Learning achievemen ts using a pbl - based methodology in an introductory electronic course

Teaching electronics in an introductory course is classically implemented by means of theoretical classes to settle the basics of analog and digital electronics. This approach has shown not to be much attractive, especially on a global course targeted for many different students, not specifically interested in electronics. A new course has been developed, based on a top-down learning strategy and the implementation of a pbl-based experience. This course has been held since 2011, with very good results, in terms of academic achievement and interest shown by the students. Results are presented,showing the success obtained with this methodology

Diseño y utilización de teaching boosterpacks en sistemas electrónicos digitales

El uso combinado de herramientas docentes que combinen la enseñanza teórica y práctica se ha mostrado, en general, superior a otras metodologías docentes de tipo eminentemente teórico o práctico. Un ejemplo especialmente interesante de esta superioridad como metodología docente es la enseñanza de sistemas electrónicos digitales y, en concreto, el aprendizaje sobre el manejo y uso de los microprocesadores. En este trabajo se desarrolla una metodología docente para el aprendizaje de microcontroladores que combina y alterna clases teóricas y prácticas. Para ello, se han elaborado un conjunto de sistemas hardware, complementados con aplicaciones software que se presentan asimismo en el artículo y que permiten la implementación en el aula de la metodología docente diseñad

Problem based learning case in a control undergraduate subject

Brescia, 4-6 Nov., 2015Student motivation is a relevant subject in many engineering areas including control and related subjects such as instrumentation. The classic approach to teaching has revealed itself a major obstacle for today’s students characterized by a being users of advanced technology in their daily life. Theoretical classes and even old laboratory experiments are of no appeal to them. In this paper a case study of the application of Problem Based Learning ideas is presented. The students are faced with a design problem in which they build a temperature control from basics components. The experience took place at the Engineering College of the University of Seville. The results shown are drawn from a three-year study and are compared with other undergraduate subjects

Performance Analysis of Direct Torque Controllers in Five-Phase Electrical Drives

The industrial application of electric machines has grown in the last decades, thanks to the development of microprocessors and power converters, which have permitted their use as variable-speed drives. Although three-phase machines are the common trend, the interest of the research community has recently focused on machines with more than three phases, known as multiphase machines. The principal reason lies in the exploitation of their advantages in terms of reliability, i.e., post-fault operating capability. Additionally, multiphase machines provide a better current distribution among phases, and lower current harmonic production in the power converter, than conventional three-phase machines. However, multiphase drive applications require the development of complex controllers to regulate the torque (or speed) and flux of the machine. In this regard, direct torque controllers have appeared as a viable alternative due to their easy formulation and high flexibility to incorporate control objectives. However, these controllers face some peculiarities and limitations in their use that require attention. This work aims to tackle direct torque control as a viable alternative for the regulation of multiphase drives. Special attention will be paid to the development of the control technique and the expected benefits and limitations in the obtained results. Case examples based on symmetrical five-phase induction machines with distributed windings in the motoring mode of operation will be used to this end

A PBL Experience in an Electronic Engineering Introductory Course

The adaptation of the traditional Engineering degrees to the European Higher Education Area creates many challenges in the implementation of recent educational paradigms. This is the case of the Engineering Degree in Industrial Technologies at the University of Seville, Spain, which has been teaching since 1964, and has been adapted to be started in the 2010/2011 academic year. This new degree includes a second year one-semester introductory course in electronic engineering, which has been taught for the first time in the 2011/2012 academic year with 400 enrolled students. Most of these students will not continue studying electronic technology, and an important effort has been done to improve the student’s progress, attitude and perception of the course. This paper presents the new course teaching approach, where an up-bottom methodology has been designed and a PBL teaching/learning experience has been included. The obtained results and students’ feedback are also detailed

Análisis de una experiencia PBL en una asignatura troncal de Electrónica general

La iniciación en la enseñanza relacionada con las tecnologías electrónicas en las diferentes titulaciones de ingeniería se ha venido realizando de manera habitual mediante la impartición de clases teóricas que plantean los conceptos básicos asociados a la electrónica analógica y digital. Este planteamiento se ha demostrado poco motivante para los alumnos, fundamentalmente porque no acerca los sistemas electrónicos reales a la clase. Para conseguir este acercamiento se rediseñó una asignatura troncal de electrónica general y 2º curso en el grado de Ingeniería en Tecnologías Industriales impartido en la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de la Universidad de Sevilla. La metodología docente planteada reduce el contenido de las clases teóricas del curso, aumentando la coordinación entre la parte teórica y práctica de la asignatura mediante la inclusión en el temario de una metodología docente de aprendizaje basada en problema (PBL). La asignatura se impartió por primera vez durante el curso 2011-2012. En este artículo se describen la experiencia y los resultados obtenidos durante los primeros cursos de impartición de la nueva metodología docente

Analysis of the core team role in open source communities

Open source software represents a new paradigm of software development based on a subjacent community. It is widely accepted in the literature the layered structure of open source communities, being the core group the most active contributors usually located at the center of the community. The tasks of this group include not only an intense activity in terms of contributions but also to promote participation among the rest of the community members. In this paper, the general role of this group is analyzed by modeling communities as Social Networks and applying Social Network Analysis techniques. Findings related their brokerage activity with open source software succes

Predictive middle point modulation: a new modulation method for parallel active filters

When designing an Active filter, using a current-controlled voltage source inverter, there are two main tasks : to generate an appropiate reference, for nulling harmonic current and reactive power, ant, on the other side, to generate a switching pattern that permits to follow the reference as close as it can be done. Predictive Middle Point Modulation (PMPM) is a novel modulation technique, specially suited for Active Filters. This method is derived from predictive Dead-Beat controller, improving its dynamic response and current error. Simulation results confirm the validity of the proposed method. Experimental results will be provided in the final paper

Análisis comparativo de distintas plataformas para la enseñanza de sistemas electrónicos digitales

A la hora de enfocar la docencia de Sistemas Electrónicos Digitales, ha ido ganando sitio el uso de microcontroladores de bajo coste, entre otros factores gracias a su facilidad de uso y rapidez en obtener resultados de interés para los alumnos. Hay en el mercado numerosas plataformas de desarrollo rápido de sistemas basados en microcontrolador, lo que hace una tarea importante la búsqueda de la mejor opción. En esta comunicación se presentan tres de las más populares y se ofrecen datos comparativos para la selección de la plataforma adecuada

DSP and FPGA based system to control a wind turbine generator implementing a variable speed vectorial control method

The purpose of this paper is to describe a DSP and FPGA control system to implement a variable speed vectorial control. Two semi-systems, both of them consisting on a DSP, a FPGA and A/D, D/A & digital I/O’s are used. Each one will control an inverter: The first inverter implements a variable speed vector control of the induction generator and the second one handle the power injected into the utility grid. Experimental results will be shown to confirm the validity of the proposed controller