A design laboratory in electrical and computer engineering for freshmen

ECE 110, Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering, is a new laboratory course for freshmen. Unlike most freshman engineering courses, ECE 110 provides substantial design and problem solving experiences with electronic devices and electrical systems. To convey fundamental concepts and principles in electrical and computer engineering, ECE 110 is directed toward the design of an autonomous electric vehicle. Each laboratory session focuses on one subsystem of the vehicle, such as the power supply, the infrared photodiode sensors, and the digital pulse width modulation circuit to control motor speed. The last four weeks culminate in a design challenge: each pair of students enhances their vehicle to negotiate a previously unseen course with obstacles. Topics are covered in lectures as they are needed in the laboratory