Combining Digital with Analog Circuits in a Core Course for a Multidisciplinary Engineering Curriculum

Abstract

College where he has taught since 1993. Over the past 20+ years, he has become known for his work with students on an eclectic mix of practical, hands-on projects involving such things as electric vehicles, aircraft, vehicles for use in developing countries, and methods of finding and removing antipersonnel land mines. Dr. Pratt is a co-founder of the Collaboratory for Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research. He and his wife of 30+ years have two grown children and three grandchildren. An avid pilot and builder, he enjoys flying over the beautiful farms and forests of the Cumberland Valley.c American Society for Engineering Education, 2015 Page 26.362.1 Combining Digital with Analog Circuits in a Core Course for a Multidisciplinary Engineering CurriculumA multidisciplinary engineering curriculum requires certain core courses to provide students with the content they will need to be successful in subsequent coursework, projects and beyond. Circuit Analysis, a common core course, has traditionally emphasized the analog side, leaving digital circuits for electrical or computer specializations. While a number of recent papers [3][4][5][6][7][8] address improved methods of instruction for Circuit Analysis, strategic ordering of topics and selection of content also makes a difference in preparing students for the curriculum as a whole.With the growing infusion of digital technology in contemporary practice, we believe students in all engineering disciplines should have exposure to digital theory, at least at a basic level. Thus, at Messiah College, we have formed a new Circuits I core course combining introductory analog and digital circuit theory. Accordingly, we replaced our Circuit Analysis and Digital Electronics courses with a new Circuits 1, 2 sequence. While the Circuits 2 course takes up more advanced topics required for electrical and computer specializations, the Circuits 1 course covers basic analog and digital theory, including both discrete circuits and selected integrated circuit devices, working knowledge of which is required for competency in all engineering disciplines. Such competency allows multidisciplinary teams to work together more effectively, when deciding how to implement circuit functionality, make digital measurements, analyze and share digitized data, and plan the flow of information through newly designed systems. This paper provides details on course content division, textbook selection, lecture and lab adjustments, student reaction and other lessons learned, for the benefit of those who wish to try this approach. I. IntroductionA course on electric circuits has long been one of the core courses in a traditional engineering curriculum, providing a basic foundation for students specializing in a variety of disciplines. A typical first semester engineering course on electric circuits such as Circuit Analysis emphasizes linear, discrete elements such as the voltage and/or current source, resistor (R), capacitor (C) and inductor (L), focusing on how to find simplified equivalent circu...

Circuits for a Multidisciplinary Engineering Student Mix

“…As a core requirement, our Circuits I course has thus seen a range of these disciplines over the years. A previous paper [1] addressed the benefits of combining digital with analog circuits in a onesemester Circuits I course, so students in disciplines other than electrical and computer can get a fuller exposure to contemporary electronic techniques they are likely to encounter, at the basic level. This hybridized analog/digital approach to Circuits I has been well received but requires a custom text to treat the subject in the non-traditional way, a Circuits II course to follow up on the more advanced analog and digital topics electrical and computer students need to know, and a well-coordinated lab.…”