Session

Recruitment, Retention, and First-Year Programs in ECE

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Phillip Wong, Portland State University, ECE Department; Melinda Holtzman, Portland State University, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department; Branimir Pejcinovic, Portland State University, ECE Department; Malgorzata Chrzanowska-Jeske, Portland State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

freshman who are either planning or consideringbecoming ECE majors. The course outcomes include the ability to: 1. Do online research on areas of electrical engineering and present findings in a written summary. 2. Perform simple lab experiments to become familiar with lab equipment and components and to present the results in a lab report. 3. Complete a project involving both design and technical elements and to present the project in an oral presentation and a written report. 4. Work together as a team to successfully complete the project.Class time is split between a classroom and a lab. The classroom time is spent on a variety ofactivities: ● Outside speakers from ECE faculty and local companies are invited to talk

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

. The overall curriculum track (Figure 1) begins with therequired Engineering Electromagnetics course in the junior year. In keeping with the curriculumtrack concept, an introduction to on-chip passive structures (on-chip resistors, capacitors,inductors and transformers) is introduced during the relevant discussions on the electromagneticorigins of these elements (details of this introduction can be found elsewhere6). Page 22.1190.2a For ease of reading, a listing of these and other abbreviations used in this paper are tabularized in Appendix B. Figure 1. RF and Microwave Engineering

Conference Session

New Trends in ECE Education

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Christopher Van Arsdale, Michigan Technological University; Leonard J. Bohmann, Michigan Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

?IntroductionAptitude tests are often used as a predictor for more complex tasks. One of themost common aptitude test is the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)1 used to predictcollege performance. Another fairly common aptitude test is a mechanicalaptitude test, which purports to measure ones mechanical ability. The mostcommon of these ask students to determine what would happen if a particular setof circumstances were present, such as which direction would a particular gearturn in a system of gears. These responses are then used to determine if thestudent can mentally determine how physical objects operate. Similarly, anelectrical aptitude test (EAT) would try to measure one’s electrical ability. Theywould ask students to determine how electrical devices operate