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Session 2225

Teaching Electrical Engineering Design Using the Modified Decision Tree Approach

Domingo L. Uy Fort Valley State University

Abstract

This paper presents the Modified Decision Tree Approach (MDTA) for teaching design in the context of Electrical Engineering. The salient feature of this method is that it facilitates the generation of alternative courses of actions, such that one can easily see the big picture, and at the same time putting the design in proper context. The method is illustrated by designing a simple one-stage transistor amplifier circuit. Using this method, one can easily obtain a very large number (in the thousands) of possible design structures or concepts. One can then "prune” the tree and select the “best” possible design structure. This method can also be applied to other fields of engineering.

1. Introduction

In recent years, teaching engineering design is getting more attention in engineering education. This is due to the ABET Engineering Criteria 2000 initiatives, which have changed the way instructors delivered their courses. In electrical engineering, ABET requires that all electrical engineering courses integrate design throughout the curriculum, and now there is also a need to demonstrate outcome assessment, and to check whether a program achieved its stated missions and objectives.

This paper presents a method for improving the way we teach engineering design. The name of this method is called the Modified Decision Tree Approach (MDTA). This method can provide a systematic framework for generating alternatives, by looking at a design problem in the broadest perspective possible and limited only by one’s own knowledge and imagination. By using this method, one can see the big picture and the context of the design. The method can be very useful in showing how to design real-world problems.

This paper is organized as follows:

• Section 2 gives the overview of an engineering design process. This sets the stage for the introduction of the Modified Decision Tree Approach (MDTA); • Section 3 gives a brief review of the Decision Tree Approach (DTA), and this helps

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Uy, D. L. (2000, June), Teaching Electrical Engineering Design Using The Modified Decision Tree Approach Paper presented at 2000 Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. 10.18260/1-2--8744