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The objective of the course project is provide you with an opportunity to apply
your newly acquired knowledge of engineering and computer software. During the project
design, you will practice using computer aided-design (CAD) methods to simulate electronic
circuits, to make mathematical calculations, and to produce drawings using AutoCAD.
Working in groups of four, you will learn how to write a technical report and how to
present it effectively in the classroom. This project will give you good experience in the
kind of work that will be required of you in the engineering program.
The following are examples of projects that you can select from for your project. You may also propose your own idea for a project. In this case, you should consult with the instructor who is teaching this part of the course. 1. Four-bit up/down counter The objective of this project is to develop a four-bit up/down counter utilizing the computer and software skills that you learned throughout the semester. PSpice software may be used to design and evaluate the circuit. The clock signal will be generated be a 555 timer configured as a clock generator. The hands-on part of the project will consist of wiring the circuit on an electronic breadboard and testing it to verify the function. AutoCAD software is to be used to document the breadboard circuit. The report should incorporate the PSpice simulation, laboratory results, AutoCAD drawing, and PCB layout. 2. Electronic key organ In the project, a 555 timer IC is used as a oscillator that generates a waveform at a specified frequency. This frequency of oscillation can be altered by introducing different capacitors into the circuit, producing different tones. PSpice software is utilized to simulate the circuit and verify the function. Laboratory work consisting of assembling the circuit on a breadboard and testing it using an oscilloscope and a loud speaker is to be completed and demonstrated. MatLab is to be used to calculate different frequencies for different capacitor values and to plot a graph that describes the capacitance-frequency relationship. AutoCAD is to be used to produce a drawing of the breadboard and the circuit with the speaker connected. The report should incorporate the circuit schematics, PSpice simulation, laboratory results, MatLab simulation, and AutoCAD drawings. 3. Data acquisition for computer-based temperature monitor In this project, students will combine analog and digital electronic design principles to simulate a computer-based temperature monitor. The project starts with temperature sensors that convert temperature into an analog voltage. This output voltage is amplified by op-amp based amplifiers that magnify the sensor's output voltage. The analog output of the op-amp is then converted to digital form by one of several methods. One simple idea covered in the lecture notes is to use a 555 timer configured as a voltage-controlled oscillator which converts the analog signal into digital pulses which can be counted using a D flip-flop counter. The count number will reflect the temperature applied to the sensor. In order to get real-time temperature monitoring, you can reset the circuit to get a new reading at different times. This can be done by using a 555 configured as one-shot circuit (monostable circuit). This project will require computer simulation for the different 555 timer and op-amp application circuits. Hardware using a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, op-amps, and 555 timers will be used in the circuits laboratory to set up the project and get measurements. Forming Project Teams In many courses, students are left to their own initiative for form laboratory teams. Students who know other students in the class often like this because it allows to work with their friends, but most students in a first year experience do not know others in the class. In this course, your instructors will help you form your laboratory teams in a way that builds value added teams. Teams will be composed on the basis of complementary experiences, grouping students based on experiences with word processing, PSpice, MatLab, and circuit assembly. |
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