BASIC CLASS MATERIALS AND LABORATORY PROJECTS WITH DC MOTORS IN AN INTRODUCTORY UNDERGRADUATE ECE CLASS FOR NON-MAJORS

摘要

Most electrical and computer engineering departments in the United States and abroad typically offer a fundamental one or two-semester course in ECE for non-major students. Sometimes, this course is offered to both majors and non-majors. In general, it is a very difficult task to teach complex electrical engineering concepts, including circuit theory, semiconductor fundamentals, and digital fundamentals in a single course. Therefore, the intro class for non-majors (or for both majors and non-majors) is frequently devoted to circuit (and digital) fundamentals only. This scenario creates a visible dissatisfaction, especially among ME and CE majors, who wish to be exposed to power electronics - motors, even in their first ECE class. The same trend is observed for ECE majors, when both classes are combined together. The exposure to power electronics is not only beneficial for the intro class, but it may also stimulate further long-term interest in ECE and Robotics. On the other hand, the systematic study of motor fundamentals (including AC motors) in the intro class may not be possible, as it would require a significant extension of the already tight syllabus. What can be done to resolve this dilemma? This paper reports on our pedagogic approach of introducing the motor-related materials into the class syllabus (3-4 lectures) and into one or two class laboratories in an engaging yet informative manner that is particularly appealing to non-major students.