Conference Session

Active Learning in ECE

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ramakrishnan Sundaram, Gannon University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

c American Society for Engineering Education, 2014 Engineering Project Platform for Electrical and Computer Engineering Curriculum IntegrationIntroductionThis paper discusses how engineering projects developed on a centralized engineering projectplatform can integrate the undergraduate Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) coursesacross four-year ABET-accredited programs. This integration is viewed as an essential step toproduce engineering graduates with skills that make them competitive in the global workforce.Typically, the courses in the ECE curriculum are taught as discrete units in relative isolation ofeach other. This approach does not effectively deliver the critical-thinking competencies

Conference Session

Projects in ECE

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Hoe, The University of Texas at Tyler

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

their initials in this paper.Student IO had spent the previous summer (2012) as a research intern at MIT, where he hadinvestigated the design of a key arithmetic circuit for the sparse fast Fourier Transform (sFFT) Page 24.1023.5implemented on an integrated circuit and an FPGA. Recent research has demonstrated that forsignals with a sparse frequency spectrum, their Fourier Transform can be efficiently calculatedwith significant speedup over the traditional FFT in most cases.8 The basic idea is to be able tocapture the Fourier coefficients with the largest values while ignoring the ones with minimalvalues. As student IO had expressed interest

Conference Session

Projects in ECE

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Wookwon Lee, Gannon University; Nicholas B. Conklin, Gannon University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

paper describes an undergraduate research project that has recently completed a two-yearcycle for design, testing, integration, and revision of a near-space ballooning payload. Referredto as the High-altitude Radiation Detector (HARD), the scientific objectives of the payload wereto measure the “east‐west” asymmetry in cosmic-ray arrival direction at varying altitudesbetween the Earth’s surface and near space, as well as to study how the intensity of cosmic rayschanges with altitude, including a high‐quality, long‐exposure measurement at balloon-floataltitudes. Correspondingly, the technical objectives were the implementation and successfuloperation of various electronic instruments to detect cosmic rays and collect data for thescientific

Conference Session

ECE Program Development

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

W. Timothy Holman, Vanderbilt University; Brian David Sierawski, Vanderbilt University; Robert Reed, Vanderbilt University; Robert A. Weller, Vanderbilt University; Andrew L. Sternberg, Vanderbilt University; Rebekah Austin, Vanderbilt University; Daniel M. Fleetwood, Vanderbilt University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

enjoyed the competitive aspect of the module, the robot kits did notallow for any significant hardware/software co-design or customization, which is integral tomodern EE systems and applications. In addition, the robot kit module was a standaloneexperience with no direct follow-up in our core EE curriculum until the senior year.In the new EE module, students prototype portions of a small satellite using an Arduinodevelopment board as an electronics platform. The Arduino Uno board and its associated shields(printed circuit boards that extend the capabilities of the Arduino) are well-suited to the sizeconstraints encountered in small satellite design. The extensibility of the platform and the well-supported development environment make a variety of

Conference Session

Innovations in Electrical Engineering Courses

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nicole P. Pitterson, Purdue University; Ruth A. Streveler, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

on concrete tasks and concepts which the abstract nature of AC circuits does not easilycomply with. As a result, improper instructional approaches to complex concepts such as ACcircuits causes deep rooted misconceptions when students attempt to assimilate the newknowledge of AC circuits with their current DC circuits framework. In order to increase studentsunderstanding of AC concepts, a new approach to instruction and course delivery is required inwhich AC circuits are taught as an entirely new concept while appealing to students’ inductiveand deductive reasoning ability.Model for curriculum redesignThis five step model being suggested for the use of redesigning the curriculum to increasestudents’ understanding and retention of AC circuit

Conference Session

Innovations in Electrical Engineering Courses

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ron J. Pieper, University of Texas, Tyler; Wudyalew T. Wondmagegn, Frostburg State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Paper ID #9393Introducing Angular Plane Wave Spectrum Concepts and Applications in anUndergraduate Communications CourseDr. Ron J. Pieper, University of Texas, Tyler Dr. Ron J. Pieper is currently an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Texas at Tyler. He received his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Iowa in 1984. He is a senior member of both the IEEE and the Optical Society of America. His research interests include optical engineering and solid state devices.Dr. Wudyalew T. Wondmagegn, Frostburg State University, Frostburg MD 21532

Conference Session

ECE Program Development

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert A. Strangeway, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Stephen M. Williams P.E., Milwaukee School of Engineering; Edward W. Chandler P.E., Milwaukee School of Engineering; Richard W. Kelnhofer, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Owe G. Petersen, Milwaukee School of Engineering

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

theory.Dr. Owe G. Petersen, Milwaukee School of Engineering Dr. Petersen is Assistant VP of Institutional Research and Assessment, Professor Emeritus and former Department Chair of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). He is a former Member Technical Staff at AT&T Bell Laboratories and received his Ph.D. de- gree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1971. His technical work ranges over topics such as Optical Data Links, Integrated Circuit Technology, RF semiconductor components, and semiconductor compo- nent reliable. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and an ABET EAC program evaluator in Electrical Engineering

Conference Session

Assessment of Learning in ECE

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mohammed Taqiuddin Taher, DeVry University, Addison; Ahmed S. Khan, DeVry University, DuPage

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

-on labs remain tremendously importantin the technology curriculum, which is based on Dewey’s experiential learning theory. The basicpremise of this theory is that students learn as a result of doing or experiencing things in theworld, and learning occurs when mental activity is suffused with physical activity. 3 Theprofessional success of a technologist is directly related to her/his ability to transfer knowledgegained in the academic environment to real-world situations. Acquisition of manipulative skillsis only possible through the use of real instruments and real experimental data. Therefore, toenhance student learning, the technology curriculum must integrate the effective characteristicsof both computer simulations and hands-on lab

Conference Session

Assessment of Learning in ECE

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Wayne Lu, University of Portland

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Paper ID #8962Using Case Study Research as an Active Learning Tool for Demonstrating theAbility to Function on Multidisciplinary TeamsDr. Wayne Lu, University of Portland Wayne Lu received his B.S.E.E. degree from Chung-Cheng Institute of Technology, Tauyuan, Taiwan in 1973 and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma in 1981 and 1989, respectively. He is a member of IEEE and ASEE. He has been a faculty at the University of Portland since 1988 and currently an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering. His areas of interest include embedded systems design, digital

Conference Session

Improvements in ECE Signals and Systems

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mario Simoni, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Farrah Fayyaz, Purdue University; Ruth Streveler, Purdue University, West Lafayette

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

, 2014 Analysis of historical student performance data in an introductory continuous time signals and systems classI. IntroductionIt is a widespread and common occurrence that students experience a high-level of difficultywith the introductory continuous-time signals and systems (CTSS) course in an undergraduateelectrical and computer engineering (ECE) curriculum. While the experience is common, thereis not much quantitative data that verifies and describes the challenges to learning that studentsface. As a result, instructors are forced to wonder if the problem is due to insufficient studentpreparation and effort or if there is some pedagogical change that will solve the problem.Engineering educators have devoted

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

students[13, 15, 16]. Yet the paperspresenting how to develop ECE curriculum concentrated renewable energy lab activities are hardto find. Therefore, we took the approach to develop our own lab activities to match with thelecture content while try to utilize the existing lab equipment as much as we could. The labactivities were developed gradually throughout the years while the course was offering. Thestudents enrolled in this course have been contributing to the design, purchasing and fabricatinglab test benches as well.The lab activities are integrated parts of the course that focuses on “how to integrate differenttypes of renewable energy into electric power system and the impact on the electric powersystem. The course also stresses the

Conference Session

Flipping ECE Courses

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jia-Ling Lin, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; Paul Imbertson, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; Tamara J. Moore, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

secondary and post-secondary education.Prof. Paul Imbertson, University of Minnesota, Twin CitiesDr. Tamara J Moore, Purdue University Tamara J. Moore, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Engineering Education at Purdue University. Dr. Moore’s research is centered on the integration of STEM concepts in K-12 and higher education mathe- matics, science, and engineering classrooms in order to help students make connections among the STEM disciplines and achieve deep understanding. Her research agenda focuses on defining STEM integration and investigating its power for student learning. She is creating and testing innovative, interdisciplinary curricular approaches that engage students in developing models of real world problems

Conference Session

Projects in ECE

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Vignesh Subbian, University of Cincinnati; Carla C. Purdy, University of Cincinnati; Fred Richard Beyette Jr., University of Cincinnati

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

same topic. This iscontrary to a typical conference event where selected speakers/experts are invited to present in astructured track format, hence the name, unconference. Professional societies in technology andengineering fields generally conduct an unconference in their annual meetings to receive“holistic” views on problems in the field in order to develop research questions and grandchallenges. The concept of unconference motivated us to develop an active-learning techniquecalled UnLecture, to integrate real-world experiences into engineering classrooms.Undergraduate engineering students at the University of Cincinnati (UC) are required toparticipate in a mandatory cooperative education (co-op) program in which students supplementtheir

Conference Session

STEM and ECE

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Khosrow Ghadiri, San Jose State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

, afinal exam was created and graded by a faculty member who was not teaching the course. Theface-to-face class covered the traditional EE098 SJSU curriculum (shown in the smaller whitecircle) while the blended class covered the MIT curriculum (shown in white and gray circles)which included nonlinear devices, diodes, MOSFET transistors, both large and small signalanalysis, digital gates and signal integrity as shown in Figure 1.The passage rate was 93% between the students that participated in on cloud and in classactivities and took the finals. Six students out of 80 students withdrew or did not participate inclass or on cloud activities. Binary Signal

Conference Session

Innovations in Computer Engineering Courses

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joseph P Hoffbeck, University of Portland

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Paper ID #8459Using Practical Examples in Teaching Digital Logic DesignDr. Joseph P Hoffbeck, University of Portland Joseph P. Hoffbeck is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon. He has a Ph.D. from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. He previously worked with digital cell phone systems at Lucent Technologies (formerly AT&T Bell Labs) in Whippany, New Jersey. His technical interests include communication systems, digital signal processing, and remote sensing

Conference Session

New ECE Courses

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Constance D. Hendrix, USAF Academy; Danial J. Neebel PE, US Air Force Academy; Ryan Jay Silva, U.S. Air Force Academy

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Engineering? A Qualitative, Longitudinal Investigation of Students' Motivational Values," Journal of Engineering Education, vol. 99, no. 4, pp. 289-303, 2010.[2] A. Wigfield and J. S. Eccles, "Expectancy-Value Theory of Achievement Motivation," Contemporary Educational Psychology, vol. 25, pp. 68-81, 2000.[3] W. A. Friess and M. P. Davis, "Development, implementation and assessment of a common first year end-of- semester engineering design project in an integrated curriculum," in Frontiers in Education, Oklahoma City, 2013.[4] C.-U. Lei, H. K.-H. So, E. Y. Lam, K. K.-Y. Wong, R. Y.-K. Kwok and C. K. Y. Chan, "Teaching Introductory Electrical Engineering: Project-Based Learning Experience," in IEEE International Conference on

Conference Session

Improvements in ECE Signals and Systems

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Anusha Sathyanarayanan Rao, Vanderbilt University; Jing Fan, Vanderbilt University; Cynthia J. Brame, Vanderbilt University; Bennett Allan Landman, Vanderbilt University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

and analyses of continuous anddiscrete time signals and LTI systems. New concepts such as convolution, LTI system theory,sampling, Fourier analysis and, Laplace and Z transforms are presented through lectures andproblem-solving sessions. Students can exhibit inabilities to apply the following learning skillsrequired in this course - (a) integration of their prior knowledge of calculus and complexnumbers to develop a strong mathematical foundation of these concepts with a thoroughunderstanding of the computational procedures involved, (b) graphical interpretation of themathematical basis of these concepts to understand their physical meaning and hierarchicalrelevance in the course curriculum and, (c) successful application of these concepts

Conference Session

Innovations in Computer Engineering Courses

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bill D Carroll P.E., University of Texas, Arlington; Shawn N Gieser, University Of Texas At Arlington; David Levine, University of Texas, Arlington

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Random Access MemorySchematic capture and logic simulation Introduction to VerilogSwitches and displays Programmable logic devicesThe project is partitioned in to modules corresponding to functional components of the CPU.Each module was designed in lecture and/or in lab. More details on this are provided in a laterparagraph. Altera’s Quartus II design software9,10,11 was used to capture and simulate all moduledesigns. Some of the simpler modules were implemented using small and medium scaleintegrated circuits on solder-less breadboards. The more complex modules were implementedusing an Altera Cyclone II FPGA on a DE1 development board12. Completed modules weresubsequently integrated hierarchically to

Conference Session

Active Learning in ECE

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John W. Dyer, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Oklahoma; David Sandmann MSEE, University of Oklahoma; Chad Eric Davis P.E., University of Oklahoma

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

purposes3. Engineering students undergo a rigorous curriculum that develops thebasic theory of sensor and instrumentation technology, but are less exposed to theimplementation and application aspect. More recently, incorporating hands-on techniques intolecture classes has gained broad acceptance as a means to enhance retention of key concepts4,5.Although senior capstone classes for a given engineering discipline are geared towarddeveloping a student’s ability to synthesize theory into an engineering design, the methods ofinstrumentation and data acquisition often make project implementation less than satisfactory.Electrical Engineering programs generally require a course in Signals and Systems that coversthe theory of mathematically solving the

Conference Session

Assessment of Learning in ECE

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alexander Ganago, University of Michigan; Sudarshan Sivaramakrishnan, University of Michigan; Robert Matthew DeMonbrun, University of Michigan

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

extrinsic motivation is known as identified regulation. In this form, individuals begin to viewa task as personally important to their goals, but these goals might still be extrinsically motivated(i.e. I have to make a certain grade to boost my GPA because this is how future employers mightview my potential success). Finally, integrated regulation arises when projects or task come intoagreement with an individual’s values or needs. Although this form of extrinsic motivation mayappear to be intrinsic in nature, Ryan and Deci note that, “actions characterized by integrated Page 24.430.10motivation share many qualities with intrinsic motivation

Conference Session

STEM and ECE

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kundan Nepal, University of St. Thomas; Andrew Tubesing, University of St. Thomas

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

, Technology and Mathematics portion of STEM have been well covered in K-12education for a number of years. With the adoption of Engineering into the Science Standards inthe state of Minnesota, the number of schools that actively offer engineering either as an instituteor embedded throughout their K-12 science, math and arts curriculum is increasing1. To betterequip in-service and pre-service teachers to handle the needs of the engineering curriculum, theUniversity of St. Thomas offers a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Education through itsCenter for Engineering Education. As a part of the certificate, in-service teachers go through aseries of courses that expose them to the fundamentals of the engineering discipline, theengineering design process

Conference Session

Improvements in ECE Signals and Systems

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Cory J. Prust, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Steven Holland, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Richard W. Kelnhofer, Milwaukee School of Engineering

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

the benefits of a studio pedagogical model, provide details regardingthe intended course structure, and discuss a series of studio projects to be completed by students.Mobile Studio Design PedagogyThe studio design model is a central part of the curriculum for architectural programs, where it isused to foster creativity and develop a student’s understanding of the design process. The studiodesign model also assists students by integrating other issues such as societal impact and legalrequirements into the design process. Because the design process is core to engineering, studiodesign principles are increasingly being used in engineering curriculums8.Features of the design studio include project based assignments (studio projects) that

Conference Session

STEM and ECE

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jose Marcio Luna, University of New Mexico; Timothy L Schroeder, University of New Mexico; Gregory L. Heileman, University of New Mexico; Chaouki T Abdallah, The University of New Mexico ; Jorge Crichigno, Northern New Mexico College; Ivan Lopez Hurtado, Northern New Mexico College; Alfredo J. Perez, Northern New Mexico College

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

1995, the ECE Department Distinguished Teacher Award in 2000. He held ECE’s Gardner Zemke Professorship from 2005-08. He was the recipient of ECE’s Lawton-Ellis Award for combined excellence in teaching, research, and student/community involvement in 2001 and again 2009. In 2009 he was also awarded the IEEE Albuquerque Section Outstanding Educator Award. From 2005- 2011 he served as Associate Chair (Director of Undergraduate Programs), and led the department through two ABET accreditation visits. In 2011 he became an ABET program evaluator. Since 2011 he has served as the Associate Provost for Curriculum at the University of New Mexico. During 1998 he held a research fellowship at the Universidad Carlos III de

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

machines. The graduates expect to find a job inelectrical power industry and related areas.In China, the electrical engineering curriculum is focused on basic applied math and fundamentalengineering sciences. The educational objective is to produce graduates who master solidfundamental engineering theory and are capable of adapting to new technology easily. It is left tothe industry to provide the newly hired graduates with trainings on specialized topics. In U.S.,electrical engineering curriculum in general adopts a broad educational approach with science,technology, and humanities. Software tools and computer applications are integrated into thecurriculum. As the result, U.S. electrical engineering graduates have broader spectrum of

Conference Session

ECE Program Development

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Brandon M. Grainger, University of Pittsburgh; Gregory F. Reed, University of Pittsburgh

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

, teaching activities, and related pursuits include advanced electric power and energy generation, transmis- sion, and distribution system technologies; power electronics and control technologies (FACTS, HVDC, and MVDC systems); renewable energy systems and integration; smart grid technologies and applica- tions; and energy storage. Dr. Reed has over 27 years of combined industry and academic experience in the electric power and energy sector, including engineering, research & development, and executive man- agement positions throughout his career with the Consolidated Edison of New York, ABB Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., and DNV-KEMA. He is an active member of the IEEE Power & Energy Society and the American

Conference Session

Flipping ECE Courses

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kenneth A. Connor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Dianna L. Newman, University at Albany/SUNY; Meghan Morris Deyoe, University at Albany, SUNY

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

places as Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Universities of Texas and Wisconsin in the U.S., Kyoto and Nagoya Universities in Japan, the Ioffe Institute in Russia, and Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology in Ukraine. He was ECSE Department Head from 2001 to 2008 and served on the board of the ECE Department Heads Association from 2003 to 2008. He is presently the Education Director for the SMART LIGHTING NSF ERC.Dr. Dianna L. Newman, University at Albany/SUNY Dr. Dianna Newman is Research Professor and Director of the Evaluation Consortium at the University at Albany/SUNY. Her major areas of study are program evaluation with an emphasis in STEM related programs. She has numerous chapters, articles, and

Conference Session

Flipping ECE Courses

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Micah Stickel, University of Toronto

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Page 24.1160.2IntroductionFor a number of years now, engineering instructors throughout the world have begun toexperiment with the notion of a “flipped” or “inverted” classroom. This teaching approachencourages students to gain the required base knowledge of a concept prior to class through short“mini-lecture” videos or other preparatory exercises. The great potential for this approach is thatit provides instructors with the opportunity to reimagine and redesign the in-class experience tocreate a more active learning environment.Recently, this approach was applied to the teaching of an electric and magnetic fields course aspart of the second-year electrical and computer engineering curriculum at the University ofToronto, which is a large

Conference Session

ECE Distance Education

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bonnie H. Ferri, Georgia Institute of Technology; David Michael Majerich, Century for 21st Century Universities; Nathan VerDon Parrish, Georgia Institute of Technology; Aldo A. Ferri, Georgia Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Al Ferri received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University in 1981 and his PhD degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University in 1985. Since 1985, he has been a faculty member in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech, where he now serves as the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies. His research areas are in the fields of dynamics, controls, vibrations, and acoustics. He is also active in course and curriculum development. He is a Fellow of the ASME. Page 24.1304.1 c American Society for Engineering Education

Conference Session

ECE Distance Education

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Susan C. Schneider, Marquette University; James E. Richie, Marquette University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Paper ID #8664Development of On-Line Lecture and Preparation Resources for ElectricalEngineering Laboratory CoursesDr. Susan C. Schneider, Marquette University Susan Schneider is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI. She is also the Director of Undergraduate Laboratories for the Electrical Engineering program. Dr. Schneider is a member of ASEE, the IEEE, Sigma Xi and Eta Kappa Nu.Dr. James E. Richie, Marquette University James Richie received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1988. He is presently associate professor