In-class demonstrations with a portable laboratory for teaching DSP to Computer Engineering majors

Given its pervasive use, and being a clear example of a computing system integrating hardware and software, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is an important discipline in Computer Engineering undergraduate curricula. This paper presents a DSP course that, in addition to traditional lectures and exercises, uses Matlab to provide a limited level of laboratory-type practice. Also, the use of demonstrations during lectures is presented. The presentations help the students relate the theoretical concepts presented in class with the technical area of expertise they are most comfortable with, that of hardware, software and their integration. The demonstrations are implemented using a portable laboratory with a DSP board and a small oscilloscope. Presented results show how the use of demonstrations has increased the overall rating for the course and how stimulating it is found.