A learning approach to circuitry problems using MATLAB and PSPICE

Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering, EECE 200, is a required course for all first year students majoring either in Computer and Communications Engineering (CCE) or in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of the American University of Beirut (AUB). The objectives of this course are to introduce CCE and ECE students to the various fields in electrical and computer engineering and to the basic computer tools and laboratory instruments, in addition to giving them the opportunity to participate in a group engineering project early in their studies. This paper outlines one of the experiments in which, an inventive approach is outlined where several engineering software tools are introduced in a lab experiment with an objective of illustrating the technical computing environment such as PSPICE and MATLAB. They can be used to integrate computation, visualization, and programming environment in solving circuitry problems. Students' feedback is solicited in addition to faculty members teaching introductory courses in circuits, electronics and systems. Feedbacks received from all is analyzed and reported.

[1]  S.D. Terzieva,et al.  Course Project in Theoretical Foundations of Electrical Engineering — Clear and Easy with PSpice and MATLAB , 2005, EUROCON 2005 - The International Conference on "Computer as a Tool".

[2]  M.H. Rashid,et al.  Power electronics laboratory using PSpice , 1996, Technology-Based Re-Engineering Engineering Education Proceedings of Frontiers in Education FIE'96 26th Annual Conference.

[3]  Shuhui Li,et al.  Applying IT tools to a laboratory course for measurement, analysis, and design of electric and electronic circuits , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Education.

[4]  Mengmeng Zhang,et al.  An alternative teaching method in second-order circuit by computer-assisted instruction , 2009, 2009 4th International Conference on Computer Science & Education.

[5]  Asad Azemi,et al.  PSpice and MATLAB in undergraduate and graduate electrical engineering courses , 1994, Proceedings of 1994 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference - FIE '94.

[6]  M. McKinney.  Using PSpice Behavior Modeling to Teach Communications Topics , 2006, Proceedings. Frontiers in Education. 36th Annual Conference.

[7]  D. W. Hart,et al.  Circuit simulation as an aid in teaching the principles of power electronics , 1993 .

[8]  Mark I. Montrose.  Signal Integrity and Crosstalk , 1999 .

[9]  Clayton R. Paul.  Transmission Lines in Digital Systems for EMC Practitioners , 2011 .

[10]  B. Zoghi,et al.  Voltage maps simplify electric circuit analysis , 1994, Proceedings of SOUTHEASTCON '94.

[11]  D. Y. Northam.  Introducing computer tools into a first course in electrical engineering , 1995 .

[12]  Qunjing Wang,et al.  Application of MATLAB/SIMULINK and PSPICE simulation in teaching power electronics and electric drive system , 2005, 2005 International Conference on Electrical Machines and Systems.

[13]  Michael Giesselmann.  Using PSpice 8.0 to teach digital logic , 1999 .

[14]  I. Batarseh,et al.  Undergraduate education in power electronics , 1994, Conference Record Southcon.

[15]  Issa Batarseh.  Course and laboratory instructions in power electronics , 1994, Proceedings of 1994 Power Electronics Specialist Conference - PESC'94.

[16]  L. T. Pillage.  An early introduction to circuit simulation techniques , 1993 .

[17]  David R. Loker,et al.  Introducing 9-12 grade students to electrical engineering technology through hands-on laboratory experiences , 2001, 31st Annual Frontiers in Education Conference. Impact on Engineering and Science Education. Conference Proceedings (Cat. No.01CH37193).