Prasad, K. (2016, June), Innovations in Engineering Education through Integration of Physics  Paper presented at 2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, New Orleans, Louisiana. 10.18260/p.25713

\bibitem{asee_peer_25713}
  Prasad, K. (2016, June), \emph{Innovations in Engineering Education through Integration of Physics}
  Paper presented at 2016 ASEE Annual Conference \& Exposition, New Orleans, Louisiana.
  10.18260/p.25713

Kanti Prasad.  "Innovations in Engineering Education through Integration of Physics".  2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2016, June.  ASEE Conferences, 2016.  https://peer.asee.org/25713 Internet.  29 Jun, 2024

\bibitem{asee_peer_25713}
  Kanti Prasad.
  "Innovations in Engineering Education through Integration of Physics".
  \emph{2016 ASEE Annual Conference \& Exposition, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2016, June}.
  ASEE Conferences, 2016.
  https://peer.asee.org/25713 Internet.  29 Jun, 2024

@INPROCEEDINGS{asee_peer_25713
author = "Kanti Prasad"
title = "Innovations in Engineering Education through Integration of Physics"
booktitle = "2016 ASEE Annual Conference \& Exposition"
year = "2016"
month = "June"
address = "New Orleans, Louisiana"
publisher = "ASEE Conferences"
note = {https://peer.asee.org/25713}
number = {10.18260/p.25713}
}

TY  - CPAPER
AB  - Innovations in Engineering Education Through Integration of Physics

Kanti Prasad Ph.D.; P.E.; F.ASEE
Professor/Founding Director  Microelectronics/VLSI Technology
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department University of Massachusetts Lowell
Kanti_Prasad@uml.edu


Abstract:
We are already in the age of information technology revolution. This not only incorporates traditional engineering but all aspects of power of Internet also, culminating into a variety of state-of-art technologies. It is the sublime duty of engineering educators to integrate these technologies into their curriculum as a prime requirement. The class room instructions must prepare the students not only to meet the challenges of the revolution but must enable them to cope with the challenges presented because of perpetual enhancements in technologies. 
Presentation of advanced technologies through innovate teaching is of prime importance, but the most important is the comprehension of these technologies by the students. How to accomplish this goal is of paramount importance? My teaching experience of 30+ years at the state-of-art technologies has convinced me that no new information can become knowledge until it is yoked (yoga) with the existing data base of the students. The best method to accomplish this is that educator must integrate physics in the state-of-art technologies. We must make sure that we continually connect higher with the lower knowledge to make them wise else they will be otherwise.  I repeat this mantra in all my classes so that no student of mine remains in ‘otherwise’ category.
Presentation of advanced technologies in class room is of prime importance. In order to demonstrate it, I would like to recite a number of Hi-Tech courses; I am involved in teaching and research at the moment. 
For the last 10 years, I along with my Ph.D. students have forged collaboration with Analog Devices in designing MEMS (micro-electro mechanical systems) and testing them deploying ESA (electro static actuation) developed as a result of the collaboration, replacing traditional shaker based test methodologies. In the class room however I found explaining this fascinating technology through describing that 
F=ma for mechanical engineers whereas, 
F= q  for electrical engineers. 
In essence design of MEMS sensors is based on application of mechanical force, and converting it into voltage developed across a capacitor in zepto farads  (10-21farads) with one plate fixed and another one flexible which is the basis of designing an accelerometer, primarily used in automobiles. 
The design of gyroscope is based on accurate measurements of coriolis force ‘Fc’
  and is proportional to velocity of the resonator. The development of algorithm for testing gyroscopes is under investigations under this collaboration.
For the last 15 years, I along with my Ph.D. students have forged another collaboration with Skyworks Solutions in designing ASIC chips and improving the yield and reliability of Advanced Processing Technologies. Class room instructions in VLSI chip design include maximizing the number of transistor’s on the die, optimizing the speed along with minimizing the power dissipation of the chip. Once again fundamentals incorporated in this course are hypothesis and theorems of Boolean algebra layout and placement etc. Inclusion of simple formula of physics such as power dissipation   are pretty effective.
In the VLSI Fabrication course, the incorporation of physics in carrying out diffusion, oxidation, ion implantation and MTBF (mean time between failure) analysis, fundamentals employed are worth mentioning: 

Flick’s Law for Diffusion


 


 


Deal and Groves’s model for oxidation

 

Ion Implantation

 

and

 
 

 

and

 


Once again it demonstrates the emphasis is on integrating physics in most advanced processing techniques along with simulation and testing. 
	I am also involved in the team of workforce development of the region for enhancing the capability in RF domain. This is being accomplished through a MMIC Design and Fabrication course along with other relevant courses. In the MMIC course, I establish a connection between S-parameters for microwaves and the A, B, C, D parameters of the circuit theory. The objective of the course is to design low noise broad band and high power stable amplifiers resulting in maximum gain with the lowest noise margin feasible.  Once again it is based on physics principles such as:

S-parameters of the transistors and their input and output matching networks 

 

 

The fabrication aspect involves a number of Advanced Etching and Dry Stripping Techniques employing a variety of plazma Techniques based on sound physics.
	I am convinced however, that innovations in engineering education must be carried out in all disciplines of engineering through integration of physics along with state-of-art technologies for the readiness of the work force development nationally as well as internationally to meet the challenges of emerging technologies of the 21st century. 


AU  - Kanti Prasad
CY  - New Orleans, Louisiana
DA  - 2016/06/26
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - Innovations in Engineering Education through Integration of Physics
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/25713
DO  - 10.18260/p.25713
ER  -