294
4, NOVEMBER 1997
Three-Dimensional Model for Analog Circuit Instruction
Alfredo del Rı́o, Member, IEEE, and Marı́a Dolores Valdés
Abstract—Conventional instruction on analog circuits has been based
essentially on quantitative analytical methods. These methods are spe-
cially suited for analysis purposes; however, the process itself often
obscures the desired intuitive understanding of the major aspects of the
behavior of devices and circuits. Moreover, the graphs commonly utilized
to depict the results of the analyses are not always suitable for a clear
reading. This is particularly true for first-year B.Sc. undergraduates. The
present work suggests a visual instruction method, based on an animated
three-dimensional display of circuit operation, called 3D-Schema. While a
conventional schematic diagram is two-dimensional in nature, 3D-Schema
adds a third dimension, using perspective, to provide an apparent display
of circuit node voltages.
Index Terms—Analysis, animation, education, simulation.
Manuscript received April 29, 1997; revised July 28, 1997.
The authors are with Departamento de Tecnologı́a Electrónica, Universidad
de Vigo, Apartado de Correos Oficial, 36200 Vigo, Spain.
Alfredo del Rı́o (M’94) received the M.S. degree in telecommunication
engineering in 1980 from the “Universidad Politécnica de Madrid,” Madrid,
Spain, and the Ph.D. degree in Telecommunication Engineering in 1992 from
the “Universidad de Vigo,” Vigo, Spain.
From 1983 to 1987, he was Professor of Electronics at the college
level. Since 1988, he has been working as a Professor in the Electronics
Technology Department at the “Universidad de Vigo,” Spain. Currently he
teaches microcontrollers and analog electronics and his research interest is in
the area of computer-aided instruction (CAI).
Dr. del Rı́o is member of the IEEE Education Society.
Marı́a Dolores Valdés received the M.S. degree in telecommunication engi-
neering in 1990 from the “Universidad de Santa Clara.”
Currently she is working towards the Ph.D. degree at the Electronics
Technology Department of the “Universidad de Vigo,” Spain, where she is a
member of the research team. Her current research interest is in the area of
field-programmable gate arrays and programmable logic devices, comprising
the development of new architectures oriented to coprocessing functions.
Methodologies and Tools for Learning Digital Electronics
Giorgio Da Bormida, Student Member, IEEE,
Domenico Ponta, and Giuliano Donzellini
Abstract—This paper presents methodologies and tools characterizing
a computer-based learning environment developed by the authors for
an introductory course in digital electronics. Different methodologies
support all phases of the formative process. Special emphasis is put on a
progressive use of simulation techniques to stimulate learner activity and
overcome some difficulties inherent to the subject.
The learning tools implement four instructional methodologies: ex-
positive, demonstrative, interactive, and practical. The first relates to the
presentation of theory, concepts, and other information and it is based
on multimedia hypertext enriched with animation. In the second, scripts
underlying the schematics and algorithms just introduced demonstrate
their behavior. In the third, the learner interacts with properly designed
tools to practice and test her/his level of proficiency. Network and algo-
rithm design and analysis are the targets of the last methodology, based
on the use of custom-built general-purpose simulators. The learning tools
are interconnected by a hypertext shell, which provides a homogeneous
appearance and pedagogical continuity.
To gain a better operational understanding of the issues described, a
set of working examples of the tools, linked directly to the text introducing
them, is provided as an essential part of the paper.
Index Terms— Animation, courseware, digital electronics, learning
tools, simulation.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON EDUCATION, VOL. 40, NO.
Manuscript received May 14, 1997; revised July 28, 1997.
The authors are with ESNG-DIBE, University of Genoa, I-16145 Genoa,
Italy.
Giorgio Da Bormida (S’96) is a student in the last year of electronics
engineering.
In 1995, he joined the Electronic Systems and Networking Group (ESNG),
a research group of University of Genoa, developing educational software
for digital electronics. He participates in the European project ARIADNE
(ET 1002), carrying out his research activity on “educational networked
multimedia systems.” Since 1995, with the support of three Hewlett-Packard
scholarships, he has been working in the HP Distance Learning Initiative
(DLI). He is the author (or coauthor) of 20 papers in international journals
and conference proceedings.
Mr. Da Bormida is a student member of AACE, the Internet Society, and
the IEEE Education Society.
Domenico Ponta has been an Associate Professor of Electronics at the
University of Genoa, Italy, since 1987. After completing his degree in
electronic engineering, he was a visiting scholar at the Center for Integrated
Systems, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, and worked as a Research
Engineer and Engineering Section Manager at TSI, Mountain View, CA. His
professional competence includes: measurements on semiconductors, analog
and digital circuit design, electrooptical systems, and electronics aids for
visually impaired people. In the last few years, he has targeted his activities
to the development of computer-based tools for learning electronics. Since
1990, he has taught the course “Digital Systems Electronics.” He is the
author or coauthor of about 80 papers in international journals and conference
proceedings.
Giuliano Donzellini received the Laurea degree in electronic engineering in
1980 from the University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Initially, he joined Marconi Italiana where he worked on digital telephone
systems. He is now Assistant Professor at the Department of Electronics
of the University of Genoa. He has worked on automatic measurement,
image analysis, and process control systems. Currently, he is interested in
computer-based learning in electronics, object-oriented hardware architectures
for industrial control systems, and informatized speleological topographic
surveying systems. He is currently teaching the course Digital Systems
Electronics 1.
A Unique Desktop Electrical Machinery
Laboratory for the Mechatronics Age
Tatsuya Kikuchi, Member, IEEE, and Takashi Kenjo, Member, IEEE
Abstract— This paper describes an electrical machinery laboratory,
named MECHATRO LAB 2PLUS, designed to cope with modern realities
in which engineering graduates encounter various kinds of servomotors
and actuators much more frequently than conventional power electric
machines. The setup can demonstrate the principles of some 20 different
kinds of electric machines ranging from conventional rotary machines to
modern control-use motors such as stepping motors, brushless motors,
and switched-reluctance drives. The experimental themes number more
than 100, including elementary subjects, microprocessor-controlled power
electronic drives, and control/drive programming using various computer
languages. Unlike conventional motor-generator workshop equipment, a
remarkable feature of our desktop bench is that it does not occupy much
space on a permanent basis. Along with the background of its design
history, which covers more than 20 years, the uniqueness and advantages
of the new experimental setup are presented in detail, citing some sample
experiments and reactions of Japanese students and overseas instructors.
Index Terms—Electrical machinery, experimental bench, mechatronics,
motion control, power electronics.
Manuscript received May 1, 1997; revised July 29, 1997.
T. Kikuchi is with the Department of Electrical Engineering, Kanto Poly-
technic Center, 78, Minamikibougaoka, Asahi, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241
Japan.