Automotive Electronics: Learning Through Real-World Problem-Based Case Studies

Abstract

Automotive electronics is a course that requires skills from multiple disciplines including, but not limited to, mechanical, control, computer science, and electronics. The course is introduced to address the needs of embedded and automotive industries, hence providing the necessary knowledge and skills required for those industries. The objective of the curriculum is to enhance learning and improve student's implementation skills. In this paper, we propose to introduce the exercises including real-world case studies and experiential learning. The major challenge of teaching this course was to teach mechanical concepts for electrical science students and to develop electronics for mechanical systems. The practical demo sessions by automobile labs gave the desired foundation for the course. The engine management concepts were taught using a very popular simulation software, AT Electronics tool, which is a combination of electronics and diagnostics. This activity gave a real feel of engine management systems to learn how complex systems work and to diagnose faults with them. The paper also discusses another major activity in the form of course projects. The course projects resulted in the application of domain knowledge and improvement of skills by using appropriate tools. In addition to these activities, all regular classes included animations and video presentations to make the concepts clearer. Special lectures by industry experts were also arranged to give the students a wide perspective of the subject. The paper discusses the impact of these activities in the form of student feedback, placement results, and participation in technical events. This experiential learning helped the students to improve comprehensive application ability and innovative consciousness.

Integrated Course projects in Automotive Electronics and RTOS

“…The reuse of components, or of subsystems, is one way to achieve this objective; which is also realized during the execution of the course project. For both the courses technical and professional outcomes of ABET are archived through this activity [3].…”