Design is introduced in the sophomore year. Digital design courses introduce the formulation of design problems and the use of computer aided design tools. During the junior year, students refine these design elements while studying digital filter design, electronics, and the design of hardware to interface with imbedded microprocessors. Students also participate in modest group design projects. During the senior year, students begin a systematic study of the design process and apply the design skills developed in earlier courses to an interdisciplinary capstone project which requires the consideration of realistic constraints, formal project management, the building and testing of a design prototype and thorough documentation.
Significant emphasis is placed on the testing of circuits and systems in the laboratory.
The following laboratory facilities are supported by the department. The electric circuits laboratory serves for basic instruction in electrical circuits concepts and the use of instruments. The electronics and power laboratory supports intermediate level work in digital and analog systems. This large facility also includes equipment for rotating machines, power electronics and power systems. The digital signal processing laboratory is used to study digital filtering systems.