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Technology-based electromagnetic education
Abstract
In this paper, we briefly review the various roles of technology
in stimulating interest and deepening understanding of abstract and
highly mathematical subjects such as electromagnetics (EM). The general
advantages of using technology in offering Web-based courses and
professional training are described and examples of the ongoing
activities in this area are summarized. Focus, however, is placed on the
development and effective use of multimedia assets in the modern
teaching of fundamental EM and more advanced microwave courses.
Development and use of interactive components such as virtual
laboratories, virtual instruments, simulation software, animation, and
virtual participation in practical applications are described. The new
"Conceptual Learning of Engineering" project is also described, and
examples demonstrating the various ongoing activities are
presented
... Most of the students find it difficult to understand the concepts of electromagnetic theory as they are abstract and difficult to imagine [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Development of electromagnetic theory was based on experiments in most of the cases [2]. ...
... Most of the students find it difficult to understand the concepts of electromagnetic theory as they are abstract and difficult to imagine [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Development of electromagnetic theory was based on experiments in most of the cases [2]. Due to several constraints [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9], the current focus in teaching electrodynamics is just on the theoretical aspects, leaving behind the experiments which helped build the foundations for the theory. ...
... Development of electromagnetic theory was based on experiments in most of the cases [2]. Due to several constraints [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9], the current focus in teaching electrodynamics is just on the theoretical aspects, leaving behind the experiments which helped build the foundations for the theory. This theory developed, is represented mathematically, causing disinterest in the students [2]. ...
Electromagnetic theory is one of the core subjects in Electrical/Electronics and Communication Engineering. It involves many concepts that are abstract and difficult to visualize, hence learning or teaching it is a challenge. This paper presents a web based virtual laboratory for electromagnetic theory course taught at undergraduate level, which can be used as a didactic tool by teachers and as a self learning tool by students. A set of ten topics have been chosen which broadly cover the basics of electromagnetic theory. The laboratory helps the students to visualize and experiment with abstract concepts of electromagnetic theory. It also contains theory supporting the experiment to aid teaching-learning process. The laboratory contains evaluation sections to assess student's understanding before and after performing virtual experiment. Assessment of the virtual lab done by evaluating students and feedback about the laboratory collected from both teachers and students are presented.
... The course of B.Sc. Physics includes major subjects like electromagnetic theory, computational physics, optics, microwave communication which covers major topics like (Iskander, 1993;Iskander, 2002). Open source tools like Scilab, Maxima, GNU Octave, Freemat and R are also useful for solving mathematical computation problems. ...
... The course of B.Sc. Physics includes major subjects like electromagnetic theory, computational physics, optics, microwave communication which covers major topics like (Iskander, 1993;Iskander, 2002). Open source tools like Scilab, Maxima, GNU Octave, Freemat and R are also useful for solving mathematical computation problems. ...
Out of the four fundamental interactions in nature, electromagnetics is one of them along
with gravitation, strong interaction and weak interaction. The field of electromagnetics has
made much of the modern age possible. Electromagnets are common in day-to-day appliances
and are becoming more conventional as the need for technology increases. Electromagnetism
has played a vital role in the progress of human kind ever since it has been understood.
Electromagnets are found everywhere. One can find them in speakers, doorbells, home
security systems, anti-shoplifting systems, hard drives, mobiles, microphones, Maglev trains,
motors and many other everyday appliances and products. Before diving into the education
system, it is necessary to reiterate its importance in various technologies that have evolved
over time. Almost every domain of social life has electromagnetic playing its role. Be it the
mobile vibrators you depend upon, a water pump, windshield wipers during rain and the
power windows of your car or even the RFID tags that may ease your job during shopping.
A flavor of electromagnetics is essential during primary level of schooling for the student to
understand its future prospects and open his/her mind to a broad ocean of ideas. Due to
such advancements this field can offer, study on such a field is highly beneficial for a
developing country like India. The paper presents the scenario of electromagnetic
education in India, its importance and numerous schemes taken by the government of India
to uplift and acquaint the people about the importance of EM and its applications.
... This kind of visual teaching that actively adopts the means of modern educational technology can cultivate students' interest in learning, enrich the teaching content, greatly improve teaching efficiency, and bring the teaching to a new level. However, teaching based on finite element theory is still a computationally expensive process [10][11][12]. ...
We developed a visual teaching platform that can calculate the magnetic field of magnetic core inductance in real time. The platform adopts the combination of two theories of finite element calculation and neural network technology. It can enhance students’ understanding and application of the basic knowledge of electromagnetic fields. First, the finite element method was used to calculate the magnetic field of the magnetic core inductance, and the magnetic field data set under different input parameters was obtained. On this basis, the neural network method was used to learn the data set and train the corresponding model. Then the trained neural network model was used to calculate the magnetic core inductance magnetic field. After comparing with the finite element calculation results, we found that the calculation results of the neural network model combined with the finite element were in good agreement with the finite element calculation results. Compared with the finite element calculation method, the calculation speed of the magnetic field distribution calculated by the neural network was faster. Taking the calculation of the magnetic core inductance magnetic field as an example, the calculation time was shortened by about 170 times. Finally, we built a magnetic field visualization teaching platform based on MATLAB. The example magnetic field was quickly predicted by the neural network, saving computing time and effectively improving the teaching of electromagnetic field theory.
... Computational thinking and programming have been gaining increasing attention in STEAM fields [30]. Technological literacy and hence programming education has the potential to motivate students related to STEAM subjects [17,28]. Middle school students' attitudes toward programming are one of the important fields in STEAM and programming education. ...
Engineering education has been gaining a place in today's schools within the STEAM framework. Computing is an integral part of the STEAM framework. Affective variables related to computer programming might have an effect on the quality of STEAM education. The aim of this study is to develop a valid and reliable scale to measure middle school students' attitudes toward programming. In the first phase of the study, exploratory factor analysis was conducted with data collected from a total of 508 middle school students. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a one-dimensional attitude scale. In the second phase of the study, confirmatory factor analysis was used on data obtained from 414 middle school students to examine factor structure. Analyses provided evidence for the factorial structure of the scale. The Cronbach α coefficient of the scale was found to be .93. Then scale was administered to 65 middle school students who attended after-school coding clubs and who did not attend after-school coding clubs. It can be concluded that the scale is a reliable and valid scale for measuring middle school students' attitudes toward programming. Moreover, the scale was used to compare the students' scores according to their grades and gender. The findings were discussed.
... For instance, Leppävirta et al., (2011) reported that complex problem exercises improved students' procedural knowledge and that students felt that these exercises were useful and relevant to their learning. Iskander (2002) introduced multimedia modules in teaching electromagnetics to enhance students' learning. Mias (2008) found that computer-assisted problem-based learning (PBL) was useful to teach fundamental electromagnetics and to assist students' learning through software development in electromagnetics. ...
Background
Active learning pedagogy has recently received a great deal of attention, and many universities have attempted to create student-centered learning environments to improve students’ academic success. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of concept-point-recovery (CPR) teaching sessions as an active learning strategy on students’ perceptions of the learning environment, motivation, and academic learning outcomes in an electrical engineering course. To investigate the effectiveness of CPR sessions, students’ perceptions of learning and their performance were compared to those of students in a control classroom. Finally, students’ written comments on the course and instructor were explored in further analysis.
Results
The quantitative findings revealed that there was a significant change in students’ perceptions of learning after the CPR teaching sessions, and there was an increase in students’ perceptions and learning outcomes compared with those of the control group. In addition, the qualitative findings from students’ written feedback demonstrated that students felt that the instructor cared about students’ learning and success and that they had a positive learning environment.
Conclusions
CPR teaching sessions can be an alternative model for instructors to connect with students and create supportive environments to help students achieve academic success, which in turn promotes the satisfaction of students’ basic psychological needs and self-determined motivation. Therefore, increasing students’ engagement in their learning processes and making connections with students through CPR teaching sessions can facilitate improvements in students’ motivation and academic success. How this new active learning technique can be applied to higher education is discussed.
... In this paper, the one-on-one interaction concept was adopted and transformed into a Flashbased teaching aid. Multimedia is considered to be a powerful tool in education; Long [1] states that People retain 10% of the information they see; 20% of what they see and hear; and 80% of what they see, hear and do. These statistics present a strong argument for interactive learning via multimedia. ...
This paper presents a work in progress that aims at designing a visual tool with multiple modules that can be used for effective tutoring of the core topics of computer engineering. The first aspect of the design that was implemented and tested in a classroom setting is related to a visual tutor that can be used to reinforce the learning abilities of students pursuing an introductory course of Digital Logic. The development is based upon Adobe Animate (formerly Macromedia Flash MX), which is used to create the necessary text, graphics, and interaction needed for the application. The results of three-year surveys indicated that the students found the tutor to be both useful and helpful and that it had encouraged them to learn more about Digital Logic. The use of animated and highly visual teaching aids was therefore proven to be effective in assisting students in their study. The visual tutor is called ”SmartStart”.
... In the present curricula, various numerical techniques have been introduced for students to comprehend the subject matter of electromagnetics [33]. Educational approaches utilizing various software [5,6,11,11,19] to simulate the practical industry scenarios are potentially effective to educate engineering students [24]. Simulations are able to provide a risk-free learning and training environment for students to encounter a power system in which they make meaningful artefacts following guidance, or even trial-anderror by themselves. ...
An innovative current measurement method in power systems has attracted more attention from both the industry and academia. Nevertheless, students can feel challenged when assigned to learn new concepts with the currently already difficult engineering courses. Therefore, in this paper, a training platform is designed based on finite element analysis simulation and laboratory experiments. With this training platform, simple and effective simulations and experiments can be performed. In addition, extended applications of this training platform are presented such as design of the magnetic shielding structure, magnetic flux density visualization and calculation of overhead power lines. This design can help engineering students to better understand the application of electromagnetics and the novel current measurement research field.
... The integration of contemporary topics into EM courses is fundamentally different than the use of multimedia assets that help students visualize EM concepts that are quite mathematically complex [1][2][3]. Contemporary topics that faculty introduce are frequently based on their research or consulting activities. Increasingly, undergraduate students are involved in research under the direction of faculty and bring a unique perspective to the research process. ...
... Keywords: NdFeB, BHmax (maximum energy product), Br (permanent magnetism), Hc (magnetic coercivity), virtual platform. [9][10][11][12][13][14]. Literatürde elektrik motorları [15,16,17,18], elektromanyetik [19,20], elektrik devreleri [21,22], yüksek gerilim [23], güç elektroniği [24,25,26] alanlarında birçok bilgisayar destekli çalışmalar bulunmaktadır. Daha spesifik olarak ele alındığında mıknatısların üretimi ile ilgili bilgisayar destekli çalışmalarda genellikle üretilmiş mıknatısların dataları kaydedilerek veri tabanına dayalı ölçüm platformları oluşturulmuştur [27]. ...
Bilgi ve iletişim teknolojisi alanındaki son gelişmeler, eğitim ve üretim teknikleri üzerinde büyük bir etkiye neden olmuştur. Sanal enstrüman kavramı, ölçüm ve üretim sistemleri tasarımı alanında yeni tekniklerin uygulanmasına yol açmıştır. Sanal enstrümanlar, gerçek laboratuvarların ana parçası olan pahalı ve karmaşık gerçek enstrümanların yerini almaya başlamıştır. Böylece laboratuvarların tasarlanması, gerçekleştirilmesi ve modernleştirilme süreci kolaylaşmıştır. Günümüzde NdFeB mıknatıslardaki gelişmeler, birçok teknoloji alanında vazgeçilmez unsur haline gelmelerine sebep olmuşlardır. NdFeB mıknatıslar, maksimum enerji çarpımı BHmax sayesinde hibrit elektrikli araçların motorlarında yaygın olarak kullanılmaya başlamıştır. Ayrıca manyetik rezonans görüntüleme, elektrikli motorlar, çeşitli jeneratörler gibi uygulamalarda, büyük ölçekli veya küçük ölçekli rüzgar enerjisi jeneratörlerinde kullanımları önemli ölçüde artmıştır. Bu çalışmada NdFeB mıknatısların üretimi öncesinde AR-GE çalışmalarında ve üretimde kullanılabilecek sanal bir laboratuvar platformu gerçekleştirilmiştir. Geliştirilen sanal platform masaüstü uygulaması olarak tasarlanıp çalıştırılmıştır. İleriki çalışmalarda açık kaynak donanımlar kullanılarak web tabanlı uygulamalar geliştirilecektir. Çalışmada, gerçek laboratuvarda farklı NdFeB alaşımları üzerine yapılan araştırmalarda elde edilen Br(kalıcı mıknatısiyet), Hc (manyetik koersivite), BHmax (maksimum enerji çarpımı)ve Curie sıcaklığı ile ilgili verilerden matematiksel fonksiyonlar elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen fonksiyonlar ile sanal laboratuvar platformu hazırlanmıştır. Oluşturulan laboratuvar sistemi çok amaçlı olarak endüstride kullanılabileceği gibi eğitim amaçlı da kullanılabilir. Mıknatıs tasarımındaki AR-GE çalışmaları sırasında maliyet ve zaman tasarrufu sağlaması ve yeni mıknatıs çalışmalarının önünün açılması hedeflenmektedir.
... Although many recent careers in the RF industry require competence in HFSS and/or CST MWS; however, there is a notable lack of adequate coverage in many electrical and/or systems engineering curricula worldwide. It should be noted that the need to incorporate simulations to enhance undergraduate teaching and their educational benefits has been demonstrated in [2][3][4]6,7] Ab-Abstract mathematics need no longer be the sole approach of analysis. Students whose strengths might lie instead in numerical and computational analysis, hands-on skills, and design can become productive contributors as well. ...
Contemporary electromagnetic computer‐aided design tools augmented with parametric and optimization capabilities are extensively used in industry for design, validation, and prototyping to reduce time‐to‐market, resources, cost, and risks associated with the development of new radio frequency (RF) circuits and systems. Unfortunately, this technology still remains largely underutilized in undergraduate systems engineering education. This paper describes an approach for stimulating the analysis and design learning experience of undergraduate systems engineering students by engaging them in the cooperative, experiential, simulation‐assisted teaching, and research activities utilizing project‐based pedagogy. A case study is chosen in the realm of microwave‐assisted material processing, which is not typically covered in undergraduate engineering curricula. The objective is to further increase students’ interest in electromagnetic and RF systems by providing a well‐rounded learning experience to break the monotony often encountered in the heavily theoretical and abstract topics involved with a minimum of complex analytical formulations, reinforce fundamental principles and mathematical analyses offered in the class, foster students’ motivation and enthusiasm, reflect on today's technological advancement in industry, and stimulate early participation of undergraduate students in open‐ended research problems.
... In an effort to improve student understanding of electromagnetic waves, modern technology has been applied, introducing interactive simulations of E&M wave phenomena [9]. This includes innovative interfaces to learn about the propagation of electromagnetic waves [10] and provide researchers with an additional means of studying student difficulties [11]. ...
... Electrical engineers have been pioneers in introducing virtual laboratory technology into the engineering classroom [6], [7]. There has been a regular stream of studies about virtual laboratories in IEEE journals for a variety of courses, including circuits [8], communications technologies [9], control [10], electromagnetics [11], equipment calibration [12], semiconductor processing [13] and robotics [14]. There have also been reports of instructional designs that immerse students in 3D virtual worlds [15]. ...
Abstract—Contribution: Student engagement and interest in engineering is compared between virtual and physical laboratory projects, designed to be realistic and replicate engineering practice. Reported motivation and engagement was greater in the
virtual project than the physical projects. Results are interpreted in terms of the different affordances for instructional design using physical and virtual laboratories.
Background: Interest is increasing in incorporating virtual laboratories in engineering curricula. Numerous studies report equal or greater gains in students’ conceptual understanding in a virtual laboratory than a corresponding physical laboratory, but many researchers question if virtual laboratories can stimulate the same level of excitement for engineering as physical laboratories.
Research Questions: Do students’ self-reports of interest in engineering depend on the instructional design afforded by the laboratory mode? How do instructional designs of virtual and physical laboratory projects relate to students’ perceptions of engagement, their contribution to the team, and the transfer of prior coursework to meet project objectives?
Method: In a within-subjects design, 118 students’ interest and engagement in two physical laboratory projects and one of two virtual laboratory projects in a senior-year capstone course is investigated. Separate principal components analyses were used to develop reliable scales for interest and for engagement.
Findings: Students reported greater engagement, perceptions of contribution to their group’s learning, opportunities to transfer prior learning from coursework, and end-of-course interest in engineering problem solving in the virtual laboratory project rather than the physical laboratory projects. The positive outcomes are connected to instructional design through the affordances of the virtual laboratory.
... To enhance course curriculum, several technologies such as remote [11][12][13] and virtual [14,15] laboratories are becoming a part of engineering education programs. Remote laboratories that run on top of a real laboratory environment provide interaction between end user and real laboratory equipment. ...
Today technological improvements provide several alternatives and opportunities for improving traditional educational systems. However, integrating these technologies in an appropriate and successful way into the curriculum of traditional systems is a challenge. This work presents the enhancements added to an undergraduate course on Digital Communications which is an introductory course offered to senior undergraduates or first year graduate students. The Digital Communications course covers some essential stages in a typical digital communication system, namely, signal formatting such as analog to digital conversion, baseband modulation and bandpass modulation by concentrating on demodulation and detection at the receiver end. The enhancements include computer simulations, web-based simulation tools and remote laboratory experiments along with several out of class activities. The enhancements have improved the course significantly by supporting constructivist and blended learning methods. The improvement to the course was demonstrated over two years, from the student progress assessed from the collated results of the student evaluation forms and a questionnaire on the course learning outcomes, and a comparison of their performance in the written exams. The results show that there is a significant improvement both in the progress and satisfaction of the students on the enhanced course curriculum. This study shows how different technologies have been successfully integrated to the curriculum of Digital Communications course in a higher education organization and concludes its success factors.
... al. 2004, Kuhn 2000, Cassara, 2006, Menzel, 2003, Righi et. al, 1998, Iskander, 2002, Tzafestas, 2006. This provides any-time and any where learning with a very low cost especially for the fields that it is hard to establish and maintain such laboratory facilities. ...
... Further searching of lab experience for electromagnetics courses, e.g., [6], [7], and [8], indicates that the coverage of electromagnetic interference on microcontrollers is rarely available. Such a gap has been identified. ...
New lab experiments were developed for the students to investigate the effect of electromagnetic interference on the operation of microcontrollers. The objectives of the experiments include exposing students to the effect of noisy power supply on microcontroller performance and to learn how to use modern instruments for recording the results. In the experiments, the noise is restricted to electromagnetic interference picked up by the power supply conductors from external sources at radio frequencies. As wireless communication technologies have been widely used, such lab investigation is of current interest to the students. There was no simple way to produce the radio frequency interference of sufficient magnitude in our lab. A method was used to emulate the picking up of such interference on the power supply conductors. This paper describes such method. It also describes the new experiments, their benefits for the students, the evaluations, and suggestions for improvements.
... The use of of the web for communication and conduct of business is common at work at home. Web-based education has many advantages for computer and engineering educators over other instructional approaches including the use of packages [6,7,8,9,10]. Web-based instructions presents information in a non-linear style and allows students to explore new information through browsing and cross-referencing. It also supports active learning processes. ...
E-Learning continues to evolve and to facilitate access to education through both the fully online and blended modes of delivery. This has contributed in no small measure to widening participation in engineering and computing education anytime anywhere. This paper presents the many changes that have taken place in e-learning, the increase in blended learning and remote students, involving regular contacts with their lecturers by use of webcams, Second Life as well as email, teleconferencing and various other technologies. The range of courses and assessment methods will be discussed, such as the MSc course in e-Learning at the University of Ulster and the MSc in Six Sigma at Southampton Solent University. The paper reports on the range of activities of the British Computer Society e-Learning Specialist Group and its increasing influence in various countries around the world, both relating to academic training and personal continuous professional development. The increasing gap in the digital divide faced by learners in the technology driven society of the 21 st century calls for creation of new opportunities for continuous education. We note the need to develop new curricula, appropriate pedagogy and tutor professional development in information technology literacy to prepare and help the tutor develop a critical process for implementing new tools and technologies in education. Engineering and computing educators face a lot of challenges in implementing e-learning. There must be clear understanding of if, how and when e-learning may be best employed in their courses to maximise learning experience. In the course of developing such a course the system must be fit for purpose. It is crucial that the educator possess the skills for developing the required system. In situation where this is not the case outside assistance could be employed.
In the usual process of teaching students about the electromagnetic field, students often have difficulty in understanding the propagation process of invisible electromagnetic waves under different medium environments. To facilitate students understanding and learning of related knowledge, in this article, we first derive the process of solving Maxwell’s equation using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) under different media environments for the designed experimental models to obtain the spatial distribution of the electromagnetic field. After that, we use the MATLAB language to program the FDTD solution method to verify our theoretical analysis based on the simulation results. Based on this, we develop a convenient and quick interactive mobile software tool, aiming to give students a vivid and intuitive demonstration and explanation for the propagation of electromagnetic waves in different media environments.
The features of the educational and methodological software of E-Learning in the courses on “ Electromagnetics ”, “ Radio Wave Propagation ”, “ Electromagnetic Fields and Waves ” at the Southern Federal University (Russia), are considered. The electronic content MWLab EMPW of the type of online learning laboratory was developed, which allows you to organize online lectures, practical and laboratory classes, as well as self-monitoring and online knowledge control. A distinctive feature of the content is the use of video-clips of electromagnetic processes and virtual models of laboratory setups developed using Ansys HFSS. They clearly explain the formation in space and the change in time of the field lines and the values of the field vectors. This compensates for students’ difficulties in understanding the complex mathematical apparatus and the spatial-time nature of the processes of radiation and wave propagation, and increases interest in learning. E-Learning can be carried out on the MS Teams platform using the functionality of meetings and other interaction tools between the teacher and students.
In this article, we present mobile teaching and learning of coupled-line structures using the multiple-1D coupled-line finite-difference time-domain (M1D CL-FDTD) method. The formulation of the M1D CL-FDTD method applicable for CL structures is provided. The method bypasses the more computationally intensive full-wave 3D method, and it is well suited for implementation on mobile devices. Several mobile apps are developed to provide interactive visualization of electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation in CL structures. These visualizations allow the underlying resonating and coupling mechanisms to be elucidated clearly and improve students' understanding of CL theories. Mobile teaching and learning of various CL structures, including coupled transmission lines, CL bandpass filters, directional couplers, and branch-line couplers, are demonstrated and discussed.
Practitioners of virtual laboratory confront issues on how to fulfill individuals’ needs, motivate them to participate and use the tools, and to enhance their performance using virtual tools. Therefore, this study aims at examining the effects of usability and learning objective factors in evaluating students’ performance impact from using virtual laboratory. The study proposes a theoretical model based on usability factors of technology acceptance model (perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness) and laboratory learning objectives (instruments, creativity and innovation) to capture the entire patterns of students’ perceptions and use outcomes from using the simulation-based virtual laboratory. The study collected survey data from 116 first year Electrical Engineering students from the University of Queensland in Australia, reflecting their personal experience in using virtual laboratory tools. Partial least square approach using structural equation modeling technique (PLS-SEM) was used for statistical analysis and model testing. The results confirm that the proposed model provides a comprehensive understanding of students’ perceptions and the understudy factors were truly significant in reflecting their performance impact from using such laboratory tools. More specifically, instrumentation and perceived usefulness of virtual laboratory were found to be the most significant influencing factors that have impacts on students’ performance. Also, the findings shed light on the mediation roles of laboratory learning objectives between usability factors and use outcomes. Overall, this study contributes to literature by demonstrating the beneficial use of laboratory learning objectives in creating realistic and credible simulation tool, that can expedite the learning process and foster students’ learning outcomes.
In this article, the notion of teaching and learning electromagnetic (EM) plane wave reflection and transmission using 3D TV is presented. The necessary equipment setup for 3D TV demonstration in a classroom setting is described. The contents of 3D TV, comprising left and right images, are generated in real time by a program on a notebook PC. Projected onto the 3D TV screen, these images combine appropriately to enable stereoscopic view through the use of 3D glasses.
This paper discusses an integrated approach to electrical‐engineering education that incorporates computer‐assisted MATLAB‐based instruction and learning into the junior‐level electromagnetics course and newly created learning studio modules (LSMs). In this model, creativity class sessions are followed by two comprehensive and rather challenging multi‐week homework assignments of MATLAB problems and projects in electromagnetic fields. This is enabled by a unique and extremely comprehensive collection of MATLAB computer exercises and projects, reinforcing all important theoretical concepts, methodologies, and problem‐solving techniques in electromagnetic fields and waves, developed by one of the faculty team members. These tutorials, exercises, and codes constitute a modern tool for learning electromagnetics via computer‐mediated exploration and inquiry, exploiting the technological and pedagogical power of MATLAB software as a general learning technology. The novel approach introduces students to MATLAB programming of electromagnetic fields, as opposed to just passive demonstrations of MATLAB's tools and capabilities for computation and visualization of fields. MATLAB programming tutorials and assignments are designed to deepen student engagement and accommodate different learning styles so students can learn more effectively. In addition to improving students’ understanding and command of MATLAB use and programming within the electromagnetics context and beyond, these exercises increase their motivation to learn and appreciation of the practical relevance of the material, and equip them with the tools and skills to excel in other courses and projects. The results of this project were qualitatively analyzed through feedback surveys given to the students at the end of each MATLAB assignment. The Electromagnetics Concept Inventory was also used.
The continual growth of antenna-based technologies has created an exponential demand for well-qualified workforce of antenna engineer/researchers, but the expertise for a smooth transition into job market is lagging. This study presents the effectiveness of using hybrid-flipped model integrated with educational technologies in a graduate Antenna Theory and Design course, and the influence it has on orienting students toward antenna research. This is important because graduate research in emerging technologies with good results will open the gateway for job and the prospect of a scholarship for higher education. The effectiveness of the proposed study is evaluated using the following metrics: (a) student response to the hybrid-flipped learning, (b) impact of educational technology on student learning, and (c) educational outcome toward antenna engineering research. Result of the study indicates that the number of students choosing antenna research increased from 14% in 2014–15 to 42% in 2015–16 and reaching to 70% in 2016–17, and the number of students for year 2017–18 is 77% Results of the study also reflect research in diverse antenna technologies with good research output to merit publication in journals of international repute.
The wide avai lability of smart handheld and mobile devices has provided educators with another opportunity to aid the teaching of electromagnetics (EM) courses with touchbased interactivity, allowing seamless teaching and learning. This article explores how mobile devices may be used to enhance students' grasp of EM polarization concepts through a special app designed to provide interactive visualization. It also helps instructors to effectively illustrate many wave polarization topics through various interactive features. By using the app, various polarizations can be better explained with two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) animations. Users are allowed to input various wave parameters to see, in real time, how they change the polarization ellipse and/or handedness.
An interactive tool for assisting in teaching electromagnetics was implemented in MATLAB using a GUI autogeneration tool. This is an alternative to create graphical interfaces without touching the GUI MATLAB code, by creating sets of text files. The tool includes four basic topics on electromagnetics, electrostatics, magnetostatics, dynamic fields, and transmission lines. The versatility and flexibility offered allows the tool to be adapted to other courses with easy adjustments on specific MATLAB functions. The tool offers unique features, such as random generation of an infinite number of problems, immediate feedback/ hints when the answer is incorrect by using a smart error detection system, and report generation. When developing international course participation, the computerbased tool can be made available to partner institutions as required. This will provide the local lecturers or instructors with an ongoing overview of student development. The use of this interactive tool will allow universities to better assess how students engage with electromagnetics courses taught nationally and internationally. Based on the success of this pilot study, the technique can be applied across the complete course and many other mathematically based courses with the following consequences: greater engagement of students with the subject matter throughout the teaching semester, reduced costs in sessional teaching and staff workloads, improved student learning outcomes, improved prior knowledge assessment of potential students applying for university entry, and improved engagement for online students.
With focus on electromagnetic technologies and their broader applications, my four-decade career in academia has indeed been a joyful journey highlighted with accomplishments, innovations, entrepreneurship, and unique contributions to engineering education. It all started with a time-domain method for broadband characterization of biological substances; then I was fortunate to pioneer the use of computer-aided tomography (CAT) scans in biomedical modeling and electromagnetic simulations and later moved on to novel designs of antenna arrays for wireless communication; propagation modeling using geospatial resources, e.g., Google Earth™; use of genetic programming for 3D metamaterial designs; and the recent development of the cardiopulmonary stethoscope technology for monitoring vital signs and assessment of lung water content. All along, I continued to promote the use of multimedia and simulation tools in electromagnetic education, culminating with the publication of the Computer Applications in Engineering Education journal which is in its 25th year of publication by John Wiley and Sons. The highlights of my career illustrate how the love of and belief in electromagnetics can transcend challenges in achieving a balanced scholarly academic career in research and education.
The need for expert teachers and innovation in teaching and learning practices remains the most important requirement of the current education innovation. Education should step toward creative and technical teaching/learning practice. Application of innovative and advance education is the foremost requirement of today’s generation. This paper proposes a quality empowerment framework to develop the concept of capacity building (CB) and innovative practice (IP) programmes. CB serves to train teachers, enable school administrators, and develop experts in the field of education. Well-trained teachers deliver advance education, create child-friendly environments in the classroom, and apply innovative methods in teaching. IPs bring expansion in the education innovation, use technology-based approaches in teaching and learning, and help students deal with modern technological world. The research model proposes to notify implication of CB and IP programmes in education, resulting creative, technical, and innovative teaching and learning practices in education. Purposed two factors CB and IP lead to capacitate education stakeholders and implicate creational and methodical practice in education system. Finally, implication of CB and IP in education brings innovative and creative change in teaching/learning practice, produce educational experts, create smart students, and apply innovation in education practices.
Electromagnetics has been and will continue to be the heart and soul of many modern technology advances ranging from wireless communications and associated phenomenal applications, to radar technologies, photonics, nanotechnology, biomedical and remote sensing and astronomy exploration. The prediction of a “flatter” world and global economy and the continued growth in reliance on technology involving wireless physical systems significantly raises the need for preparing well qualified workforce of electromagnetics (EM) engineers that would effectively enable and support the continued growth in EM-based technologies and the realization of their much anticipated benefits. To help realize this vision, it is important that educators take a fresh look at established curricula and develop ways and means for revitalization of electromagnetic courses and including the introduction of new ones dealing with modern EM applications. In addition, ways and means need to be developed to facilitate the use of modern software and hardware capabilities to help students better understand EM courses, and provide software and hard ware educational resources that will help them innovate and participate in new discoveries of EM applications.
Being aware of students' decreasing interest in electromagnetics (EM) in past years, volunteer professors in Taiwan initiate a nationwide program to re-emphasize the role of electromagnetics as a core course in electrical engineering. The main mission of the program is to increase students' motivation and confidence when studying the fundamentals of electromagnetics. Preliminary outcomes including open courseware, digital platform, tutorial animation, and creative laboratory are briefly introduced in this paper.
Laboratory experimentation plays an essential role in engineering and scientific education. Virtual and remote labs reduce the costs associated with conventional hands-on labs due to their required equipment, space, and maintenance staff. Furthermore, they provide additional benefits such as supporting distance learning, improving lab accessibility to handicapped people, and increasing safety for dangerous experimentation. This paper analyzes the literature on virtual and remote labs from its beginnings to 2015, identifying the most influential publications, the most researched topics, and how the interest in those topics has evolved along the way. To do so, bibliographical data gathered from ISI Web of Science, Scopus and GRC2014 have been examined using two prominent bibliometric approaches: science mapping and performance analysis.
The School of Accessible and Visualized Electromagnetics (SAVE), a teaching and learning resource management consortium in Taiwan, has been formed to coordinate teachers from the field of electromagnetics (EM) to develop and share innovative teaching materials. Based on the cloud concept and following the simplicity, accessibility, visualization, and edutainment (S.A.V.E.) principles, various types of teaching resources, such as slides, problem sets, video clips, and interactive online laboratories, are available on the SAVE website for online learning. Teachers are able to customize a distinctive learning path to address the needs of a specific student group. To provide students with a means of evaluating their competence in EM, a large-scale online proficiency test was conducted concurrently at multiple sites. Analyses of test results and website uses are provided to assess the SAVE program performance and to draw future work topics.
When it comes to educating and training engineers, the main focus should be on developing their abilities in modeling and analyzing the phenomena for the physical problems but not the sophisticate deriving progress in order to obtain the solution. In view of this, the present study creates a pioneer aim at the development of a web-based learning system in thermal-hydraulics. This innovative system integrates the mature technology in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to assist or replace the traditional means of derivative of equations. The main structure of this system includes the graphic post-processor, learning materials database, CFD workstation, etc. The demonstration shows that the engineering students do not have to implement the tedious derivative of the complicated equations but solidly understand and efficiently acquire knowledge of fluid dynamics and heat transfer through the discussion of physical phenomena by varying parameters using this web-based learning system.
It is well recognized that Electromagnetics is one of the most important disciplines yet is also a difficult subject for undergraduate students to grasp. In the literature it has been advocated to incorporate real-world examples of applications to help improve student learning. In this work, we propose an approach that is complementary to the real-world examples one. In our approach, we encourage the students to extend the material from what has been covered in the class through participation in individual project. Positive results are obtained in terms of comprehension of the material, improvement of mathematical skills, as well as buildup of confidence in the participants.
This paper proposes some modifications of the COST 231 Walfisch-Ikegami (WI) model to reflect the information related to building and terrain heights of practical environments. Based on the modified WI model, a dual slope propagation model is developed for small cells with electrical and mechanical tilt. To validate the proposed model, propagation measurements are performed in a metropolitan area using commercially deployed small cells. We suggest a procedure to compute the path loss from measurement data considering transmit antenna beam patterns, and determine the break point for the proposed dual slope model using measurement results. Finally, the proposed model is compared through data analysis with conventional propagation prediction models in terms of root mean square deviation (RMSD). andcopy; 2014 IEEE.
This chapter analyzes the state of learning spaces as they impact career and technical education. Relevant theories and models about physical learning spaces transfer to e-learning spaces. Critical features for planning e-learning spaces are detailed, and current trends in designing e-learning spaces are noted.
In this paper, we proposed to utilize an interactive full 3D ray tracing software package to run numerical simulation for a partially open drain structure, whose presence can be readily seen in many Asian cities. Previous research finding on this topic concentrated on the field measurement works. The reported measured results have served as a useful initial experimental basis for further numerical studies to be conducted, upon finishing which, can be taken together with the measured results to better describe the propagation characteristics in the partially open drain structures. The remaining paper describes an intervention to adopt ray tracing approach, which is widely regarded as a highly promising procedure for providing accurate and site-specific means, to obtain simulation results for a partially open drain structure.
For years students and educators alike expressed frustration with the teaching and learning of the subject of electromagnetics. Microwave application areas, high frequency electronics, fast computers, and wireless-based technologies continued to grow and expand, yet concepts of electromagnetics, so familiar to practitioners, continued to be mysterious and challenging to learn for beginners. The Antennas and Propagation Society (AP-S) played a key leadership role in using computers and software tools to stimulate and support the teaching and learning of electromagnetics. Through a grant from the National Science Foundation in late 1980s that AP-S was able to unify much of the ongoing individualized efforts and further motivate the use of innovative multimedia modules, virtual laboratories, and software tools in electromagnetic education. During this period, the Computer Applications for Electromagnetic Education (CAEME) Center was established and through the remarkable vision of the AP-S leadership including Dr. Iren Peden, Dr. David Chang, and late Professor Robert E. Collin, CAEME developed software books in electromagnetics, and produced CD ROMs for teaching and learning electromagnetics. Available CD ROMs include video clips, and extensive assets of innovative multimedia modules including virtual labs and instruments, simulation software, and virtual participation in practical applications. Several IEEE and non-IEEE societies participated in this effort including the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society, Electromagnetic Compatibility Society and the Applied Electromagnetic Society (ACES). The program continued for several years even after the NSF funding, thanks to corporate support and the income from the distribution of the CAEME publications.
Radio propagation is essential for emerging technologies with appropriate design, deployment and management strategies for any wireless network. It is heavily site specific and can vary significantly depending on terrain, atmospheric effects, frequency of operation, velocity of mobile terminal, interface sources and other dynamic factor.
Students in primary and secondary schools in rural areas in Tanzania are academically isolated and it is very difficult for them to get very good learning materials and to have quality teachers. Web-based learning, which employs electronic media, can be of very important use. However, web-based learning remains of little significance to rural areas in Tanzania due to lack of affordable electricity. Due to high cost of the solar panels, the use of concentrating systems has been proposed as a way to reduce the cost of solar electricity generation in rural areas in Tanzania. This paper, therefore, systematically draws attention to the importance of generation of solar electricity by using solar concentrators. Specifically, the paper links the generation of solar electricity by solar concentrators to the widespread of web-based learning in rural areas in Tanzania. The paper also examines the roles of web-based learning in stimulating interest and deep understanding of subjects for rural students in Tanzania. The paper also presents a cost breakdown of fabricating a small V-trough concentrator for rural applications. The paper concludes by suggesting how solar concentrators for solar electricity generation can be developed and implemented in Tanzania as well as discussing the practical impacts of solar electricity on various sectors in rural areas.
A site-specific convex pyramidal beam tracing model of ultra-wideband indoor propagation channels is described in detail. The model is fast and accurate, since it does not need to apply nontrivial and costly tests to determine all the existing rays between the transmitter and receiver. Predictions from the model are compared with those from corresponding measurements, performed under line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight conditions. A good agreement is displayed between predicted and measured impulse responses, as well as of some derived parameters (average power, mean delay and delay spread), as they vary with the distance between the transmitter and the receiver.
Engineers are a global commodity, who serve to advance the betterment of mankind. Electromagnetics (EM) engineers especially will play an increasingly crucial role in making solar energy economical, advancing health informatics, and preventing nuclear terror, among other roles in the near future. In this day and age, many disciplines are closely intertwined. Traditionally, electromagnetics has played an important role in the curriculum of electrical and/or electronic (EE) engineering. In this paper, electromagnetics is proposed to be introduced as an appetizer course for CS (computer science) and IT (information technology) undergraduates. Since the majority of these students will not pursue a career specializing in electromagnetics, a different approach should be taken to the designing and conducting of this electromagnetics appetizer course that differs from the traditional EE curriculum, which covers topics such as vectors, statics, transmission lines, and waves. On the contrary, this appetizer course should revolve around topics that are relevant to modern life, such as the received signal strength indicated on the smart phone, to which students can relate. The rest of this paper presents an electromagnetics appetizer course introduced at the Department of Computer Science and Networked System, Sunway University, Malaysia, the curriculum of which was validated by Lancaster University, UK.
Radio propagation in smaller radio cells is significantly affected by the surrounding environments such as the geometry of buildings, terrain, foliage, and others. In this work, focus is given on radio propagation in environment where drains are present - both covered and partially open. Ray tracing method was utilized to examine the differences between the ground-reflected rays from these two scenarios at 900 MHz. Discussions are given to offer an insight into the propagation of radio wave in drains environment.
The accurate and reliable positions of pedestrians are important and useful information. Although global positioning systems (GPSs) in smartphones are currently the most convenient devices to obtain the positions of pedestrians, GPSs still have problems with their accuracy and reliability because of the performance degradation caused by multipath and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation in urban canyons. This study describes an approach to estimate a position by searching around the reference position. Position candidates are prepared and evaluated based on the similarity between the simulated pseudorange from the candidate and the observed pseudorange. Simulated pseudoranges are calculated on the basis of a ray-tracing simulation. The proposed method was verified through field experiments in urban canyons in Tokyo. It successfully estimates the reflection paths and direct paths so that the estimate appears very close to the ground truth even though the GPS result is far away from the ground truth.
Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) transmission improves user's coverage and data throughput particularly on the cell edges. To make full advantage of CoMP, radio planning tools need very accurate models that fully capture the MIMO channels characteristics. This paper presents detailed modeling and analysis of an uplink CoMP system using Ray-Tracing (RT)-based channel modeling. The contribution of this paper is to show how close RT simulations can predict end-to-end system performance compared to the real-world measured performance. Thorough drive test measurements and RT simulations were performed. CoMP and Conventional MIMO systems performances are evaluated and compared for measured and RT-simulated channels. The results of several scenarios show that the RT matches the measurements in terms of rates and geometrical properties. The CoMP gain resulting from the measurements is almost double the gain of RT simulations. The differences come from the hardware and the RT 3D models impairments.
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) suffer from the problems of invisible satellites and multipath effect in urban canyons. Many approaches have been employed to eliminate multipath signals in order to reduce positioning errors. Among these, those that consider the geometry of surrounding buildings to improve the evaluation of possible multipath signals have gained most interest. However, such approaches, although successful, require many satellites for positioning after eliminating multipath signals. This study proposes an approach in which the multipath signals themselves are used for positioning error correction. The proposed algorithm evaluates the pseudoranges of the possible multipath signals by referring to the building geometry. The assumed position is estimated by using the pseudoranges and is evaluated by the likelihood of the possible positioning error. The proposed method was verified through field experiments in urban canyons in Tokyo.
For wireless communication system in urban area, received signal level is important in determining the coverage of the system. This paper presents a model to predict the field strength level on streets inside a campus with steep terrain due to a UTMS base station at 949.2 MHz on rooftop using 3D ray tracing method. Measurements is conducted using isotropic antenna to calibrate the transmit power of antenna in the model. With the simulation model, the field strength around the campus is computed.
Cognitive radio systems adaptively adjust their radio parameters based on the feedback from the electromagnetic environment. Therefore, it is expected that cognitive radio systems will have better performance if they are integrated with accurate site-specific propagation modeling. Our group has long standing expertise in propagation modeling utilizing geo-spatial tools and indoor building models, and has focus on integrating these models as part of the environment awareness engine in cognitive radios. In this paper, we present the preliminary results for a multi-antenna based spectrum sensing algorithm with adaptive thresholds. The results show that, an almost fixed detection rate of 85% can be achieved for a mobile cognitive radio in an urban environment when the thresholds are set based on the path loss information provided by site-specific propagation modeling. On the other hand, the spectrum sensing algorithm with a fixed threshold shows a great variability in the detection performance, going as low as 65% in regions with heavy fading, which leads to harmful interference.
Physics described by partial differential equations is difficult to visualize. Computer solutions of such equations supported with dynamic graphic displays are therefore of high interest to educators and scientists [1]. Translation of partial differential equations into formats understood by computers is beset with complexity and pitfalls. This article explores a direct method for deriving the relevant algorithms from physics itself and illustrates the approach with examples in propagation and diffusion. The resulting algorithms are cast into C-language.
The CoLoS group was founded in 1988 2 and today consists of 10 working groups from universi-ties in seven European countries. CoLoS stands for "Conceptual Learning Of Science" and re-flects our major goal: to use the potential of modern technology to improve knowledge and understanding of basic concepts in science and technology with a special focus on intuitive and qualitative approaches. A general idea behind the CoLoS project was to stimulate the production and use of software for education at university level. Following a bottom-up approach, a group of motivated people from different fields in science and technology were brought together and equipped in such a way that, within a common framework, different software packages could be developed to meet local needs for teaching and research [1] [2]. By intensive use of network communication and semi-annual project meetings, the members have moved towards general solutions and cooperative actions. A set of tools to support the production of computer assisted teaching/learning material and a series of software packages on a variety of topics have been developed and will be evaluated during the near future.
The mathematical tools of natural sciences have faithfully served the research and engineering communities in their pursuit of technological advance. Nevertheless, a review of those tools is warranted in light of the availability of modern computing resources and their capabilities. (Most mathematical tools were developed for the use by humans who prefer to do fewer, more complex operations to doing many simpler ones, and who prefer derivatives to integrals, to name just two cases. The computers exhibit the opposite preferences and casting of the problem for computer evaluation calls for new algorithmic approaches.) The potential theory is one such example, and we will examine it from the computational point of view. Starting from its underlying principles, we will show how a familiar equivalent to the potential theory can be converted from a static into a dynamic mathematical tool suitable for computer evaluation. A similar approach applied to Maxwell's equations opens the door for development of computer algorithms that effectively address complex processes in conductors and semiconductors, radiation from accelerated electrons, and other dynamic phenomena associated with moving electric charges. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 7: 51–86, 1999
This letter contains measured data and empirical models for 5.85-GHz radio propagation path loss in and around residential areas for the newly allocated National Information Infrastructure (NII) band in the U.S. Three homes and two stands of trees were studied for outdoor path loss, tree loss, and house penetration loss in a narrow-band measurement campaign that included 270 local area path loss measurements and over 276000 instantaneous power measurements. The data will aid the development of futuristic outdoor-to-indoor wireless unlicensed NII systems (in the U.S.) and HIPERLAN systems (in Europe) for home Internet access, telecommunications, and wireless local loops.
This article presents a comprehensive description of the mobile
broadband communications R&D efforts carried out under the European
R&D framework programs-RACE II, ACTS, and IST-but with a special
emphasis on the experience gained during the last four years within the
SAMBA project. Constraints and requirements specific to this family of
systems are identified, and possible technical solutions to mitigate the
undesirable effects are outlined. The main features and technology
characteristics of the SAMBA project trial platform are described,
including the air interface and cell coverage characteristics, for a
better understanding of the MBS challenge. The article concludes with a
discussion about how MBS integrates with 3G systems add how it paves the
way for the next-generation networks
This paper contains measured data and empirical models for
5.85-GHz radio propagation path loss in and around residential areas for
the newly allocated U.S. National Information Infrastructure (NII) band.
Three homes and two stands of trees were studied for outdoor path loss,
tree loss, and house penetration loss in a narrow-band measurement
campaign that included 270 local area path loss measurements and over
276000 instantaneous power measurements. Outdoor transmitters at a
height of 5.5 m were placed at distances between 30 and 210 m from the
homes, to simulate typical neighborhood base stations mounted atop
utility poles. All path loss data are presented graphically and coupled
with site-specific information. We develop measurement-based path loss
models for propagation prediction. The measurements and models may aid
the development of futuristic outdoor-to-indoor residential
communication systems for wireless Internet access, wireless cable
distribution, and wireless local loops
Multipath signal propagation has long been viewed as an impairment
to reliable communication in wireless channels. This paper shows that
the presence of multipath greatly improves achievable data rate if the
appropriate communication structure is employed. A compact model is
developed for the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) dispersive
spatially selective wireless communication channel. The multivariate
information capacity is analyzed. For high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
conditions, the MIMO channel can exhibit a capacity slope in bits per
decibel of power increase that is proportional to the minimum of the
number multipath components, the number of input antennas, or the number
of output antennas. This desirable result is contrasted with the lower
capacity slope of the well-studied case with multiple antennas at only
one side of the radio link. A spatio-temporal vector-coding (STVC)
communication structure is suggested as a means for achieving MIMO
channel capacity. The complexity of STVC motivates a more practical
reduced-complexity discrete matrix multitone (DMMT) space-frequency
coding approach. Both of these structures are shown to be asymptotically
optimum. An adaptive-lattice trellis-coding technique is suggested as a
method for coding across the space and frequency dimensions that exist
in the DMMT channel. Experimental examples that support the theoretical
results are presented
A ray tracing technique to predict the propagation channel
parameters in indoor scenarios is presented. It is a deterministic
technique, fully three-dimensional, based on geometrical optics (GO) and
the uniform theory of diffraction (UTD). A model of plane facets is used
for the geometrical description of the environment. The ray tracing is
accelerated considerably by using the angular Z-buffer algorithm. Some
comparisons between predicted results and measurements are presented to
validate the method
There is an explosive growth in the market of wireless
communications services in urban areas. New regulatory environments as
well as competition in the communications industry require that these
systems be deployed quickly and at low cost. Computer-based radio
propagation prediction tools are strong candidates for this goal. We
introduce an outdoor radio propagation prediction tool using a ray
tracing technique in two dimensions (2-D) and three dimensions (3-D). We
have compared the predicted and measured results in various propagation
environments. Comparisons indicate that 2-D is adequate for a low
transmitter while 3-D is recommended for a high transmitter whose height
is comparable with or higher than surrounding buildings. In most
locations, the computer tool predicts the correct propagation loss with
a mean error of less than 7 dB and a standard deviation of less than 8
dB
We consider the design of channel codes for improving the data
rate and/or the reliability of communications over fading channels using
multiple transmit antennas. Data is encoded by a channel code and the
encoded data is split into n streams that are simultaneously transmitted
using n transmit antennas. The received signal at each receive antenna
is a linear superposition of the n transmitted signals perturbed by
noise. We derive performance criteria for designing such codes under the
assumption that the fading is slow and frequency nonselective.
Performance is shown to be determined by matrices constructed from pairs
of distinct code sequences. The minimum rank among these matrices
quantifies the diversity gain, while the minimum determinant of these
matrices quantifies the coding gain. The results are then extended to
fast fading channels. The design criteria are used to design trellis
codes for high data rate wireless communication. The encoding/decoding
complexity of these codes is comparable to trellis codes employed in
practice over Gaussian channels. The codes constructed here provide the
best tradeoff between data rate, diversity advantage, and trellis
complexity. Simulation results are provided for 4 and 8 PSK signal sets
with data rates of 2 and 3 bits/symbol, demonstrating excellent
performance that is within 2-3 dB of the outage capacity for these
channels using only 64 state encoders
This article describes the integration of personal computer (PC) use into the academic program in electromagnetics within electrical engineering at Virginia Tech. The specific approach found to be successful in a curriculum that requires students to have their own PC is presented. The associated principles are general and can be applied to any engineering instructional program.
The use of an electromagnetic analysis of 3-D planar structures is described with respect to the educational requirements of students from the college freshman level through the graduate level. The analysis is intended primarily for microwave use; however, there is also significant potential interest from the student of high speed digital design. The analysis is used for passive planar circuits with any number of layers. The third dimension is represented by vias. A mature graphical user interface is provided allowing rapid capture of structure geometry, color visualization, and animation of the resulting current distributions. The software is also explicitly designed to work in conjunction with popular circuit theory based microwave software and with SPICE.
Development of multimedia modules and courses for engineering education present a significant opportunity to modernize curricula and improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning. In this article we review the various hardware and software components required to develop multimedia lessons and discuss the role of each component in the structure of a multimedia module. Examples of multimedia lessons developed for CD-ROM distribution by the Center for Multimedia Education and Technology (CAEME) at the University of Utah are described. These include multimedia lessons in electromagnetics, the Calculus Castle, and the Physics Museum. It is shown that although extensive resources and expertise are often needed to develop these modules, development software and associated technologies are readily available and educators are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to reform, restructure, and improve engineering education.
The National Science Foundation/Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NSF/IEEE) Center for Computer Applications in Electromagnetic (EM) Education (CAEME) was funded in early 1990 by the National Science Foundation to stimulate and accelerate the use of computers and software tools in EM education. The Center is managed by the Executive Office of IEEE on behalf of the Antennas and Propagation Society. This organizational structure provided avenues for broad participation by universities, professional societies, and corporations in the Center's activities. In two years of operation, CAEME has organized several workshops and special sessions in international meetings, published its first software book, prepared a lesson on “Electromagnetic Waves” using interactive video, and raised over $ 130,000 from university membership, participating societies, and corporate sponsors. This article summarizes CAEME activities, outlines its organizational structure, and briefly describes the contents of its first software book. Future developments are discussed and avenues for participation are outlined.
This article describes the use of the software package TLINE, which includes three programs for the sinusoidal steady-state analysis of transmission lines. The first program provides analysis of the tandem connection of several transmission lines with the possibility of including PI, T, or L lumped-element discontinuity junctions between the transmission lines. The other two programs are related to analysis of impedance matching using single and double stubs. All analysis procedures are graphically displayed on Smith charts. Output files that include numerical values of input impedances, values of time-average powers, and reflection coefficients at various sections of a tandem transmission line system are included. The TLINE software package is used to train students on the use of the Smith chart and also to help in the teaching and demonstration of various transmission line and impedance-matching concepts.
With the availability of a variety of software for multimedia development and CD-ROM mastering and the growing capabilities of the hardware for personal computers, there has been a significant increase in interest in the development and production of multimedia modules for education. In this article we briefly highlight some of the multimedia CD-ROMs developed by the CAEME Center for Multimedia Education and Technology. The tradeoffs involved in these developments are highlighted and procedures for enhancing students interactivity in using and learning from these lesson are described. More recent research and development efforts by CAEME to use virtual reality technology in education are also discussed. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
This article describes an instructional module which combines video content from a compact disc with networked access to a decaffeination process simulator residing on a server. The implementation relies on Java technology to implement a combination of features including video playback, numerical computation, networking, graphical data entry, and results presentation. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 7: 87–98, 1999
The potential impact of free electromagnetic analysis software on high frequency design education is described. Typical topics that can be effectively taught and illustrated using this software are outlined. Important among these topics are techniques for effectively casting large and difficult problems into simpler forms that can be analyzed using existing resources, a skill that is important regardless of the actual resources available. Both graduate and undergraduate topics are described. Undergraduate topics emphasize establishing an early interest and excitement so that high frequency design can compete effectively with computers and digital design in gaining a student's enthusiastic attention. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 8: 51–60, 2000
Multimedia technology provides a valuable resource to enhance the teaching and learning experience. The ability to combine practical applications, visualization of complex mathematical and abstract subjects, virtual labs, and guided use of simulation software is among the advantages of technology-based education. In this article we describe the main features of several multimedia tutorials for electromagnetics education developed by the Computer Applications in Engineering Education Center at the University of Utah. The electromagnetics CD-ROM includes lessons on vectors and coordinate systems, electrostatics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, dielectric materials, and transmission lines. Several virtual labs were developed and software packages on electrostatic, transient and steady-state analysis of transmission lines, and two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation code are included. Tutorials can be used both as standalone tutors and as demonstrations to complement classroom lectures. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 5: 257–267, 1997
A series of computer simulations of industrial chemical engineering processes designed to be used as senior chemical engineering laboratory experiments are being developed. Four modules have been completed. Three additional modules are currently being developed including the Procter and Gamble Coffee Decaffeination Process described here. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The potential impact of free electromagnetic analysis software on high frequency design education is described. Typical topics that can be effectively taught and illustrated using this software are outlined. Important among these topics are techniques for effectively casting large and difficult problems into simpler forms that can be analyzed using existing resources, a skill that is important regardless of the actual resources available. Both graduate and undergraduate topics are described. Undergraduate topics emphasize establishing an early interest and excitement so that high frequency design can compete effectively with computers and digital design in gaining a student's enthusiastic attention. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 8: 51–60, 2000
The growing capabilities of computers and multimedia technology provide an exciting opportunity for boosting technology-based education in schools, universities, and corporate training. Multimedia modules provide the advantage of visualization of highly mathematical subjects and abstract concepts, intuitive learning and conceptual understanding, and the ability to participate in “what-if” scenarios. Graphics, animation, video clips, virtual labs, and guided use of simulation software introduce students to a challenging new world with all the advantages of learn-by-doing possibilities. The CAEME Center at the University of Utah was established to focus on the development of highly interactive multimedia lessons in science and engineering education. This article provides an overview of the Center's products and describes a new multimedia lesson on antenna theory and design. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 8: 11–17, 2000
The author describes the courseware for computers in
electromagnetics at the College of Engineering of Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University. The College of Engineering at Virginia
Tech developed software packages to support instruction in six areas of
engineering. The thrust of the project was to develop animated graphics
to illustrate difficult concepts in time-varying electromagnetic fields.
Electromagnetic waves was chosen because of the difficult space-time
concepts involved. Motional graphics are used to illustrate the
mathematical and physical developments presented in the textbook and in
the classroom. Subsequent to the internal development program CAEME
funded a continuation of the effort. The code was rewritten to increase
its ease of use and reduce module load times to a few seconds
With the growing availability of software for multimedia development and CD-ROM mastering as well as the ever-increasing capabilities of personal computers, there has been significant increase in interest in the development and production of multimedia modules for education. The paper highlights some of the multimedia CD-ROMs developed by the CAEME Center for Multimedia Education and Technology. The trade-offs involved in development and some procedures for enhancing students interactivity are described. More recent research and development efforts by CAEME to use virtual reality technology in education are discussed
An understanding of scientific principles generates many other benefits besides being a recruiting tool. Comprehension of fundamentals is the key to creativity. It is highly unlikely that an individual without a command of basic principles will be the author of scientific breakthroughs. It is also difficult to diagnose a problem if one does not understand the principle of operation of the object under analysis. The problem solving ability is highly dependent on a proper diagnosis and consequently on understanding. Finally, the understanding of principles is a perfect starting point for development of the relevant mathematical model which ultimately is the daily tool of the scientist and the engineer. The computer can evaluate numerically these models and present the results in the form of tables
First Page of the Article
Proposes restructuring courses into primary concept modules and
interlinking these modules to reflect the logical development of
knowledge in the domain of the discipline being studied. The two steps
in this process, the segmentation of the knowledge domain into
interlinked modules and the development of each of such modules, are
based on the basic idea of concept mapping. In very simple terms,
concept mapping consists of sequential and rational development of
involved and complex-looking concepts from simpler concepts developed
earlier. This article outlines the basic idea of concept mapping,
discusses the structure of a concept-module and its relationship to
other concept modules, provides some examples of concept modules for RF
and microwave circuit design, and highlights advantages of this approach
Designing a low-power system for wireless communication within a
building might seem simple. Not so-walls can affect signal strength in
ways that are hard to calculate. The paper considers how AT&T's WISE
software uses CAD, computational geometry, and optimization to quickly
plan where to place base-station transceivers
Ray-tracing techniques have proven to be very useful for the
analysis and design of wireless systems both in urban microcells and in
indoor picocells. At present, the optimization of these techniques
enables not only the signal mean level but also the local statistics to
be estimated accurately, which is of great practical importance. A wide
range of comparisons between measurements and simulations confirming
this have been carried out by the authors, and some examples are
presented. The most interesting contribution of this paper is that
starting from the signal information at one single point, obtained using
ray-tracing techniques, it is possible to estimate the signal statistics
in a local area of that point. This possibility substantially reduces
the local statistics calculation time, confirming the idea that an
efficient site specific channel model might be feasible. Finally, it is
also shown that ray-tracing techniques are able to accurately estimate
the first- and second-order statistics in those environments where the
Clarke (1968) or isotropic scattering model is not applicable
Most previously proposed statistical models for the indoor
multipath channel include only time of arrival characteristics. However,
in order to use statistical models in simulating or analyzing the
performance of systems employing spatial diversity combining,
information about angle of arrival statistics is also required. Ideally,
it would be desirable to characterize the full spare-time nature of the
channel. In this paper, a system is described that was used to collect
simultaneous time and angle of arrival data at 7 GHz. Data processing
methods are outlined, and results obtained from data taken in two
different buildings are presented. Based on the results, a model is
proposed that employs the clustered “double Poisson”
time-of-arrival model proposed by Saleh and Valenzuela (1987). The
observed angular distribution is also clustered with uniformly
distributed clusters and arrivals within clusters that have a Laplacian
distribution
Due to the site specific nature of microcellular operational
environments, propagation models are required to take into account the
exact position, orientation and electrical properties of individual
buildings, and hence, ray-tracing techniques have emerged as the
dominant methods to predict propagation in such environments. A novel
hybrid three-dimensional (3-D) ray-tracing algorithm which can evaluate
scenarios incorporating many thousands of objects by utilising the
concept of “illumination zones,” is presented. In order to
evaluate the accuracy of the presented model, comparisons of narrow-band
and wide-band predictions with measurements are performed for a variety
of scenarios. First, power comparisons show that very accurate
predictions can be achieved (RMS errors less than 3.7 dB). Then,
wide-band analysis shows that since the RMS delay spread for systems
with finite bandwidth is a function of the multipath phase, only average
measured and predicted RMS delay spread values can be compared and as a
result, limited averaging can produce large RMS errors. With sufficient
averaging the achieved wide-band accuracy in terms of the predicted RMS
delay spread, is adequate for most planning purposes
Understanding scientific principles generates many benefits.
Comprehension is the key to creativity. It is highly unlikely that an
individual without the command of basic principles will be the author of
scientific breakthroughs. Understanding the conditions in which
mathematical tools of science have been developed is the key to
efficient research. The scientist or the engineer who lacks such
understanding often ends up in dead end pursuits. Understanding the
principles of operating machinery or apparatuses is the key to
diagnosing their malfunctions. An individual who cannot come up with the
correct diagnosis cannot be an efficient problem solver. Finally, the
understanding of scientific principles by the general population is the
best defense against fear of the unknown. This fear often stands in the
way of technological progress and our improved well being as well. Armed
with this insight, and pondering the questions that are seldom asked and
even less often answered in science classes, the project CoLoS
(Conceptual Learning of Science) was developed
A new method is presented for the computation of local mean power
from individual multipath signals predicted by two-dimensional
ray-tracing-based propagation models. This method is based on an
expression for the spatial average of the received power, which takes
into account the spatial correlation between signals. Numerical results
for some simple test configurations show that application of the common
method of simply adding the ray powers can result in considerable
errors, while the new method remains accurate-at the cost of slightly
increased computational complexity
The use of microcell to increase the capacity of cellular mobile
communication, especially in the dense urban areas, is an attractive
possibility. A number of experimental and theoretical studies have been
undertaken regarding propagation in the urban microcellular system. A
microcell prediction model based on building thickness is developed to
predict the statistical properties of the cell site. The model is
validated based on several drive tests performed in different
countries/cities with different transmitter heights, frequencies,
cell-site parameters, and mobile environments. The first finding is that
this empirical-based microcell model performed well in all these areas
with a combination of various parameters. Second, the terrain does have
a major impact on microcell prediction. This paper addresses the
sufficient requirement of having only a two-dimensional (2-D) microcell
prediction model. The impact of terrain contour on the microcell
prediction is not included
For short-propagation paths, correctly representing reflections of
electromagnetic energy from surfaces is critical for accurate
signal-level predictions. In this paper, the method of homogenization is
used to determine the effective material properties of composite
materials commonly used in construction. The reflection coefficients for
block walls and other types of materials calculated with these
homogenized effective material properties are presented. The importance
of accurately representing the reflections for signal-level prediction
models is also investigated. It is shown that a 5-10-dB error in
received signal strength (RSS) can occur if the composite walls are not
handled appropriately. Such accurate predictions of signal propagation
over a short distance is applicable to microcellular personal
communications services deployments in urban canyons as well as indoor
wireless private branch exchanges and local-area networks
The growing use of unlicensed wireless systems has spurred
interest in the 2.4-GHz ISM band. In order to facilitate the design of
such systems, measurements of the pulse response characteristics have
been made inside commercial buildings. From the measured pulse response,
the statistical properties of the amplitude variation for individual
pulses was determined, in addition to the path loss, mean excess delay,
root mean square (RMS) delay spread, and the coherence bandwidth of the
indoor channel
The activities of the NSF/IEEE Center for Computer Applications in
Electromagnetic Education (CAEME) are reviewed. This Center was
established to stimulate and accelerate the use of computers and
software tools in electromagnetic (EM) education. The extensive software
package developed and distributed by the CAEME Center is described, and
examples of the software are presented. To help integrate available EM
software into classroom teaching and corporate training, CAEME developed
four multimedia lessons for instruction. These interactive media lessons
integrate and allow individuals to interactively manipulate information
from multimedia sources such as video, software, and animated graphics
and also include instructional aids such as quizzes and tutorials to
help evaluate the students' performance. Features of these lessons are
presented, and future developments in the Center's activities are
discussed
We present a very efficient algorithm which calculates
deterministically the path losses, delay profiles and other
characteristics of a mobile channel. The algorithm can be used both for
indoor and outdoor environments. We apply the technique of tracing rays
and compute reflections, transmissions and diffractions with the help of
geometrical optics, heuristical approximations and the uniform theory of
diffraction (UTD)
The proliferation of communication systems used in and around
man-made structures has resulted in a growing need to determine the
reflection and transmission properties of various commonly used building
materials at radio frequencies typically used in businesses and
residential environments. This paper describes the calculation of
reflection and transmission coefficients for reinforced concrete walls
as a function of wall thicknesses and rebar lattice configuration over a
frequency range of 100-6000 MHz. The transmission and reflection
coefficients were calculated using a finite-difference time-domain
(FDTD) solution of Maxwell's equations. The rebar structures analyzed
include both a two-dimensional (2-D) trellis-like structure and a
one-dimensional (1-D) structure, where the reenforcing bars are all
oriented in the same direction. In general, the results show that the
reinforced concrete structures severely attenuate signals with
wavelengths that are much larger than the rebar lattice and that the
transmitted signal has a complex structure with resonances and nulls
that strongly depend upon the geometry of the reinforcing structure and
the concrete wall thickness
The results of a wide-hand indoor measurement campaign are
compared with the corresponding simulation results provided by a 3-D
ray-tracing field prediction model. A novel comparison criterion based
on the “scale level” concept is presented and used in the
present work. On the basis of the cited criterion, the validity domain
of the ray-tracing tool, the degree of accuracy of the prediction as a
function of the scale level, and future necessary improvement of the
model have been identified and discussed. The comparisons refer to a
variety of propagation parameters such as path loss, delay spread,
coherence bandwidth, etc. The influence of environment description (with
or without furniture) is also analyzed. The paper shows that the 3-D ray
tracing model can be a useful tool for the analysis of indoor
propagation and for the design and the implementation of indoor
wide-band applications
A theoretical model is proposed to compute the path loss in a
vegetated residential environment, with particular application to mobile
radio systems. As in the past, rows of houses or blocks of buildings are
viewed as diffracting cylinders lying on the Earth and the canopy of the
trees is located adjacent to and above the houses/buildings. In this
approach, a row of houses or buildings is represented by an absorbing
screen and the adjacent canopy of trees by a partially absorbing phase
screen. The phase-screen properties are found by finding the mean field
in the canopy of the tree. Physical optics (PO) is then used to evaluate
the diffracting field at the receiver level by using a multiple
Kirchhoff-Huygens integration for each absorbing/phase half-screen
combination
A vertical-plane-launch (VPL) technique for approximating a full
three dimensional (3-D) site-specific ray trace to predict propagation
effects in cities for frequencies in the 300 MHz-3-GHz band is described
and its predictions are compared with measurements for Rosslyn, VA. The
VPL technique employs the standard shoot and bounce method in the
horizontal plane while using a deterministic approach to find the
vertical displacement of the unfolded ray paths. This approximation is
valid since building walls are almost always vertical. The VPL method
shows significant improvement compared with the
slant-plane/vertical-plane (SP/VP) method for rooftop antennas. For a
base station located at street level, the VPL method gives better
predictions than the two-dimensional (2-D) method in locations where
propagation over buildings is significant
A periodic surface integral formulation is proposed to analyze the
reflection and transmission properties of a lossy periodic composite
structure which has circular conducting fibers embedded in a dielectric
matrix. This formulation is based on the equivalence principle which
represents the unknown electric and magnetic currents over the material
discontinuity interfaces, and uses the structure periodicity and Poisson
summation formula to reduce the problem to a periodic cell. These
surface integral equations are then solved numerically, using the method
of moments with pulse bases and point matching. Only the transverse
magnetic (TM) case is analyzed and the numerical results such as
reflected, transmitted, and dissipated powers for a single-layer
fiber-reinforced composite structure are presented, in detail, to
discuss the effects of frequency, incident angle, fiber radius, fiber
conductivity, embedding dielectric, etc. A convergence study and a
comparison with the previous published results are also included to
confirm the accuracy of the new formulation
A newly developed pair of undergraduate courses in applied
electromagnetics (EM) has succeeded in transforming student attitudes
towards EM from dread and avoidance to acceptance and appreciation. One
concrete measure of this change is in the enrolment figures in follow-up
courses in microwave circuits and microwave propagation-within one year,
the enrolments have doubled in one of them and just about tripled in the
other one. The new EM courses incorporate an integrative approach
towards teaching EM phenomena; this includes a new text, a large number
of class demonstrations, and a laboratory component consisting of nine
laboratory exercises and a final team project. This paper focuses on
design and content of the instructional laboratory and learning
contribution it provides
The roots of the future are in the past. This paper remembers the
main events of the history of radio, events in which Guglielmo Marconi
gave his fundamental contribution to the development of the new system
of communication. This paper covers the period from the first
transmission at Villa Griffone, near Bologna (Italy), in 1895, to the
transmission across the Atlantic Ocean from Poldhu (Cornwall) to St.
John's (Newfoundland) in 1901
The Mind Map Book, A Plume Book
- T Buzan
- B Buzan
T. Buzan and B. Buzan, The Mind Map Book, A Plume Book. London,
U.K.: BBC Books, 1993, p. 143.
Conceptual Learning of Engi-neering (CoLoE)
- R W Grow
- M F Iskander
R. W. Grow and M. F. Iskander, " Conceptual Learning of Engi-neering (CoLoE), " Educ. Human Resources Directorate, NSF, Grant DUE-9 910 588, 1999.
Multi-media virtual laboratory modules based on USF's WAMI laboratory
- L Dunleavy
L. Dunleavy, "Multi-media virtual laboratory modules based on USF's
WAMI laboratory," presented at the IEEE MTT-S Int. Microwave Symp.
Workshop, Phoenix, AZ, May 20-25, 2001.
Web-based education: Positioning the IEEE
- P Wiesner
P. Wiesner, "Web-based education: Positioning the IEEE," presented at
the IEEE MTT-S Int. Microwave Symp. Workshop, Phoenix, AZ, May
20-25, 2001.