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Session 1320

Enhancing the Comprehension of Signal Processing Principles using Audio Exercises with MATLAB*

J.W. Pierre, R.F. Kubichek, and J.C. Hamann

Department of Electrical Engineering University of Wyoming Laramie, WY 82071, USA

Abstract

Courses in digital signal processing (DSP) and linear systems are frequently viewed by students as abstract and impractical due to heavy emphasis on mathematical models. Unlike more physical topics such as electronics and microprocessors, hands-on experiences are difficult to achieve using standard "pencil and paper" homework assignments. Such courses can benefit greatly by applying a variety of teaching styles to help a wider range of students who have different learning styles. In particular, DSP courses can be made less abstract by employing homework exercises and classroom demonstrations that employ multimedia technologies. This paper describes a number of audio signal processing homework exercises used to reinforce concepts of signal processing. These exercises include some fundamental concepts of DSP (quantization, aliasing, Fourier analysis, and filtering) and more advanced areas (sampling rate conversion, LCMV filtering, adaptive filtering, and speech processing). All these exercises use the signal processing and audio capabilities of MATLAB. A web page for these homework exercises is being developed at wwweng.uwyo.edu/electrical/dsp_audio.

I. Introduction

Despite the instructor's best efforts, many students complete required signals and systems classes feeling that the field has little or no practical application. This is not unlike typical student reaction to electromagnetics courses where triple integrals and vector mathematics often obscure its fundamental importance. In contrast to student perceptions, signal processing technology is extensively used in a wide variety of applications including communications, control, and is especially predominant in modern consumer electronics. Getting the student to make the connection between the abstract mathematics and these real-world applications is critical in helping them learn and retain this information.

One approach to this problem begins by making classroom lectures address different learning styles. Some excellent work in the engineering education literature6 discusses different ___________________________ *This research was partially supported by a grant from the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) at the University of Wyoming.

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Pierre, J. W., & Kubichek, R. F., & Hamann, J. (1999, June), Enhancing The Comprehension Of Signal Processing Principles Using Audio Exercises With Matlab Paper presented at 1999 Annual Conference, Charlotte, North Carolina. 10.18260/1-2--7644