CMPE123A: Computer Engineering Design I
Catalog Copy
The first of a 2-course sequence that is the culmination of the
 Computer Engineering program.  Students apply knowledge and skills
 gained in their elective track to complete a major design project.
 In Course 123A, students complete research, specification, planning,
 and procurement for a substantial project. Technical discussions,
 design reviews, and formal presentations.  Engineering design cycle,
 engineering teams, and professional practices.  A formal technical
 specification of the approved project is presented to the Computer
 Engineering Faculty.
Prerequisite(s): CMPE121, previous or concurrent enrollment in
 CMPE185.  Permission of department and instructor.  Must have passed
 core exam if computer engineering major.


Explanation of prerequisites

This is the first class of a capstone design course spread over two
 quarters meant to enable students to engage a worthy system design
 project requiring application of knowledge accumulated over earlier
 specific courses leading to an engineering or natural science degree.
 An aim of this class is to foster interdisciplinary teamwork
 requiring that students learn to work effectively in teams and
 thereby perceive the potential for extraordinary work such efforts
 are capable of.

Required skills to pass the course.
1. Ability to apply the fundamentals of system design to a particular
    project selected for the course while working as part of a group,
    including:
    a. exercising judgment and independence in framing a viable design
       project as a set of clearly defined specifications;
    b. defining a reasonable time-line with target milestones;
    c. ability to do independent research and assess suitable resources
       like application notes, data sheets, etc.;
    d. participate in peer-group design reviews of one's own work as
       well as others;
    e. keep technical engineering notes consistent with current
       industrial practice;
    f. delivering satisfactory interactive oral presentations to
       the class;
2. Demonstrate independence in self-motivated learning to master new
    topics necessary to successfully complete a project's design or
    devise feasibility experiments.
3. Demonstrate technical competence in related hands-on experimental
    laboratory work.  This would include competence using all
    applicable laboratory test equipment for prototype concept
    evaluations.
4. Demonstrate technical competence in mastering necessary programming
    languages/environments, EDA and CAD tools as required.
5. Submission of formal technical specification fully describing a
    feasible system design to be realized in follow on course, 123b.

Core topics (must be taught)
1. Engineering design cycle. This should include:
    a. product design for manufacturability.
    b. cost analysis.
    c. prototypes vs. final designs.
2. Survey the general topic of project management and teamwork in
   engineering.  Coverage to basically include content of cited text.
3. Basic professional documentation skills, including:
    a. keeping a good technical engineering notebook;
    b. interim reports of project work;
    c. final specification writing.
4. Information search tools:
    a. Library tools for science and engineering literature search, e.g.
       use of INSPEC data base
    b. Internet search tools
5.  Survey of available technology and appropriateness for a one-quarter
    design project.
6.  Specialized laboratory skills required for successful completion of
    projects, as needed.


Comments on follow-on courses
CE123B continues the work started in CE123A and is meant to focus more
 on the experimental phase of the Engineering system specified, leading
 to the full realization of a functioning prototype.

Text
Smith, Karl A., "Project Management and Teamwork", McGraw Hill 2000.
  This short book skillfully covers, from an applied perspective,
  salient topics necessary to developing an appreciation for the
  purpose, value, applicability and benefits of working in teams in
  engineering project.


Prepared by Richard Hughey, 4/03 (revision of CE123 description)