Using Monte Carlo simulations to introduce tolerance design to undergraduates

The effect of parameter variations on engineering systems is often neglected in undergraduate electrical engineering education. This paper proposes using Monte Carlo simulation to introduce students to tolerance design in the required electronics course where students perform designs using real electronic components. Monte Carlo simulation requires very little statistical background for the student and many software packages have built-in random number generators or even Monte Carlo simulation options. As a result, tolerance design is easily introduced to students in a short time frame. This paper discusses methods of introducing Monte Carlo simulations to the students in less than one hour of lecture. Example laboratory exercises and homework problems are described.