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ECE 2804 - Integrated Design Project (2C)

Course Description

Design, implementation, testing, and validation of a hardware and software solution to an open-ended engineering problem integrating both analog and digital components. Using industrial-caliber test and measurement equipment including: oscilloscopes, function generators, power supplies, and digital multi-meters. Technical documentation and oral presentation of design process and solution. Overview of the scope of the electrical and computer engineering profession and issues related to its societal impact and ethical considerations.

Why take this course?

While students solve highly structured design problems in their lecture classes, there is a need for students to gain experience with solving more open-ended engineering design problems. Such problems require integrating knowledge across multiple courses, and are thus more suited to a separate laboratory course. In addition, this course will prepare students for the much more challenging design problems in their senior-level major design experience.

Learning Objectives

  • 1. Demonstrate the use of standard, industrial-caliber, test equipment such as oscilloscopes, function generators, power supplies, and digital multi-meters to measure quantities of interest in electronic circuits.
  • 2. Design and implement a solution to an open-ended engineering problem involving both analog and digital hardware.
  • 3. Create a test and validation scheme for a student-developed design.
  • 4. Document a design, including a comprehensive project specification and validation.
  • 5. Develop and present an oral technical presentation detailing the design, implementation, testing, and validation to an open-ended engineering problem.
  • 6. Compare the different sub-disciplines of the ECE profession.
  • 7. Recognize and assess contemporary, global, and ethical issues and societal impacts of solutions/designs.

    • Resources & Links

    Two-Semester Major Design Experience

    ECE’s two-semester Major Design Experience (ECE 4805-4806) provides teams of students with simulations of the post-college world via projects specified and directed by industry partners. For more information, contact class instructor, Dr. Joe Adams.

    Textbook List

    Take a look at the Fall 2024 ECE textbook list.
    Take a look at the Spring 2025 ECE textbook list.

    Current Prerequisites & Course Offering

    For current prerequisites for a particular course, and to view course offerings for a particular semester, see the Virginia Tech Course Timetables

    ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission

    The B.S. degree in electrical engineering and the B.S. degree in computer engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

    Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) & Student Outcomes (SOs)