Building hardware-based low-cost experimental DSP learning modules Conference

Uluagac, A, Williams, D. (2008). Building hardware-based low-cost experimental DSP learning modules . ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings

cited authors

  • Uluagac, A; Williams, D

abstract

  • Students often face difficulties in grasping and understanding fundamental digital signal processing (DSP) concepts in the classroom environment. Most DSP courses do not have labs associated with them, and the ones that do typically depend on the usage of text-based programming languages (e.g., MATLAB) that do not allow real-time external hardware interaction. Although the availability of external DSP platforms (e.g. National Instruments Speedy-33, Texas Instruments DSP Student Kits, etc.) for educational purposes has increased because of recent advances in embedded processors and sensor technology, they are rarely used in early DSP courses because of the programming sophistication needed for real-time processing. In this paper we discuss the development of low-cost experimental DSP learning modules for classes that do not usually have a lab component. These modules use National Instruments' Lab VIEW for their programming and development platform with the Speedy-33 DSP board and LEGO Mindstorms NXT Brick as the hardware platforms. Many of the modules can also be run completely on the host computer's sound card. Modules have been developed for examining different aspects of topics such as sampling, aliasing, and filtering, while working with data that has been captured and processed in real-time. Students are able to interact with the hardware and data through GUIs, thus obviating the need to first develop real-time programming skills. This paper will describe these modules and how they are designed to be used both in lectures and as part of homework assignments. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2008.

authors

publication date

  • January 1, 2008

published in