Building the future of electronics

Within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, students enrolled in ECE 342: Electronic Circuits II received an interactive learning experience in modeling and application of semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. The course, taught by Keith and Jane Nosbusch Professor in Engineering Education Professor Giri Venkataramanan, challenged students to master concepts ranging from advanced transistor amplifier analysis and feedback effects to designing analog filters, oscillators, power amplifiers and converters.

The final project for the Fall 2024 semester asked students to design and assemble a USB equalizer circuit. This device adjusts volume, bass, treble, high-definition sound, and the balance of left and right speakers. Supported by funds from Professor Venkataramanan’s professorship, the project exemplified the course’s emphasis on merging theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Students followed a process that mirrored real-world practices. Beginning with board design, they moved on to performing a part-ordering simulation, and assembling and analyzing the circuits. Each project took 6–8 hours to complete. On the last day of class, students’ USB equalizers were tested for the very first time. Venkataramanan and Teaching Assistants Olivia D’Souza and Hardik Chhabra played music using each of the boards and gave feedback as to why the board did or did not perform as expected.

Student Ameera Jaber reflected on the experience, sharing her favorite aspects of the project, “I liked the PCB (printed circuit board) design and learning why you choose certain resistor and capacitor values. And Giri made the class fun.”

D’Souza emphasized the project’s benefits, stating, “The final project for ECE 342 is such an integral part of the curriculum. The entire process from developing understanding of the schematic and board design to ordering parts and building the final product is an important experience that helps prepare students for internships and the workforce. It also helps students to develop intuition between classwork and application.”

Overall, Venkataramanan said that including this hands-on learning experience to the course was a positive change, “Adding the hardware project that has replaced the final exam for the course has brought genuine authenticity to the end-of-term assessment, while taking away some of the anxiety and stress.” He added, “I think I am tending towards integrating a similar experience in all my courses”.

Top image: Professor Venkataramanan tests the circuit board of Das