1. P07305: Learning Module for EE Freshman Practicum
Christopher Urban: Lead Engineer
Hans-Christian Rotmann: Project Manager
Sponsor: Dr. Robert Bowman
SD2: Winter 2006
P07305: Freshman Practicum AM Receiver Module

2. P07305: Freshman Practicum AM Receiver Module
Project Description
A 2 week hands-on learning module for the EE Freshman Practicum course.
Students will prototype a functional AM receiver.
The receiver will also be constructed on a PCB which is already included in the course kit (Wein-Bridge Oscillator).
Customer Needs
The receiver has a low component count, for simple troubleshooting.
Project brings engineering relevance to Physics and Calculus.
Project presents just enough theory to gain a basic level understanding of the circuit operation.
Project does not increment current kit price by more than $5.00.
SD2: Winter 2006
P07305: Freshman Practicum AM Receiver Module

3. Design Concept: Module Contents
SD2: Winter 2006
P07305: Freshman Practicum AM Receiver Module

4. Design Concept: Course Text
Audible Output
Modulated
Radio
Signal
Antenna
Tuning Network
Peak
Detector
Amplifier
Speaker
SD2: Winter 2006
P07305: Freshman Practicum AM Receiver Module

5. Results from Student Testing
A pilot section of 17 students completed the module.
82.5 % of students completed the Week 8 activity on time.
72.2 % of students completed the Week 9 activity on time.
Overall, the module was rated an 8 out of 10 according to students surveyed.
72.7% of students reported gaining a basic level of understanding of the circuit operation.
SD2: Winter 2006
P07305: Freshman Practicum AM Receiver Module

6. Results from Student Testing
Specification Ratings
Expected
Actual
Result
Theory Section of the Text 8 6
Failed
Overall Text Clarity 7
Exceeded
Mathematical Content
Met
Technical Language Familiarity
Level of Difficulty (Prototyping Exercise)
Simplicity of Circuit Troubleshooting 5
Circuit Diagram and Schematic Clarity 9
Prototyping Activity Duration
Question Relevance
Relevance to Physics and Calculus
Basic Understanding of Circuit Operation
SD2: Winter 2006
P07305: Freshman Practicum AM Receiver Module

7. Observations from Student Testing
Students were unable to identify all components.
Pictures of the variable capacitor and inductor were inserted into the text.
Some components were tiny.
Future kits should include larger, more resistant parts.
Improve Grounding on PCB.
SD2: Winter 2006
P07305: Freshman Practicum AM Receiver Module

8. Current State of the Design
All customer needs have been satisfied
Design meets all technical specifications
Prototype and PCB can tune into WHAM (1180 kHz)
AM Receiver fits on prototyping area of the pre-existing PCB
Design comes in under budget
Additional cost of parts: $4.48
Cost of producing each board fell from $5.62 to $4.89
Total added cost to student is $3.74
SD2: Winter 2006
P07305: Freshman Practicum AM Receiver Module