Conference Session

Capstone Design in ECE

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mike Borowczak, Erebus Labs; Andrea Carneal Burrows Borowczak, University of Wyoming

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

,whileSTEMandeducationfacultyteachcollegiatelevelcontentcoursesbothfacultiescouldbenefitfromrichercollaborationandcoordination.HowcanfutureK16+educatorsdevelopapipelineofSTEMmajorsandgraduateswithoutpartnershipsbetweenthefaculties?Weproposeacapstone model in which teams report to a multi-disciplinary advisory panel rather than a singleSTEM advisor. This paper highlights how a single Electrical and Computer Engineering and ComputerScience (ECECS) capstone project can 1) be influenced by a societal need, 2) develop soft skills of acapstone team, and 3) create lasting mutually beneficial partnerships between academic faculties andexternal partners.Purpose/Problem/Gap Learning, development and concept synthesis can take many paths – natural learning progressionsoften being though the manipulation and unguided interactions with our environment. Consider a childapproaching

Conference Session

New Trends in ECE Education II

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sohum A Sohoni, Arizona State University, Polytechnic campus; Scotty D. Craig, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

into their class, this extends the externalvalidity of the finding by extrapolating the finding to a new set of students, classrooms, anddomain areas. If adequately tested and reported, this provides evidence both for when a findingworks, but also when it does not. This information can be essential for enhancing understandingof the causal explanation underlying the effects.Barriers to Research/Classroom TransitionsIn general, the lack of translation of educational innovations can be attributed to various causes,broadly in the three categories: systemic, individual adopter, and innovation ecosystem, asshown in Figure 1. On the systemic side, there is faculty reward structure that typically promotesresearch over teaching or rewards ‘more

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Engineering Problem-based and Active Learning

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dick Blandford, University of Evansville; Mark Earl Randall, University of Evansville

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

examples of similar courses elsewhere.) The course originated more than 20 years ago andhas always required that students complete a series of open-ended projects related to the requiredjunior level coursework. There is no lecture, other than for organization, and the class meetsonce a week as a way to more formally answer questions and provide support for studentsworking on projects. Over the years the number of projects and the nature of the projects hasvaried. Over the past five years the course has been restructured so as to satisfy three objectives: 1. The course provides a mechanism whereby students can complete laboratory exercises that reinforce the theoretical material learned in the junior year. This includes the areas of

Conference Session

Labs & Hands-on Instruction I

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Chad Eric Davis P.E., University of Oklahoma; Diana Bairaktarova, Virginia Tech

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

follow on courses (ENGR 2531, 3431) so introducingthem in the first course formed a solid background for the students who would take the latercourses. By including these additional components, we also aimed to make the circuitactivities more interesting. The project is broken up into three parts that correspond to the different topical areascovered in the course. Module 1 covers the basics of DC circuits such as combining resistors,Ohms law, and Kirchhoff’s laws. Module 2 covers advanced DC circuits such as multipleloop circuits, Thevenin equivalent circuits, and superposition solving techniques. Module 3introduces the addition of capacitors and inductors to DC circuits. Students learn to performboth transient and steady state analysis on

Conference Session

Labs & Hands-on Instruction I

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Cyrus Habibi P.E., University of Wisconsin, Platteville; Chase Fearing, University of Wisconsin, Platteville; Mesut Muslu P.E., University of Wisconsin, Platteville

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

survey.Introduction Laboratories are an essential part of the educational experience for engineering students.Engineering laboratories are places where students can build, experiment, test, and observescientific phenomena. Students are able to witness scientific theories come to life; often helpingthem gain a deeper understanding of the material they are studying [1]. Engineering is a highlypractical discipline, thus it is critical that engineering students receive significant experience tobe successful in their careers. The importance of effective laboratory instruction has generally been recognized by theacademic community and several notable papers have been published. Feisel and Rosa detailedhow the role of engineering instructional

Conference Session

Labs & Hands-on Instruction II

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lei Zhang, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Ibibia K. Dabipi, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Yuanwei Jin, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Payam Matin, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

1. Introduction 1.1 Overview The key of successful engineering education is to continuously expose students to the latesttechnology, provide them opportunities to practice, and involve them in innovative projects. TheExperiential Learning Theory (ELT) unveils the central role of experience plays in the learningprocess [1-3], as shown in Kolb’s cycle of experiential learning model in Fig. 1. And manyresearches have shown how students’ active involvement and engagement in practical work cangreatly improve their knowledge acquisition and general cognitive development [4-6]. Concrete Experience doing/having an

Conference Session

New Trends in ECE Education I

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kenneth A. Connor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Dianna Newman, University at Albany/SUNY; Kathy Ann Gullie Ph.D., Evaluation Consortium University at Albany/SUNY; Yacob Astatke, Morgan State University; Charles J. Kim, Howard University; John Okyere Attia P.E., Prairie View A&M University; Petru Andrei, Florida A&M University/Florida State University; Mandoye Ndoye, Tuskegee University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

, electronics, hand-on experiments, mobile experimentsIntroductionTeaching 21st Century students require major change in how we instill, transfer and refineknowledge and skills. Todays’ undergraduate enrollees are part of a new generation that hasbeen raised, not only socially, but educationally, on hands-on manipulatives, technology, andpush-button access. Their expectation of instant fulfillment is no longer met by traditionalmethods of teaching that emphasizes passive approaches to learning; rather, they not only expectbut, because of their prior experiences now require strategies that encompass visual stimulation,experimental/authentic learning, and community-based practices.1 Constructivist, constructionist,and action based learning theories

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Engineering Curriculum Design and Evaluation

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Paul Benjamin Crilly, U.S. Coast Guard Academy; Richard J. Hartnett P.E., U.S. Coast Guard Academy

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

assessment process as described by Colella2 and diagramed in Figure1. The assessment process shown in Figure 1 illustrates the key elements of the assessmentprocess which include (a) department review, (b) program review and (c) end of course review(EOCR). Note this process involves the stakeholders such as students, alumni, graduatingseniors, and faculty and addresses the appropriate ABET criteria. Note that this process is not Page 26.1420.2confined to a single program, but when appropriate reaches out to assist other programs anddepartments for mutual benefits. Particularly noteworthy is when the outcomes of one courseimpact another. A similar

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Engineering Problem-based and Active Learning

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tiina M. Komulainen, Oslo and Akershus University College; Christine Lindstrøm, Oslo and Akershus University College; Tengel Sandtrø, Oslo and Akershus University College

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

c American Society for Engineering Education, 2015 Development and use of an active learning classroom for a course on Dynamic Systems1 IntroductionLarge-scale reviews in physics and STEM education research have consistently found thatstudent active learning methods increase student learning outcomes and decrease drop-out rates[1, 2]. Our motivation for testing active learning methods in a technology-rich environment wasthe student association’s request for more active learning methods at our institution, and studentfeedback on course evaluations from fall 2013. The student feedback on a course in DynamicSystems in 2013 was that it was good, but that it required "solid knowledge and skills inmathematics

Conference Session

Assessment & Accreditation in ECE

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Karla Steinbrugge Fant, Portland State University; Branimir Pejcinovic, Portland State University; Phillip Wong, Portland State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

of Programming Skills in Lower- division Computer Science and Electrical Engineering CoursesMotivationIt is generally accepted that all engineering students should be able to perform someprogramming tasks. For example, ABET calls for electrical engineering (EE) curricula to include“engineering topics (including computing science) necessary to analyze and design complexelectrical and electronic devices, software, and systems containing hardware and softwarecomponents.”1 In most disciplines, programming plays a supporting role as one of the tools thatfuture engineers will need to tackle problem solving and design projects. Because it is consideredsuch a basic tool, programming is typically taught in freshman or sophomore courses

Conference Session

New Trends in ECE Education I

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ricky T. Castles, East Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

course in digital electronics is a prerequisite for themicroprocessors class, so all students who take the course in microprocessors have been exposedto number systems, combinational and sequential logic, and the concept of registers.When the course was first implemented in the Fall 2013 semester, it was designed with threeweekly 50-minute lectures and a weekly 2-hour laboratory session. The lectures were designedto introduce the theory that the students would practice in the lab each week. The QL200 trainerkit (QL200, 2016) was selected as the platform for laboratory exercises and featured a PICmicrocontroller. Depicted in Figure 1, this trainer kit features a 40-pin PIC microcontroller, anLCD panel, a 4x4 keypad, 7-segment displays, pushbutton

Conference Session

New Trends in ECE Education II

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Yacob Astatke, Morgan State University; Kenneth A Connor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Dianna Newman, University at Albany-SUNY; John Okyere Attia P.E., Prairie View A&M University; Otsebele E Nare, Hampton University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

have produced, piloted, and internally distributed 64 curriculum modules and/or labs.The purpose of this paper is to provide preliminary results of an investigation of the relationshipof learning setting and instructional use of experimental centric learning, especially for students ofcolor. Learning settings studied include: 1) traditional classrooms, 2) lab settings and 3)homework. Variations by instructional use included: 1) instructor demonstration, 2) cooperativeand 3) independent student use. Student outcomes reflect gains in: 1) pre-requisites to learning; 2)immediate short-term learning; 3) long-term and transferable outcomes and 4) selected ABETcharacteristics (importance and preparedness). Findings indicate that both setting and

Conference Session

Circuits and Systems Education 2

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Brian J Skromme, Arizona State University; Dan Robinson

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

following that some of the analysis principles actuallyneeded to solve circuit problems are often not taught explicitly, and that there is frequently afailure to address fundamental qualitative misconceptions that students hold about electricity.Considerable work has been done to study misconceptions among high school and universitystudents in physics classes related to electricity.1-9 Typical misconceptions involve treatingbatteries as current sources rather than voltage sources, believing that current is “consumed” as it Page 26.158.2travels through circuit elements, believing that no voltage can exist across an open circuit (asopposed to no

Conference Session

ECE-related Engineering Education

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mehran Mozaffari Kermani, Rochester Institute of Technology; Reza Azarderakhsh, Rochester Institute of Technology; Mehdi Mirakhorli, Rochester Institute of Technology

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

devices (IWMDs) security challenges have not been subjectof specific readings for educational purposes, to the best of authors’ knowledge. To provideselect topics and sub-topics (the list includes select items but it does not confine the approachand can be broadened) required for cryptographic engineering used for IWMDs securityresearch/teaching integration, we would like to first differentiate the materials used in embeddedsecurity courses15, 16 and the ones specific to IWMDs. Table 1 presents select topics consideredin the integration process.Because the main objective of this paper is integration of research and teaching related toIWMDs security, we exclude the topics used for education purposes only and are not the resultsof our prior

Conference Session

Interactive Panel on Improving the Experiences of Marginalized Students on Engineering Design Teams

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lorelle A Meadows, Michigan Technological University; Denise Sekaquaptewa, University of Michigan; Marie C Paretti, Virginia Tech; Alice L. Pawley, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Shawn S. Jordan, Arizona State University, Polytechnic campus; Debbie Chachra, Olin College of Engineering; Adrienne Minerick, Michigan Technological University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Design in Engineering Education, Electrical and Computer, Engineering Libraries, First-Year Programs, Liberal Education/Engineering & Society, Minorities in Engineering, Student, Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering, Women in Engineering

successful interactions and learning outcomes.1-3 One important challenge centers onthe interactions between students from groups negatively stereotyped as poor performers inengineering (e.g., women and under-represented racial minorities) and others. A body of researchin psychology indicates that students from these marginalized groups may have qualitativelydifferent group work experiences compared to others, which may contribute to their self-selection from engineering and thus their group’s under-representation in engineering fields.Recent research suggests that the negative experiences of people from marginalized groups onengineering student design teams can influence many factors that contribute to persistence andsuccess, such as development of

Conference Session

First-Year Issues in ECE Education

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carlotta A. Berry, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Daniel Chang, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Christopher Miller, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

, and projectmanagement with several milestones and demonstration checkpoints. As part of the final project,the teams were required to keep agendas, meeting minutes, and progress memos. The teams alsoperformed group processing, alternating roles, and effective decision making. The final project forFall 2015 is shown in Figure 1. The term culminated with a final projects competition where theteams used their project to compete in various game rounds. Table 1 summarizes the schedule forthe freshman design course as well as connections between the assignments and other courses orconcentrations in their discipline. Figure 1: Simon Electronic Memory Game Final Project One major change from the original version of the course was

Conference Session

Circuits & Systems Education II

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Danowitz, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; Antonio Leija, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

design costs wereroutinely reaching the tens of millions of dollars 3. Given these constraints, how can we aseducators hope to provide a meaningful SoC design experience in a 10-week quarter?This paper attempts to answer that question by detailing a 1-quarter SoC design course I pilotedin Spring quarter 2015, CPE 439 Real Time Embedded Systems. As discussed in EnablingTechnology, I based the course around a new type of technology called a Programmable SoC(PSoC). PSoCs abstract away many of the low-level design decisions and development work thatgoes into a traditional SoC bring-up, allowing students to focus on developing custom IP,connecting it to the processor through an industry standard interconnect bus, and writing driversoftware to control

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Division Poster Session

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tom Chen, Colorado State University; Anthony A. Maciejewski, Colorado State University; Branislav M. Notaros, Colorado State University; Ali Pezeshki, Colorado State University; Melissa D. Reese, Colorado State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

engineering curriculum complete the program2. At ouruniversity, we typically lose 40% of our electrical and computer engineering students during thefirst two years of their undergraduate engineering program. The attrition rate continues to trenddownward during the 3rd year of their engineering program. Figure 1 shows a snapshot of thepersistence and graduate rates of the ECE undergraduate program at our university for the 2014-2015 academic year. Graduation rates reflect the number of students who graduated each year asa percentage of the original entering cohort; and the persistence rates reflect the number ofstudents who graduated and/or enrolled each semester as a percentage of the original enteringcohort. Even though Figure 1 captures the

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Division Poster Session

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Samuel J. Dickerson, University of Pittsburgh

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

detailed overview of this newly developed course and its content is presented. Inaddition, we show how the structure of the course makes it especially well-suited to address oneof the more challenging ABET student outcomes to assess, outcomes dealing with the impact ofengineering solutions in a global and societal context. Finally, the degree to which we areachieving our desired learning objectives is evaluated using the results of student opinionsurveys and a direct assessment of student work.1. IntroductionThe arrival of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought about a world where the everyday objectswe interact with, ranging from health monitoring devices to kitchen appliances and even toys, areembedded with intelligence and the ability to

Conference Session

SDR & Programming in ECE Education

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Pong P. Chu, Cleveland State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

inputs. The Bluetooth adaptor creates awireless serial port and the Android app retrieves the desired sensor information, formats thedata into a byte stream, and transmits it via the Bluetooth link. The app development is done inthe App Inventor platform, which is based on a visual programming environment and can bequickly learned. Students can easily develop basic, functional apps and create a customized I/Omodule that can be incorporated into microcontroller, digital systems, or embedded systemsprojects.1. Introduction1.1 Motivation The input devices of a computer system are peripherals to take user command, such asswitches and keypad, and sensors to measure environmental conditions, such a barometer and anaccelerometer. In the computer

Conference Session

Assessment & Accreditation in ECE

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Stephen M. Phillips, Arizona State University; Marco Saraniti, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

engineering program has augmented this infrastructure to provide our facultymembers with additional options for recording and editing their own content. Several facultymembers have made extensive use of this infrastructure produce their own material for lecturetopics, laboratory activities and supplemental activities such as worked examples, exam reviewsand student projects. We have built a small studio with video and audio recording technologyintegrated with full editing capability. This allows the integration of animations, simulations,CAD software, web-based content and laboratory experiences into the course videos. Weproduce videos with real-time hand-annotation of dynamic power-point slides as can be seen inthe screen captures below (Figures 1

Conference Session

SDR & Programming in ECE Education

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Patrick Cutno, Miami University; Chi-Hao Cheng, Miami University; Zhiqiang Wu, Wright State University; Bin Wang, Wright State University; Deng Cao, Central State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

convolution oftwo signals using a computer program might not excite them.To solve the issues mentioned before, we would like to develop a laboratory course that helpsstudents to comprehend the fundamental theory of signal processing. The laboratory exercise forthis course needs to (1) be directly related to real-world applications (2) allow students to processcontinuous-time signals (3) allow students to start working on laboratory exercises with limitedsignal processing background and gain more insights about signal processing theory throughoutthe course. One of the major applications of signal processing is wireless communications and therapid advance of SDR, both hardware and software, significantly reduces the complexity ofbuilding a SDR project

Conference Session

First-Year Issues in ECE Education

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dennis Derickson, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; Marcel C.E. Stieber, Amazon Lab126; Stanton Chueng Wu, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

licensing strategy for Electrical Engineering students, there are four offeredmethods to complete student licensing goals. The goal of offering these four methods is to makesure that everyone is successful in obtaining their FCC license.Method 1: Students are emailed about getting their FCC amateur radio technician license in thesummer in advance of classes starting on campus. It is suggested that they might want to go to alocally-sponsored licensing event in their home community before arriving on campus if theyhave interest.Method 2: The W6BHZ amateur radio club offers a “Get Your License in a Day” workshop.This examination is scheduled on a Saturday and runs from 9AM to 4PM early in the firstquarter after students arrive on campus. The morning

Conference Session

New Trends in ECE Education II

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jenny E.G. Porch; Ryan Michael Coyne, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Lei Zhang, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Ibibia K. Dabipi, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

proposed, designed and developed bystudents as the senior design project. Students’ engagement and professional development are greatlyimproved through this process. Moreover, the project is also developed as a teaching tool for relatedcourses such as Programming Languages and Embedded Systems, and can be used as a template formany software/hardware projects for students in the future.KeywordsSocial Networking App, Education Chatting, Student Engagement, Professional Development 1. Introduction Social networking apps have penetrated every aspect of students’ daily life [1]. Theycommunicate, share experiences, follow interests in cyberspace. On the other hand, mobile appshave shown a great potential on

Conference Session

Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Digital Systems Education 2

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Daniel Raviv, Florida Atlantic University; Juan D. Ramirez, Florida Atlantic University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

designed to be used as material that supplements the learning of topics in signalprocessing.1. Introduction With the continuously growing popularity of the internet has come a new era of learningand communicating. Information is now conveyed in a more visual manner. This has trainedyoung minds to grasp concepts more effectively when presented in a way they could visualize[1]. Techniques similar to the ones discussed in this paper have been explored by otherresearchers and educators. A TED Talk was given by Tyler DeWitt, a PhD student at MIT andbiology middle school teacher, on how he was able to improve the learning experience formiddle school students [2]. DeWitt implemented a visual and intuitive approach to teaching thestudents in

Conference Session

Innovations in Communications and Wireless Systems Education

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Vuk Marojevic, Virginia Tech; Richard M. Goff, Virginia Tech Department of Engineering Education; Carl B Dietrich P.E., Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech; Taeyoung Yang, Virginia Tech; Christian W. Hearn, Weber State University; Nicholas F Polys, Virginia Tech Advanced Research Computing; R. Michael Buehrer, Virginia Tech

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

practical teaching tools andmethods for educating students as well as radio engineers and researchers about new trends inwireless communications with a focus on spectrum sharing.1 IntroductionWireless communications research is investigating how to make better use of the radio frequency(RF) spectrum. Increasing the throughput per unit bandwidth (spectral efficiency) is a popularchoice that is continuously improved and employed in practice. Reusing frequency bands oppor-tunistically (dynamic spectrum access or DSA) is still in the research phase, but is likely to makeits transition to practice in the near future based on the currently ongoing license auctions for theAWS-3 and other bands in the United States.These techniques are covered in

Conference Session

Electromagnetics & Power Education

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nurhidajat Sisworahardjo, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga; Ahmed Eltom P.E., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga; Abdul R. Ofoli, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga; Edward H. McMahon P.E., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

of Education (HCDE), and the Southeast TennesseeDevelopment District (SETDD). The holistic approach taken by the partnership addresses allaspects of workforce development: recruiting high school students into the power sector careers;training the next generation of technicians, engineers, and managers; and instructing the existingworkforce in new technologies.UTC is ideally situated for collaborations with the power industry. Situated less than a mile fromboth TVA’s operations center and from the headquarters of EPB, the local power distributorwhich was a recipient of a $112 million DOE smart grid grant 1, UTC regularly pulls from theseorganizations for adjuncts and research partners. In 2006, UTC gathered a group of leaders fromthe local

Conference Session

SDR & Programming in ECE Education

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kurt VonEhr, Grand Valley State University; William Neuson, Grand Valley State University; Bruce E. Dunne, Grand Valley State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

software is loaded to perform the necessary processingand no hardware modification is required. This approach allows for ease of adaptability, shortensdevelopment effort and greatly reduces cost and complexity. The generic architecture of an SDRsystem is shown below in Figure 1. Figure 1: General SDR ArchitectureThe advantages of using SDR in commercial applications also applies to its use in an academiclaboratory setting. Many recent papers describe the use of SDR systems for academicinstructional purposes. These include various analog and digital communications experimentsand projects3,4,5,6 based on the popular Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) platform(available from Ettus Research/National Instruments7

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

retentionrates. Then we will include descriptions of the newly designed first year engineering course, withdetailed information about our team-based projects. We will discuss both benefits and potentialpitfalls of this restructuring. Finally, retention data and trends will be discussed with someconclusions.IntroductionEngineering programs at universities and colleges across the country are faced with increasingdemands for high quality engineering graduates to meet the government’s goal of producing onemillion new STEM graduates by 2022 1. In support of this goal, the National ScienceFoundation has budgeted $135 million for 2016 to support the retention of STEM students 2 withadditional support coming at the state and university level. This recent

Conference Session

Electrical and Computer Division Poster Session

Collection

2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kenneth A. Connor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Dianna Newman, University at Albany - SUNY; Kathy Ann Gullie PhD, Evaluation Consortium University at Albany - SUNY; Yacob Astatke, Morgan State University; Mohamed F. Chouikha, Howard University; Charles J. Kim, Howard University; Otsebele E. Nare, Hampton University; John Okyere Attia P.E., Prairie View A&M University; Petru Andrei, Florida A&M University/Florida State University; Lisa D. Hobson, Prairie View A&M University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Sensor, (ii) ADXL237 Accelerometer, (iii) GT0950RP3 Speaker and ADMP504Microphone. The students are able to master the following laboratory skills: (i) read resistor valuesby using resistor color code, (ii) build electrical and electronic circuits using breadboard, (iii) useinstruments, such as arbitrary waveform generator, scope, power supply, voltmeter, networkanalyzer, and (iv) obtain Bode Plots by using a network analyzer. Two examples from the EEPracticum are shown in Figures 1 and 2. To learn basic laboratory skills and the use of LEDs, thestudents built the waveform polarity indicator circuit shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows the Bodeplot obtained from the RLC circuit by using the Network Analyzer of the Analog Discovery Board.Bode Plots